Who is Ruth Bowman from Going to Meet the Man and what is their importance? Going_to_Meet_the_Man English & Literature Ruth Bowman | Going to Meet the Man

Ruth is a black woman living in New York City. Ruth is raised in the American South by parents who are deeply religious. When Ruth is once caught in the barn with a boy, her family jumps to the wrong conclusions and force Ruth to beg for forgiveness from God. This leaves Ruth feeling like she is a dirty person, someone unworthy of love and respect. Soon after, Ruth comes to New York with a man twice her age who teaches her how to earn respect from those around her. Once Ruth discovers some measure of self worth, she leaves this lover and begins searching for someone who can give her the life she feels she deserves.