Final answer:
The author uses personification in paragraph 23 to explain how trees can be heard groaning when they are cut down.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author uses personification in paragraph 23 to explain how trees can be heard groaning when they are cut down. Personification is when human qualities or actions are given to non-human things. In this case, the author gives the trees the ability to groan when they are being cut down, which creates a sense of sadness and empathy for the trees.