How does Simon's hiding place shape him as a person?

Specifically, what effects does the geography and imagery described have on Simon, in this scene particularly? How is he different before and after discovering his hiding spot?

“He came at last to a place where more sunshine fell. Since they had not so far to go for light the creepers had woven a great mat hung at the side of an open space in the jungle; for here a patch of rock came close to the surface and would not allow more than little plants and ferns to grow. The whole space was walled with dark aromatic bushes, and was a bowl of heat and light. A great tree, fallen across a corner, leaned against the trees that still stood and a rapid climber flaunted red and yellow sprays right to the top.” (52)