f the place where he does so. Then go, uncover a place at his feet,and lie down. He will tell you what to do. (Ruth, 3:4) Boaz, Ruth's husband, becomes a symbol of these things: man, God, and society.Though considerable progress has been made toward freeing women fromthe binding state of marriage since the women's liberation movement tookhold, women are still defined, and define themselves, by the values ofsociety. A woman's sexuality is only acceptable in terms of her malecounterpart. Fashion emphasizes the need to appeal to and satisfy thedemands and interests of a male-dominated society. Finally, concern withthe female figure epitomizes the objectification of women by society and bywomen, themselves.Within all these concerns that revolve around the Judeo-Christianethic and culture, is an appearance of freedom of will and decision for thewoman, but it is an illusion. Contemporary society encourages people to be freethinking, to undergo self-discovery, to be innovative, and to make choices that reflect personal beliefs, and yet this can never truly be attained. An inescapable tradition inexorably flips each child into some predestined groove like a penny or a sovereign in a banker's rack. This groove is established from birth, by one's sex, and the paths betweenwomen and men do not often cross. This destiny is only etched deeper byany attempts to demonstrate the alleged independence. By breaking awayfrom her family and following Naomi to Bethlehem, Ruth digs herselfdeeper still into the groove that ultimately determines her fate. Thus, Ruthcomes to represent a willing acceptance of such a fate. Ruth's exemplaryadherence to the Judeo-Christian ethic paints her as a martyr. This isfurthered by Ruth's bearing of a son, the grandfather of the great KingDavid. Ruth's role as a real person is further undermined as she ismeasured by her ability to bear children, rather than by her personalattributes. Ultimately she is measured by her ability ...
