Throughout the book, I have been anxiously awaiting the moment when Ruth finally realizes her worth and decides to speak up. Unfortunately, however, Ruth's struggle to seek independence is a long, arduous journey filled to the brim with hardship and heartache. I feel like Ruth's drive to succeed is continually diminished until she finally reaches rock bottom and realizes that she has no choice but to make a change. As horrible as this will sound, I think that losing Katy is one of the best things that could have happened, as the loss forces Ruth to acknowledge the need for change and gives her the courage needed to chase success. When Ruth finally gains confidence in herself and her abilities, she comes to realize that what others think of her does not matter; the only opinion worth fighting for is your own.
I noticed that Ruth's transformation from a meek, submissive female to a strong, accomplished woman proceeds the scene in which Mr. Skiddy leaves for California. Mrs. Skiddy is portrayed as a confident woman who appears to thoroughly understand the ways of the world. One of the lessons that Mrs. Skiddy learned is that women have two options in life--to be in control or to be controlled. Mrs. Skiddy states that she chooses to maintain authority: "When a woman is married, Mrs. Hall, she must make up her mind either to manage, or to be managed; I prefer to manage" (135). Mrs. Skiddy's ability to assume control provides her with the ultimate source of independence; thus, when Mr. Skiddy leaves for California and asks for money to return home, Mrs. Skiddy has the inner-courage needed to just say no. I think that Mrs. Skiddy's words are relevant to Ruth's story, because Ruth finally achieves success when she realizes she is responsible for taking control of her own fate.
I disagree with your argument that Ruth's silence through the first part of the book makes her weak. Being silent in the face of adversity can indeed be a strength when you know your words will only cause more problems.
ReplyDeleteRuth does get her strength from all of her trials. This is such a refreshing change from Middlemarch, I feel that the "writing is almost on the wall." The different challenges that she has to face do make her stronger, I think Mrs. Skiddy is definitely a great person to juxtapose with Ruth. Skiddy has money and she does know the ways of the world and she is getting by. Ruth is naive and not quite sure how to go about earning money, but she eventually does learn and she becomes successful!
ReplyDeleteLess than 10 pages after that scene, Ruth has a "bitter smile" after reading her brother's rude letter saying she is unable to write or reach her dreams of writing. After realizing that she is the one to manage, not be managed, Ruth declares aloud: "I can do it, I feel it, I will do it... but there will be a desperate struggle first" (147). I definitely think her conversation with Mrs. Skiddy had something to do with Ruth's transformation. I just hope she sticks with it.
ReplyDelete