The Most Important Line

In chapter 13, New York, Ruth went go live with her aunts and grandmother. I thought this chapter was very important because it helped Ruth change. She learned that there are things outside of her family, and better places to live. Going to live in New York made her realize that she couldn't live with her family any longer, and needed to graduate and leave. One quote that really helped me realize is, "Plus to everyone seemed too busy to care about what race or religion you were. I loved it,"(130). This shows Ruth finally realized that race and religion didn't matter. Later in life she married a black man, and even changed her faith. This shows how much of an impact going to New York had on her.

Symbol for Ruth

A symbol that can be used for Ruth is a lion. The lion symbol represents strength and pride. Throughout the book, The Color of Water, there are many examples of Ruth having a lot of strength. She went through a lot of pain during her childhood. She moved schools every year because of her dad's job, he abused her when she was young, and she was taunted by other students at her school for being Jewish. Then when she was finally old enough, she left her home to start a new life. She left all she knew and became a completely new person. She married a black, Baptist man, and changed her faith by becoming a Christian. She was able to raise 12 children on a very small budget, and sent them all to college, everyone of them being successful in their careers. All of this shows how strong Ruth was throughout her entire life. She was able to overcome her past and become a completely new person.