Ruth sitting
The end of the play has a powerful image: that of Ruth sitting, surrounded by the men of the family. Joey and Max are literally at her feet while Lenny stands by almost as a guard. She is fully dominant, enshrined in her new role as Mother/Whore to the group. This solidifies the shift of power that had slowly been taking place since the moment Ruth met Lenny and he tried to subdue her.
Sam on the floor
When Sam finally reveals his secret, he croaks and collapses on the floor. He remains there, immobile and silent. This is more than it seems, for Sam's silence means that the last bit of resistance, albeit weak and ineffectual, to the plan for Ruth to stay is now officially gone. Sam can say nothing about marriage and morals, and thus the plan becomes reality.
Teddy and Ruth
Teddy and Ruth are shown in their traveling clothes, with their suitcases, and on the threshold of the house. This reinforces the sense that they are both outsiders and will have to work to ingratiate themselves within the family. This is no longer Teddy's home, and Ruth has stepped into foreign territory.
Ruth
When Ruth tells the family to observe her leg and imagine the underwear underneath it, she is making a powerful move for dominance. It is subtle, but she usurps the conversation from Teddy and Lenny and directs it toward herself. She uses sexuality to make her point that perhaps movement and action are more important than the words used to describe them.
