Quote 10
RUTH
Shallow – what do you mean he’s shallow? He’s rich!…Well – what other qualities a man got to have to satisfy you, little girl? (1.1.249)
Ruth jokes that wealth is the most important trait in a man. Somehow we doubt that she truly believes this. Otherwise, she never would have married Walter.
Quote 11
RUTH
(Wearily) Honey, you never say nothing new. I listen to you every day, every night and every morning, and you never say nothing new. (Shrugging) So you would rather be Mr. Arnold than be his chauffeur. So – I would rather be living in Buckingham Palace. (1.1.90)
Ruth is weary from hearing her husband have the same complaints and the same half-thought-out idea to fix their troubles. The family's suffering has really put a strain on their relationship.
Quote 12
(RUTH reaches out suddenly and grabs her son without even looking at him and clamps her hand over his mouth and holds him to her…)
MAMA
You hush up now… talking all that terrible stuff… (TRAVIS is staring at his mother with a stunned expression…) (1.2.63-4)
Ruth is horrified when her son finds pleasure in watching the murder of a rat. She is so disturbed, she shuts him up with her hand. Her negative reaction could be amplified by the fact that she is pregnant. Does she really want to bring another baby into a world where killing rats is a popular childhood pastime? Does she really want another child to experience this world of suffering?