In "Through the Looking-Glass," the chess game serves as a significant metaphor for Alice's journey and development, especially regarding her growth from a child into a queen. The structure of the story mimics a chess game, with Alice moving across the board and interacting with various characters who represent different pieces.
As she navigates through the game, she encounters challenges and learns important lessons, ultimately leading her to reach the status of a queen. This symbolizes her transition into maturity and acquiring confidence. While the other options mention interesting aspects of the narrative—such as meeting the White Knight and the themes of leaving home—the central symbolism of the chess game is indeed focused on Alice's growth and transformative journey.
Therefore, the best answer is: It represents a child’s growth into adulthood.