Ruth is intelligent, determined, brave, and caring. She is determined because even though his 2 husbands died she still kept going and raised 12 children.

James in the beginning is confused and depressed. Then he becomes diligent and determined. The black and white races couldn’t associate themselves with each other. Because of this Ruth was forbidden to become pregnant with Peter. Unfortunately she does and is forced to have an abortion. James faces a conflict when he revolves himself around bad influences causing him to make poor choices.

The author is trying to tell us to be self- reliant because throughout the novel Ruth had to be with other men and they ended up dying. So she had to learn how to live on her on without a man by her side.

Ruth’s bicycle symbolized Ruth’s quickness and James’ embarrassment because Ruth was white and James was black and white. At this time …show more content…
She shows that she is determined by standing up to Lou Ann when she was trying to bring her down. She is caring because she took good care of Turtle.

Lou Ann is very protective, motherly, and very caring. She shows that she is protective in chapter 13 saying, “Dwayne Ray’s got something about ready to put into his mouth.” She is motherly because she can take good care of Turtle.

There is no major villain in this novel but Taylor encounters many challenges such as the random appearance of a baby and she has conflicts with Lou Ann who is different from her in terms of strength and independence.
The author is trying to tell us is to have respect because in the novel the Native American heritage and having respect for the environment were really important
Beans: It symbolizes a mistreated woman can thrive if taken care of like a seed that is give nutrients and water to grow

Ismene: It symbolized all of the children that were abandoned and the grief of the mothers forced to abandon