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 lonely atmosphere.
it creates a mysterious atmosphere.
it creates a peaceful atmosphere.

Explanation:

The personification "dropped spray from their fingertips" gives ferns human - like actions, making the natural scene (waterfalls, ferns) seem gentle and calm. A lonely atmosphere would involve isolation - related elements, and mysterious would have unknown - feeling elements, but the description of the scene with gentle ferns and splashing waterfalls suggests tranquility, so it creates a peaceful atmosphere.

Answer:

It creates a peaceful atmosphere.