"i had been kneeling on the island grass when the unrecognizable flap on frog skin settled on the creek bottom swaying i stood up and brushed the knees of my pants i couldn't catch my breath..."
( --which best identifies a phrase used to establish tone and explains its effect-- )
a.)i had been kneeling on the island grass; it establishes a calm, collected atmosphere
b.)when the unrecognizable flap of the frog skin settled; it demonstrates the authors dislike of nature.
c.) on the creek bottom,swaying; it shows the authors growing appreciation of the natural world.
d.) i couldn't catch my breath...; it illustrates the authors shock and surprise at the event