Life of Ruth
Why did Tateh marry Mameh?
To get a ticket to America
In an act of rebellion, this character runs away to Chicago
Sam
Why did Mameh depend on Ruth?
Because Mameh was handicapped and couldn't speak English, so Ruth was her 'eyes and ears' in America
“…while the young dudes in hooded sweatshirts stare balefully at the strange, bowlegged old white lady in Nikes and red sweats who slowly hobble up the three flights of dark, urine-smelling stairs on arthritic knees to visit her best friend…” (31).
A annoyed B bored C evilly D mysteriously
mysteriously
Why were Tateh's contracts as a rabbi never renewed?
Because he was a lousy rabbi
How did Mameh let Ruth know that she knew Ruth was pregnant?
By returning her gold chain bracelet
Helen and Rosetta
Why did Hunter Jordan live apart from Ruth and her children?
Because he couldn't handle living with the chaos
“Helen, once a peripheral figure in these discussions, became the epicenter, instigator, and protagonist. ‘You have to fight the system!’ she’d yell” (73).
A distant B upfront C central D disliked
upfront
What about the black community in Suffolk struck Ruth?
They lived a hard life, but seemed happy and never judged her
Where did Ruth first work when she arrived in New York after graduating high school?
In her aunt Mary's leather-goods factory
Who assisted Ruth with the children after Dennis died?
Aunt Candis and Jacqueline (Jack)
How was James able to go to Europe with the American Youth Jazz Band?
A wealthy white couple (The Dawson's) paid for his expenses
“My stepfather’s final admonition to me went unheeded as I absolved myself of all responsibility and stayed out of the house as much as possible…”(140).
A cursed B freed C forced D ignored
freed
What event caused Ruth to decide she hated Delaware?
After her son David was pulled over and arrested for an illegal U-turn
How does Ruth describe Dennis, her first husband?
As a serious Christian man who was Aunt Mary's best worker and artisan ;(He was also a violinist and composer)
According to Foster, name two characters who would be considered Vampires?
Rocky and Tateh
How did James feel about Jack?
Jack was his favorite
“It was the only time I could write, away from white reporters, black reporters, away from the synergy of black and white that was already simmering inside my soul, ready to burst out at the most inopportune moments” (263).
A combination B clash C racism D force
combination
Where would Ruth and Frances talk when they were together?
In the cemetery
Why did Ruth shut Rocky out of her life?
Because he was a pimp
“Everybody on this corner is smart. You ain’t no smarter than anybody here… Who are you ? You ain’t nobody!”
Chicken Man
What did James's older siblings discuss late into the night while James was growing up?
Civil Rights
“Daddy’s favorite was Walter, the most fun-loving gregarious of his brothers” (121).
A anti-social B silly C social D awkward
social
What was Hunter Jordan's ethnic makeup?
Half Native American, half black