He doesn't play a very important role in Ruth's life and is hardly mentioned in the book; almost the only time he is mentioned is after Ruth brings her boyfriend, Doug, home for the first time. ... Ruth's mother craves so much attention from her daughter and thus willingly takes any attention that Ruth might have paid to her father. ...
We are told her clothes are out of date' indicating the women has been absorbed by motherhood and has no time to take pride in herself. ... This is in contrast to the smug materialistic man who uses the cliché time holds great surprises' indicating that he has total control in his life. ... Strong Imagery such as ripening of fruit' not only symbolizes the ripening of time and old age but the fact this change is viewed as positive. This is further emphasized in the end as the daughter quotes no words no tears can mend' as she now understands regret cannot be rem...
