Why does Carson McCullers use the term malady to describe American loneliness? A. to illustrate that Americans are nonconformists and, therefore, suffer from loneliness B. to highlight that those Americans who are lonely are ignorant of positive American features C. to compare loneliness to an undesirable illness or disease that is difficult to cure D. to suggest Americans feel loneliness as a positive emotion that aids development E. to show that Europeans, unlike Americans, have cured rampant loneliness

C. to compare loneliness to an undesirable illness or disease that is difficult to cure

Explanation:

McCuller describes Americans as people who are obsessed about loneliness. They do not want to be isolated from the rest. They always want to be with someone. Therefore, the writer uses the word malady since this refers to an illness that is hard to cure. This means, then, that the Americans will do whatever to escape loneliness since if one happens to be alone, that person will not be loved and will get isolated from society. This is exactly what any American will avoid.

I believe it's E. To show Europeans, unlike Americans have cured rampant loneliness.