Final answer:
The author may have been surprised and angry due to a clash of expectations regarding the expression of grief, highlighting differences in cultural or social norms related to emotional expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author was likely surprised and somewhat angry that the men were startled at her tears at the funeral service for Don Rufina's wife because she might have expected a shared understanding of grief at such an event. Her response implies a cultural or social expectation where expressing emotions, particularly through tears, is considered a natural and acceptable way to process loss. The surprise and anger could stem from the men's reaction, which deviates from that expectation, indicating a lack of empathy or an adherence to a different norm where such displays of emotion are discouraged or unexpected.