Answer:

Introduction:
Zitkala was a Native American woman who experienced a difficult transition from her tribal life to the white American culture. She faced numerous challenges and conflicts throughout her life as she strived to find her identity and adapt to the new cultural norms. One such incident occurred at the dining table, where Zitkala started crying. The reason behind her tears was not because she didn't like the food or because she was a stranger, but rather due to the practice of eating by formula.

Eating by Formula:
In Native American culture, food was traditionally consumed in a communal and natural way. There were no strict rules or set procedures for eating, and it was a relaxed and social activity. However, in the white American culture, there were specific etiquettes and rules to be followed while dining. This included the use of cutlery, proper table manners, and a rigid structure for eating.

Conflict and Emotional Distress:
For Zitkala, who had grown up in the Native American culture, the practice of eating by formula was a stark contrast to her upbringing. It felt foreign and restrictive to her. The rigid structure and rules associated with dining in the white American culture made her feel like an outsider, further emphasizing her sense of displacement and cultural alienation.

Loss of Cultural Identity:
Zitkala's tears at the dining table symbolize her emotional distress and the internal conflict she experienced as she tried to navigate between her Native American identity and the expectations of the dominant white American culture. The strict rules and procedures for eating represented the loss of her cultural identity and the erasure of her tribal traditions.

Conclusion:
Zitkala's tears at the dining table were not due to the food or being a stranger, but rather a result of the clash between her Native American upbringing and the white American culture's practice of eating by formula. It was a poignant moment that highlighted her struggle to find her place in a world that seemed to reject her cultural heritage.