Question

the little waves, with their soft, white hands,
efface the footprints in the sand

the poet includes this figurative language most likely to-

identify the person responsible for the dissapearance of the footprints

explain why the traveler should not have been in such a hurry

emphasize that life is fleeting

suggest that the ocean is cruel and unfeeling

Explanation:

• The first option is incorrect as the waves (personified) aren't identifying a person.
• The second option is irrelevant as the text doesn't relate to a traveler's hurry.
• The third option: Footprints (a symbol of moments/life) being erased by waves shows how temporary things are, emphasizing life’s fleeting nature.
• The fourth option is wrong; the waves are described with "soft, white hands," implying gentleness, not cruelty.

Answer:

emphasize that life is fleeting