Answer:
C: intruding
Explanation:
The word <em>intruding</em> has a similar meaning as <em>snooping</em> used in the excerpt ("snooping around"). To intrude means <em>to interrupt someone or become involved in their private affairs in an annoying and unwanted way, specially with the result that you upset or offend them</em>. And this is the attitude of someone which Mrs Hale would hate to have coming in to her kitchen..
I would say that the word that does not describe Oedipus is patient.
I am not completely sure though, it's been a while since I've last read this, but I am sure he is proud and intelligent, and I would say he is also easy to anger. which would mean he is not patient.
A. ironic Dickens was mostly admired from the works of his ironic portrayals
The answer is D. Lahiri want's to bring attention to how much cultural tension there is between an Indian transfer student and a typical American school. In this example the conflict isn't between the child and the teacher: but the communication barrier they have over his name.