SAT English Practice Question

The novel, which was written in the late nineteenth century, is a coming-of-age story that explores the relationship between a young man and his family. The man struggles to find his place in the world as he navigates the challenges of growing up. What is the most likely reason why the writer uses a semicolon in this sentence?

1. A.separate two independent clauses.
2. B.set off a nonessential phrase.
3. C.indicate a pause or a break in thought.
4. D.introduce a list of items.