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1. What kind of tone does the Prologue have?

The Prologue has a sad, nostalgic, and regretful tone. The narrator is remembering things from a long time ago and seems both sad and pained by the memories.

2. What does the reader learn about Ruth's character and personality by the end of Chapter 1?

By the end of Chapter 1, the reader learns that Ruth is very strong and willing to do almost anything to survive. She finds work and food for herself and her children even though she had to flee her old home in the middle of the night and had no friends or family to count on for support.

3. What is Iris's relationship with her mother like in the beginning of the novel?

Iris seems to both dislike and respect her mother in the beginning of the novel. Ruth is very strict and mean, which Iris doesn't like, but Iris also knows that Ruth's hardness is what has kept them out of harm.

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