How would the meaning change if the sentence "Across the bay stood protective mountains, shoulder to shoulder, across the Concepcion Peninsula" were rewritten as "There were mountains across the Concepcion Peninsula"?

A. No change in meaning
B. The mountains were not protective
C. The mountains were not across the bay
D. The mountains were not shoulder to shoulder

The meaning would change, suggesting the mountains are elsewhere, not necessarily across from the bay, hence the correct option is c. The mountains were not across the bay.

Explanation:

In the original passage, the phrase "Across the bay stood protective mountains" implies that the mountains are situated on the opposite side of the bay from the camp, providing a protective barrier. However, if it were written "There were mountains across the Concepcion Peninsula," it suggests that the mountains are located elsewhere, not necessarily across the bay.

This subtle change alters the spatial relationship between the mountains and the bay, potentially affecting the sense of protection conveyed in the original description. Therefore, option c reflects the accurate interpretation of the meaning change.

Therefore, the correct option is c. The mountains were not across the bay.