Ruth: “She knew that she was beautiful; but that seemed abstract, and removed from herself. Her existence was in feeling, and thinking, and loving.“

Henry: “Her beauty was all that Mr Bellingham cared for, and it was supreme. It was all he recognised of her, and he was proud of it… She pleased him more by looking so lovely than by all her tender endeavours to fall in with his varying humour.“

Ruth was orphaned and has been alone for so long. I think that she longs to feel seen and loved. She doesn’t seem to necessarily value what she has to offer to someone. Or question whether they deserve her love and affection. Her beauty seems to be this thing that does not show who she really is. She is too naive to understand the power of it. Henry views her as a “new toy” and takes advantage of this beautiful girl. He takes for granted all of the things she could offer him, and is more so a prize. She is good for his reputation but fails to realize how detrimental he could be to hers.

  • How can we interpret Henry’s attitude toward Ruth? Is he a bad guy?
  • Why is Ruth’s innocence such a valuable thing?
  • Does he deserve her affection?