The+Color+of+Water



The Jewish faith is strict,and they believe in strict interpretations of everything.In the book, //The Color of Water// by James McBride, the author explains what is was like growing up with a white mother and what guided his mother in her parenting styles. James' mother grew up Jewish. This strict, complicated religion as also a way of life, and is a key part of her.Most of her decisions towards her children and life,was a result of her Jewish religion and back ground.Example,the issue of death,"I always remembered that,and i think the reason why I'm claustrophobic today,its because I didn't know what death was" pg 18.Also,the strictness and rigidity of the Jewish religion created no space for love."Does anybody say they love you?".Also, most "orthodox Jews worked with contracts" pg 37.A contract to marry,A contract to preach.Money was part of their lives.That was why she grew up disliking money,"What's money if your mind is empty" pg 9,She said to her son. This page will touch on several of the basic parts of Judaism that are mentioned by the character Ruth or that we feel would be good basic knowledge. Jewish Religion Jewish Social Customs Jewish family structure Jewish Food
 * The Jewish Faith**

In the book //The Color of Water// there are numerous characters who are very influential to the meaning of the story. Ruth is the mother of 12 children. She is a white woman raising 12 black children. Ruth's Parents are the reason for her being the way she is. James is the writer of the book who did not understand the way his mother raised her children. James' Stepfather is never around him, but is like him. Helen is the rebellious child of the family.Through James's narrative technique of weaving his own life story in and out of his mother's story allows us to learn about the lives of mother,son and other characters in the context of both stories. James also parallels the story of his mother's young adulthood with the story of his own young adulthood, manipulating time so that we can compare similar ages. This also allows us to see how Ruth's approach to parenting differs from her parents' approach. Ruth Ruth's Parents James James' Stepfather Helen
 * The Characters**


 * The Civil Rights Movement~ Bad and Good**

Through the 1960's and 1970's, there was a black movement consisting of the efforts of many strong black activists. These activists stood up for Black rights as well as for the black image in society. Some whites were against blacks and their supposed freedom.Both sides were trying to prove a point which is the //superiority of both races//.While some activists were calm,some weren't,example,the Ku Klux Klan. They would attempt to frighten people with their actions and make the African American race feel weak. Some of the movements included: Student Activists Malcolm X Martin Luther King Jr. The Black Panthers The Ku Klux Klan

Ruth- Overcoming Challenges James- Overcoming Challenges Harlem- What is this and challenges associated with it Ruths Summary James' Summary
 * Other Information**