What is the purpose of the passage?

The purpose of the passage is to examine the role of luck in achieving success. It likely discusses how certain opportunities, chance encounters, or unexpected events can significantly influence an individual's path, sometimes overshadowing or complementing hard work or talent. This perspective suggests that while dedication and effort are important, external circumstances often play a critical role in determining outcomes.

In contrast, the other options focus on themes such as celebration of pioneering achievements, the value of hard work, or an analysis of a specific profession like marine engineering. While these themes can be relevant to discussions about success, they do not align with the core focus on luck as the driving force. Thus, the emphasis on the role of luck in the context of success makes option C the most fitting choice regarding the passage's purpose.