Question

Toward the end of “American History,” Eugene’s mother tells Elena, “I am truly sorry if he told you you could come over. He cannot study with you. It’s nothing personal. You understand?” What is it that Eugene’s mother most likely wants Elena to “understand”? Choose the correct answer
1. Eugene's family will be moving soon, so studying together is unnecessary.
2. Eugene's mother does not want Eugene to socialize with someone of Elena's background.
3. Eugene's feelings will be hurt if it turns out that Elena is smarter than Eugene.
4. Eugene's mother does not want Eugene exposed to the bad influences in El Building.

Answer 1

2. Eugene's mother does not want Eugene to socialize with someone of Elena's background.

She’s politely refusing on the basis of Elena’s ethnicity/class (racial prejudice), not for practical reasons like moving, hurt feelings, or general “bad influences.” The line “It’s nothing personal. You understand?” is a thinly veiled way of saying it is personal — she doesn’t want her son associating with Elena because of who she is.