Question

Zitkala-Sa felt like sinking to the floor when she saw the way the Indian girls were dressed. Explain. (Memories of Childhood)

Hint:

Focus on the word "immodest"—it is the central reason for her emotional distress. The school was an instrument of "cultural assimilation" that sought to erase her tribal roots.

Answer 1

Concept:

• Cultural shock and the conflict between indigenous values and Western boarding school norms.
• Clothing as a symbol of modesty, identity, and personal dignity.

Step 1: Describe the specific dress code she observed
Zitkala-Sa observed that the other Indian girls in the school were wearing "tightly fitting clothes" and "stiff shoes."
This was a complete departure from the comfortable, traditional attire she was accustomed to at home.

Step 2: Explain the cultural significance of her reaction
In her culture, wearing such clinging clothes was considered "immodest" and improper.
Seeing the girls forced into these Western garments made her feel a deep sense of shame and loss of identity, making her feel as though her cultural dignity was being stripped away, which is why she felt like "sinking to the floor."