Told from a female protagonist’s point of view, the story shows the insecurity a woman faces because of racist prejudices around her in the era and world she lives in. Ruth, a young black woman working as a typist, has a white boyfriend. She has increasingly felt unsure about him and his commitment to her. She even suspects that his white boss is opinionated and disapproving of their relationship.
The story addresses similar themes of power dynamics between white and black people in the United States, it also addresses the social pressure and shame felt by a black woman dating white men. Ruth feels both disrespected by Paul, taken for granted, devalued, and taken advantage of, while at the same time, she fears being judged and devalued by black men for dating a white man who has no respect for her.
Adapted from Baldwin heritage blog
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