What is one way in which the character elenita in "gravity" shows her independence?
a. she dates gerald despite her mother and father's warning not to.
b. she sabotages larry reyes's new year's party.
c. she wears clothes that are inappropriate for a new year's celebration.
d. she protests the treatment of puerto rican immigrants by the government.

One way in which the character Elenita in "Gravity" shows her independence is by wearing clothes that are inappropriate for a New Year's celebration.

Gravity was written by Judith Ortiz Cofer. Ortiz Cofer is best known for her works of creative nonfiction, and she began her writing career with poetry, which she felt “contains the essence of language.” 

While her mother suggests the green taffeta dress hanging in her closet, Elenita decides by herself and wears something else, which is considered inappropriate for New year's celebration though.

Thereby (C.)

Explanation:

Elenita's internal conflict is to find her independent identity, even though she still feels deeply connected to her family, and wearing inappropriate clothes is a way to trace her independence, and define who she is.

dependent clause!

example: "before the food gets cold"