Ruth Foster Character Analysis in Song of Solomon Essay Example

In the novel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, Ruth Foster Dead is portrayed as a very complex and strange character. Toni Morrison sets the scene in Michigan and focuses on an estranged family struggling through a period of racial unrest. Macon Jr and Ruth, husband and wife, have three children including protagonist Milkman. Milkman and the rest of the Dead family constantly struggle with Ruth’s actions and beliefs, wondering why she does certain things. Throughout the first five chapters, Ruth’s image transitions from a twisted, sickened woman into a compassionate and careful mother. Toni Morrison’s goal in depicting Ruth this way is to demonstrate the character development that Milkman undergoes. 

Throughout the first five chapters, Ruth’s image transitions from a distorted, sickened woman into a compassionate and careful mother. In the beginning of the novel Ruth is portrayed as a very cold and strange woman. After a specific instance in which Ruth was hit by her husband, Macon Jr, Milkman responds by striking Macon Jr. The two then discuss Ruth. Macon Jr explains that when Ruth’s father passes away, he finds her, “in the bed. That’s where she was when I opened the door. Laying next to him. Naked as a yard dog, kissing him. Him dead and white and puffy and skinny, and she had his fingers in her mouth.” (73). Milkman is agitated by his father’s explanation, but isn’t entirely surprised because he sees Ruth as quite strange. This image spotlights Ruth as very twisted and distorted. As the story and the characters develop a more sympathetic image of Ruth is illustrated. One night Milkman sees Ruth walking in the middle of the night. Curiously, Milkman follows her to the train station then to her father’s cemetery. When Ruth discovers Milkman, she is frightened, but also somewhat excited to see her son. Ruth confesses many things that she has done and she becomes very compassionate towards Milkman. She emphasizes, “And I also prayed for you. Every single night and every single day. On my knees. Now you tell me. What harm did I do to you on my knees?” (126). Ruth becomes this compassionate mother towards Milkman and will do anything to protect her dear son. As the story develops, Ruth’s image evolves from a strange and confused woman into a compassionate and loving mother. 

Toni Morrison’s goal in depicting Ruth this way is to demonstrate the character development that Milkman undergoes throughout the first five chapters. Towards the beginning of the novel, Milkman is somewhat arbitrary and foolish. After Macon Jr and Milkman discuss Ruth, Milkman thinks to himself. He determines that, “Ruth was a pale but complicated woman given to deviousness and ultra fine manners. She seemed to know a lot and understand very little” (75). Milkman’s lack of maturity causes him to view Ruth as very shadowy and twisted. Towards the end of the first five chapters Milkman grows and develops as a character causing his opinion on Ruth to change. Milkman recognizes that Ruth is doing her best to protect and love him. When Ruth travels to her father’s cemetery and Milkman secretly follows her, Milkman uncovers a new side of his mother. Ruth confesses the mistakes she's made and how she has always looked out for Milkman and his best interests (124-126). When Ruth speaks openly to Milkman it allows him to see his mother in a better light. Milkman recognizes how his mother has constantly looked out for him, even if it wasn’t always obvious. Toni Morrison shows this transition through word choice. Towards the beginning of the novel Milkman is described as foolish, while towards the end of the first five chapters he is pictured as a lot more mature and understanding. Milkman’s development and maturity makes his opinions on Ruth transition.

As Milkman grows and develops as a character his opinions on Ruth shift. He originally sees her as a very distorted and vulnerable character, but as he develops, he becomes closer to Ruth and his opinion changes. Towards the end of the first five chapters he begins to see her as a loving and sympathetic character. Toni Morrison’s purpose in depicting Ruth this way is to demonstrate the character development and overall growth that Milkman experiences throughout the first five chapters.