Why does the author include details about the purchases the Lin family makes at the rummage sale in "The All-American Slurp"?

a. to explain how the Lins become friends with their neighbors

b. to highlight Mrs. Lin's talent for decorating their home

c. to illustrate the Lins' efforts to afford and live an American lifestyle

d. to emphasize the narrator's desire for expensive items

The author includes those details to illustrate the Lins' efforts to afford and live an American lifestyle.

Explanation:

In the short story "The All-American Slurp", by Lensey Namioka, the Lins are a Chinese family who came to live in the United States. They are struggling not only with the American culture, customs, and language, but also with the necessary money to afford living an American lifestyle. For instance, when the narrator-character realizes her clothes are not what regular American girls wear to school, she knows she'll have to wait till her mother can buy her some jeans. They have already spent all their money and there were more pressing needs.

The rummage sale is included in a paragraph that shows hope. The family is finally getting settled, the members are adjusting themselves to the new reality - the father gets paid and starts taking driving lessons; the brother is now in the baseball team; the narrator get her pair of jeans - and, the cherry on top, the rummage sale allows them to buy the furniture they need for an affordable price. As we can see, the Lins are trying their best, making effort to adapt to the new environment and survive. Thus, the best option to answer the question is letter c. to illustrate the Lins' efforts to afford and live an American lifestyle.