The Homecoming Lesson Plan

How does Teddy react to the suggestion that Ruth become a prostitute? Does this reaction surprise you? In what other ways are Teddy’s reactions surprising?

Teddy barely reacts to the suggestion that Ruth become a prostitute, putting forth only minimal resistance to the idea (e.g., “She’ll get old…very quickly”). Teddy even seems to come around to the idea, telling Ruth that he can manage at home with the children without her until she returns. On its own, Teddy’s understated reaction would be highly surprising; however, it is not surprising in light of his previous unemotional reactions to Ruth’s kissing his brothers and her sleeping with Joey.

How do the men treat Ruth’s...