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 peaceful atmosphere.
it creates a mysterious atmosphere.

Explanation:

Personification is giving human traits to non - human things. Here, "Five - fingered ferns hung over the water and dropped spray from their fingertips" gives the ferns human - like "fingertips". The image of ferns gently dropping spray is a calm and serene one. It doesn't suggest anything mysterious. Mysterious would involve elements like hidden, unknown, or spooky. The description of the ferns is more about a gentle, natural action which contributes to a peaceful mood. The other elements in the passage like "Little waterfalls splashed on the stones" and Pepe's relaxed action (rode half over his saddle, dangling one leg loosely) also support a peaceful atmosphere.

Answer:

It creates a peaceful atmosphere.