Woodrow T. Wilson once said, “Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice.” In “The Book of Ruth,” loyalty is a main theme as Ruth stays with Naomi, and sacrifices everything. Naomi loses her husband when they arrive in Moab. Ten years later, her sons, Mahlon and Chilion, die and leave their wives, Ruth and Oprah. Oprah leaves her mother-in-law, but Ruth stays loyal to her and sacrifices all she has to stay with Naomi. Throughout the story, Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz’s characters develop, and they show their true characteristics as they face many obstacles.
Given these points, Ruth shows many characteristics throughout the story. She is a very humble woman. She insists on staying with Naomi even though …show more content…
Naomi is very considerate. She thinks about what's best for her daughter-in-laws instead of thinking for herself. In lines 30-32, Naomi says “‘Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? Are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands (Ruth Chapter 1)?’” Given this statement, Naomi tells Ruth and Oprah that they should return home because she does not have any more sons to give birth to. Meaning, the women will not have any husbands to marry. In addition to this, Naomi is very altruistic. She thinks it is better for the women to return to their families, so she tells them “‘Go, return each to her mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead and me (Ruth Chapter 1).’” This shows that she is concerned that Oprah and Ruth will not have another chance to marry, so she tells them to leave her and focus on themselves and their …show more content…
Notably, Boaz is protective towards Naomi and Ruth. In lines 108-111, Boaz states “‘Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not. And let fall also some of the handfuls on purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not (Ruth Chapter 2).’” This shows Boaz telling his men not to approach or scold Ruth in the field, but to drop some grain for her on purpose so she can have some food for her and her mother-in-law. Lastly, Boaz is very helpful and providing towards Naomi and Ruth. In lines 103-104, Boaz helps Ruth and Naomi by saying “‘At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar (Ruth Chapter 2).’” This represents Boaz helping Ruth and Naomi by providing them with plenty of food and
Given these points, Ruth shows many characteristics throughout the story. She is a very humble woman. She insists on staying with Naomi even though …show more content…
Naomi is very considerate. She thinks about what's best for her daughter-in-laws instead of thinking for herself. In lines 30-32, Naomi says “‘Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? Are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands (Ruth Chapter 1)?’” Given this statement, Naomi tells Ruth and Oprah that they should return home because she does not have any more sons to give birth to. Meaning, the women will not have any husbands to marry. In addition to this, Naomi is very altruistic. She thinks it is better for the women to return to their families, so she tells them “‘Go, return each to her mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead and me (Ruth Chapter 1).’” This shows that she is concerned that Oprah and Ruth will not have another chance to marry, so she tells them to leave her and focus on themselves and their …show more content…
Notably, Boaz is protective towards Naomi and Ruth. In lines 108-111, Boaz states “‘Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not. And let fall also some of the handfuls on purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not (Ruth Chapter 2).’” This shows Boaz telling his men not to approach or scold Ruth in the field, but to drop some grain for her on purpose so she can have some food for her and her mother-in-law. Lastly, Boaz is very helpful and providing towards Naomi and Ruth. In lines 103-104, Boaz helps Ruth and Naomi by saying “‘At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar (Ruth Chapter 2).’” This represents Boaz helping Ruth and Naomi by providing them with plenty of food and