Answer:
The author uses the term American in quotation marks to mock those who have fully embraced American culture while abandoning their own heritage. The writer, Anzia Yezierska, recounts her journey to America in search of her dreams, fulfillment, and economic security, while residing with a family from her native Polish village. This family, however, seems to have forgotten their roots and pretends to be genuinely American, or, as Yezierska remarks, "American".
Through this choice of words, the narrator's changing sentiments towards the “land of freedom” become evident. Initially, she came to America to achieve personal and financial happiness. Nevertheless, what she faced instead was profound loneliness, alienation, shame, and inadequacy, a reality she never anticipated. Consequently, her perception of America transformed from innocent excitement to sorrowful acceptance and ultimately resentment.
One can deduce from this passage that A. Mrs. Flowers understands the feelings of others.
This indicates that Mrs. Flowers anticipated by reflecting on the general behavior of children—"Children these days would burst out of sheet-metal clothing. They're so rough."—as well as what Mrs. Henderson might expect to avoid issues with the garment. Due to her sensitivity to the emotions of those around her, she recognized the appropriate action to take even before being prompted.
