Olivia DAndrea

Mrs. Hope
World Lit.
9 November 2015
Authors Craft Analysis of the Book of Ruth
In the Book of Ruth, the authors use of imagery, connotation, and theme helps to convey
the story of Ruth and the faithfulness that we should all express towards God. Also, like many
other works in the Bible, it contains some unique and interesting foreshadowing to get its point
across. For example, in the beginning of the book, in the first chapter, it is addressed that the
family had lived in Moab for 10 years. Then, at the end of the book, in the final chapter, when
the line of Perez is announced, it is evident that there are 10 generations of that line. This is a
recurring theme in the bible, and is present in both major and minor details. It is through these
literary devices, style, and narrative elements that the book of Ruths meaning can be understood
and explained.
The Book of Ruth often uses connotation and imagery to get its point across. For
example, in Ruth 1:14, it was expressed how they broke into weeping again and how Ruth had
clung to her mother. The words clung and weeping definitely gave the passage more
emotion- specifically sorrow and grief, and the picture of Ruth desperately grasping her mother
(Ruth 1:14). It is also clear that in line 21, when the Lord had dealt harshly with Naomi and
gave her misfortune that Naomi was experiencing more than just bad luck, and was
experiencing a very bitter time in her life, therefore helping you to assume she didnt look her
best, either (Ruth 1:21). So, through the usage of connotation, it can be determined that a portion
of the text has a negative connotation, which is the entire first chapter of the Book of Ruth.

Besides connotation, the Book of Ruth also contains many narrative elements, specifically
conflict and theme. The conflict in this passage, although brief, is when Ruth ignores and
disobeys her mother, Naomi, who is trying to tell Ruth to go back to Moab without her. Ruth
refuses to leave her mothers side, saying, wherever you go, I will go; wherever you lodge, I
will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. / Where you die, I will die,
and there I will be buried. Thus and more may the Lord do to me if anything but death parts me
from you (Ruth 1:16-17). The conflict in this story, expressed by the earlier quote, helps to set
up the whole story, and thus defines the entire story.
The next narrative element used in the story, which is the theme, is just as important as
the conflict. It helps set the tone and mood of the entire passage, and helps to clarify the motive
of the story. The theme of the Book of Ruth is staying faithful to God and your family. This
theme helps to maintain the storys tone and gives a motive behind the characters actions. For
instance, in Ruth 1:16-17, with the theme kept in mind, it is evident that Ruth wants to stay
faithful and loyal to her mother by accompanying her to Bethlehem. However, without a theme,
Ruths actions could have been misinterpreted as just wanting to avoid going home, and
therefore changing the entire plot of the story.
The aspects of authors craft that have been discussed are very important when analyzing
the meaning and purpose behind the Book of Ruth. Without many of these important literary
devices, it would be nearly impossible to interpret the importance of this story. More specifically,
in the Book of Ruth the general theme of faithfulness and loyalty is emphasized by the continual
use of connotation and imagery, especially in the first chapter, which sets the mood for the entire
book. It is through all of the previously stated uses of techniques that the Book of Ruths theme
and morals are fully understood and conveyed.