a virtuous woman

Have “you” ever done something out of the ordinary to rebel against “your” parents? In A Virtuous Woman by Kaye Gibbons, Ruby, the pampered daughter of a middle-class family, marries John Woodrow, a migrant worker from Ruby’s father’s field. Ruby is unfamiliar with who John Woodrow is and what kind of background he has. Throughout their marriage John Woodrow disillusions Ruby, convincing her that her family acts too rich and picky. Their marriage degrades Ruby to the level that John Woodrow lives. She becomes a maid and works out in the field. Ruby remains loyal to her vows, even after knowing that her husband committed adultery. Upon the death of John Woodrow, Ruby meets Jack Stokes, a poor ignorant tenant farmer. Ruby and Jack discover that what they need most is each other’s love. Ruby and Jack eventually marry, and stay wed until Ruby’s death does them part. The story is situated in the rural south tobacco farming area during the 1970’s. These scenarios demonstra...