Question

review the passage. the personification is shown in bold.
little waterfalls splashed on the stones. five - fingered ferns hung over the water and dropped spray from their fingertips. pepe rode half over his saddle, dangling one leg loosely. he picked a bay leaf from a tree beside the way and put it into his mouth for a moment to flavor the dry jerky.
from john steinbeck, the long valley. copyright 1938 by john steinbeck
what is the effect of the personification on the passages meaning or tone?
it creates a mysterious atmosphere.
it creates a peaceful atmosphere.
it creates a lonely atmosphere.

Explanation:

The personification of ferns as having "five-fingered" forms that "dropped spray from their fingertips" frames the natural scene with gentle, soft imagery. This, paired with the calm actions of Pepe, builds a quiet, tranquil tone rather than a mysterious or lonely one.

Answer:

It creates a peaceful atmosphere.