What do you think the coast represents (phisically and literally)? & why?

I think it represented hope. The world has been plunged into such a Hell that at least the Ocean represents an "elsewhere". Physically it invites winds that may not be so poisoned and is a natural way to somewhere else, somewhere better. I think from an emotional point of view it is a direction to go to. It is a change in scenery that has to mean something. Their arduous journey had to be pointing somewhere they could say was different and symbolic of change.

thank you so much :)