Final answer:
Polly's music likely has a soothing and calming effect on the elderly Mrs. Shaw based on how music is described to influence emotions and create ambiance. Given its power to comfort, option A) It soothes and calms her, is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the effect of Polly's music on the elderly Mrs. Shaw. Given the references provided to the emotional power of music, we can deduce that music plays a significant role in influencing emotions and moods. The descriptions indicate that music can soothe sadness, elicit happiness, and evoke memories.
Therefore, we can infer that Polly's music has the potential to bring about various emotional responses in Mrs. Shaw. From a desolate hearth, where her life seems consumed by the quietness of age and the memories of her children, music can be a powerful catalyst for emotional expression.
When considering the effect of 'Songs of Praise of Grandmothers', we can relate to the idea that these songs may serve as relaxed interludes, providing comfort and perhaps, a sense of nostalgia for better times or the presence of loved ones. Furthermore, the detailed scenarios illustrate how music changes the ambiance of a setting and the emotional reaction of an individual.
Therefore, the correct option seems to be A) It soothes and calms her.