How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
The wife went downstairs and the hotel owner stood up and bowed to her as she passed the office. (8)
Talk about a breath of fresh air. After the husband's indifference towards his wife, the padrone's kind, attentive attitude towards her is startling. The bow is almost chivalric in comparison, like a knight in shining armor addressing a lady. To the padrone, she is a lady and he is sure to make her feel like one.
Quote #2
She liked his big heavy face and big hands. (9)
The American wife's response to the padrone is so basic that it almost sounds childlike. There's no explanation as to why she likes these things, she just does. It could be that she associates his big heaviness with masculinity. The logic is a little complicated, but think of it this way—she doesn't just like these things about him, she likes liking these things. She is enjoying her own feminine (and gendered) response.
Quote #3
As the American girl passed the office, the padrone bowed from his desk. Something felt very small and tight inside the girl. (24)
As we've already discussed, this is a moment where the wife is having a very physical response to the padrone—but did you notice? It's not because he's tremendously handsome or even comes onto her in any way. She's responding to his gentlemanly gesture—a bow. It's so well-mannered, respectful, and formal…Why should these things give her a physical thrill?