Read the following passage and answer the question below. *The ancient oak tree stood sentinel on the crest of the hill, its gnarled branches reaching for the sky like skeletal fingers. For centuries it had witnessed the changing seasons, the passing of generations, and the quiet unfolding of village life in the valley below. Its bark was a tapestry of moss and lichen, telling a story of resilience against wind and rain. Locals claimed that on a still night, you could hear the whispers of the past caught in its rustling leaves.* What is the main purpose of the phrase 'like skeletal fingers'?
