In "Thank You Ma'm" a clean face represents self-respect.
I don't know what book that is but based purely off the excerpt, I assume that Edna is beginning to realize that she wants to be more independent and to isolate herself. She wants to make decisions for herself.
Hope that helped! Again I haven't even heard of that book so sorry if it's not 100%!
I might be able to help you out...
The method that will help you recall the information you just read would be the SQ4R method, which stands for [Survey // Question // Read // Recite // Relate // Review]. This could help you comprehend what you're reading, and it could make you become aware of what the information is telling you.
It won’t let me open the link I’m not sure why
