The Color of Water Chapters 1-9

Front

Why is the author's mother reluctant to talk about her family?

Back

She has been dead to her family for fifty years, neither she nor her family has any interest in revisiting the past, and her family did not accept her marriage outside of the Jewish faith and to a black man.

Front

Why would James and his siblings make a mad scramble for Ma's purse when she would show up from work at 2AM?

Back

As an employee of Chase Manhattan Bank, Ruth would get free dinner and would bring home extra food for her kids.

Front

Why did Helen quit school?

Back

She said, 'The white man's education is not for me.'

Front

Did Rachel use the name Ruth in school because it didn't sound as Jewish as Rachel?

Back

True

Front

Who is Frances in relation to Ruth?

Back

Frances is Ruth's only childhood friend that Ruth wasn't allowed to play with because Frances is not Jewish.

Front

What does Ruth's reluctance to discuss her past signify about her identity?

Back

It reflects her desire to distance herself from her Jewish heritage and the pain associated with her family.

Front

How does Ruth's job at Chase Manhattan Bank impact her family?

Back

It provides financial support and food for her children.

Front

What cultural conflict does Ruth experience in her life?

Back

She faces a conflict between her Jewish upbringing and her life as a mother to children of a different race.

Front

What does the name change from Rachel to Ruth symbolize?

Back

It symbolizes Ruth's attempt to assimilate and fit into a different cultural identity.

Front

How does Ruth's relationship with her children differ from her relationship with her own parents?

Back

Ruth is more open and nurturing with her children, contrasting with her own parents' strictness.