Why did Tarbell refer to standard oil as an octopus?

Ida Tarbell referred to Standard Oil as an "octopus" to illustrate the company's vast and intricate control over the oil industry and its monopolistic practices. The imagery of an octopus, with its many tentacles, symbolized how Standard Oil extended its influence into various markets, stifling competition and manipulating prices. This metaphor effectively conveyed the idea of a powerful entity that was both pervasive and threatening to fair business practices and the economy. Tarbell's portrayal highlighted the need for regulation and accountability in the face of such corporate dominance.