The Homecoming Lesson Plan

What can you infer about Ruth and Teddy’s relationship from the couple’s first interaction?

The couple’s dynamic suggests tension in their marriage, or at least that Teddy and Ruth are somewhat out of sync with one another. Ruth declines most of Teddy’s suggestions—for example, his suggestion that she sit down, drink something, and go to sleep before he does. Leaving the house on her own to go for a walk, Ruth also seems to desire time by herself without her husband, a fact that seems to perturb Teddy. What’s more, the couple’s conversation is not even-sided but rather leans far more heavily towards Teddy’s talking and Ruth’s listening.

What do you make of the stories...