Quote 16
RUTH
What is there to be pleasant ‘bout! (1.1.66)
Ruth is vocal about her dissatisfaction. She's so bummed out about the hardships of her life that she finds it hard to cheerful about anything.
Quote 17
RUTH (Who hadn’t thought of that)
Oh – Well, they bound to fit something in the whole house. Anyhow, they was too good a bargain to pass up. (RUTH slaps her head, suddenly remembering something) Oh, Bennie – I meant to put a special note on that carton over there. That’s your mama’s good china and she wants ‘em to be very careful with it. (2.3.5)
In her excitement for the new house, Ruth bought new curtains without worrying about the size of the windows. Ruth is very excited to decorate the new space and make the house truly theirs.
Quote 18
RUTH (Beaten)
Yes I would too, Walter. (Pause) I gave her a five-dollar down payment. (1.2.237)
Ruth takes matters into her own hands and consults an abortionist before telling any of her family members about her pregnancy. This choice is a major sacrifice for Ruth on a personal level, but she feels like it's a necessary sacrifice for her family.