color of water
1. In chapter one, Ruth begins her story by telling James she is dead. Ruth was born Ruchel Dwajra Zylsky on April 1, 1921. She was born in Poland and her family immigrated to America. Her family settled down in a small town in Virginia. In America, she changed her name to Rachel Deborah Shilsky. Her father's name was Fishel Shilsky and he was an Orthodox rabbi.
2. When Rachel states that she is dead, she is figuratively speaking. She talks about Jewish laws of contracts and there are never marriages of love. Her family mourned her when she married a black man, as if she were dead. Ruth speaks about her family praying and turning their mirrors down, sitting on boxes and covering their heads. Ruth reflects, “Rachel had to die in order for me, the rest of me, to live.”
3. In chapter 2 there is a different speaker. The writer of the book tries to tell you that they have switched speaker by using names of endearment such as “mother.” The second speaker also describes and gives hint about his mother’s background. He speaks about her Jewish background and faith in God. Yes, this is helpful because it gives insight as to why his mother instills basic tenets such as: “Educate your mind. School is important.”
4. Ruth’s son, James, is speaking in chapter 2. It alternates between the mother and son’s voice. James asserts that his childhood was growing up in the Red Hook housing projects in Brooklyn. He recalls that he would be embarrassed that his mother would ride around in an odd-looking bicycle around town. Also, his biological father, Hunter Jordan, died of a sudden stroke. He used to be a high school drop out after he died. He spent the days snatching purses and shoplifting. James discusses his mother’s strange past. She refused to talk about her private life. James loved to have his mother undivided attention when she used to walk him to the bus stop.
5. Chapter 2’s time period is set in 1966.
6. Chapter 2 is mainly about Ruth and James’ relationship. James
2. When Rachel states that she is dead, she is figuratively speaking. She talks about Jewish laws of contracts and there are never marriages of love. Her family mourned her when she married a black man, as if she were dead. Ruth speaks about her family praying and turning their mirrors down, sitting on boxes and covering their heads. Ruth reflects, “Rachel had to die in order for me, the rest of me, to live.”
3. In chapter 2 there is a different speaker. The writer of the book tries to tell you that they have switched speaker by using names of endearment such as “mother.” The second speaker also describes and gives hint about his mother’s background. He speaks about her Jewish background and faith in God. Yes, this is helpful because it gives insight as to why his mother instills basic tenets such as: “Educate your mind. School is important.”
4. Ruth’s son, James, is speaking in chapter 2. It alternates between the mother and son’s voice. James asserts that his childhood was growing up in the Red Hook housing projects in Brooklyn. He recalls that he would be embarrassed that his mother would ride around in an odd-looking bicycle around town. Also, his biological father, Hunter Jordan, died of a sudden stroke. He used to be a high school drop out after he died. He spent the days snatching purses and shoplifting. James discusses his mother’s strange past. She refused to talk about her private life. James loved to have his mother undivided attention when she used to walk him to the bus stop.
5. Chapter 2’s time period is set in 1966.
6. Chapter 2 is mainly about Ruth and James’ relationship. James