Discuss how Ruth’s observations impact the decisions she makes and ultimately the lives of her children.

Everything Ruth experienced directly impacted the way she raised her children and the way in which she made decisions. Her father was abusive; as a mother she disciplined, but she did it with love. Her parents and the Jewish community turned their backs on her for marrying a black man; the black community embraced her, as did their religion (Christianity). Ruth believed in the "best" education, and although she denied her Jewish roots, she made sure her children were educated in Jewish schools.