Question

the following text is from srimati svarna kumari devis 1894 novel the fatal garland (translated by a. christina albers in 1910). shakti is walking near a riverbank that she visited frequently during her childhood. she crossed the woods she knew so well. the trees seemed to extend their branches like welcoming arms. they greeted her as an old friend. soon she reached the river - side. which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole? choose 1 answer: a it suggests that shakti feels uncomfortable near the river. b it indicates that shakti has lost her sense of direction in the woods. c it emphasizes shaktis sense of belonging in the landscape. d it conveys shaktis appreciation for her long - term friendships.

Explanation:

The text describes Shakti walking through woods she knew well, with trees greeting her like an old friend. The underlined portion "The trees seemed to extend their branches like welcoming arms" uses personification. This figurative language emphasizes a sense of familiarity and belonging.

• Option A: There's no indication of discomfort. The text says she knew the woods well and was greeted, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: The text doesn't suggest she lost her sense of direction. She reached the river - side, so this is wrong.
• Option C: The description of the trees as welcoming (branches like arms) and her being greeted as an old friend emphasizes a sense of belonging in this landscape (the woods near the river). This is correct.
• Option D: The text is about her connection to the landscape (woods, trees) not long - term friendships with people. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. It emphasizes Shakti’s sense of belonging in the landscape.