Read the excerpt from \( \qquad \) Boy: [Mr. Stonecrop] draped his arm around Turner's shoulders and drew him in, into his strength and power and presence. Turner felt as if he were moving in close to a mountain. But when he looked up into Mr. Stonecrop's face, he shuddered. Mr. Stonecrop was laughing, and his mouth was pulled into a grin, but his eyes were as dead as marbles, almost as if there were nothing behind them. He was like someone out of a ghost story, and Turner tried to draw away. In this excerpt, Mr. Stonecrop is compared to a mountain. How does this description relate fo \( \mathrm{Mr}_{r} \) Stonecrop's role in the main conflict of the story? Mr. Stonecrop, like a mountain, is a fair and wise man whom others look up to for leadership about Malaga Island. Mr. Stonecrop, like a mountain, is intimidating and strongly holds his position against the people of Malaga Island. Mr. Stonecrop, like a mountain, changes with the seasons, and he changes his mind about the people of Malaga Island. Mr. Stonecrop, like a mountain, is an elderly man who lets others decide what is best in reference to Malaga Island.

In the excerpt, Mr. Stonecrop is compared to a mountain, which suggests a sense of strength, power, and immovability. This comparison is significant in understanding his role in the main conflict of the story, particularly in relation to the people of Malaga Island. 1. **Strength and Power**: The description of Mr. Stonecrop as a mountain indicates that he possesses a formidable presence. This aligns with the idea that he is an intimidating figure who strongly holds his position against the people of Malaga Island. 2. **Intimidation**: The fact that Turner feels as if he is moving close to a mountain suggests that Mr. Stonecrop's authority and influence are overwhelming. The imagery of a mountain conveys a sense of being dwarfed or overshadowed, which reflects how the people of Malaga Island may feel in the face of his decisions and actions. 3. **Dead Eyes**: The contrast between his powerful presence and the lifelessness of his eyes adds a layer of complexity to his character. It implies that despite his strength, there may be a lack of empathy or understanding, which could further alienate him from the people he is supposed to lead. Given these points, the most fitting interpretation of Mr. Stonecrop's role in the main conflict of the story is: **Mr. Stonecrop, like a mountain, is intimidating and strongly holds his position against the people of Malaga Island.** This choice captures the essence of his character as a powerful figure who exerts control and influence, while also highlighting the tension between him and the community he interacts with.