Ruth

Question 1

“The main thing is, I kept you and Tommy apart.”

Chapter 19, around page 232-235

Answer 1

• Ruth admits her manipulation, acknowledging that she prevented Kathy and Tommy from being together.
• This is one of her rare moments of honesty and regret, showing her guilt.
• It highlights her controlling nature but also her desire for redemption before she “completes.”

Question 2

“You’ll have to forgive me if I’m not convinced.”

Chapter 9, around page 115-118

Answer 2

• Ruth often mocks Kathy’s idealism, asserting her dominance in their friendship.
• This quote shows her skepticism and cynicism, contrasting with Kathy’s hopeful personality.
• Reinforces Ruth’s tendency to make Kathy feel inferior or uncertain.

Question 3

“We’re modelled from trash. Junkies, prostitutes, winos, tramps.”

Chapter 14, around page 164-167

Answer 3

• This moment reveals Ruth’s deep insecurity about her identity and origins.
• Her harsh language (“trash,” “junkies”) shows self-loathing, suggesting she internalizes society’s dehumanization of clones.
• Highlights a key theme: do the clones have value, or are they just copies of unwanted people?

Question 4

“Tommy and I were made for each other. It’s just how it is, Kathy.”

Chapter 15, around page 175-178

Answer 4

• Ruth asserts her control over Tommy and excludes Kathy, reinforcing her territorial nature.
• This shows her manipulation—she doesn’t necessarily believe this, but she wants to keep Kathy away.
• Creates tension in their friendship and foreshadows her later confession of guilt.

Question 5

“I kept thinking about the rubbish, the flapping plastic in the branches, and I started to feel really sad.”

Chapter 19, around page 230-233

Answer 5

• This is one of Ruth’s most symbolic moments, where the plastic in the trees represents the clones’ existence—discarded, fragile, and stuck in a fate they can’t escape.
• Shows her growing awareness of their tragic reality.
• The first sign that she regrets her past actions and sees their fate for what it is.

Question 6

Part 1

Answer 6

Ruth starts as dominant figure in Kathy and Tommy’s friendship group.
She enjoys being in control, sometimes acting superior and manipulative
She shows insecurity and a need for validation, wanting to be admired by her peers.

Question 7

Part 2

Answer 7

Ruth becomes more distant and controlling, especially in her relationship with Tommy.
She tries to fit in with the older students by adopting behaviors and attitudes.

Question 8

Part 3

Answer 8

Ruth softens and shows regret for her past actions.
She admits to keeping Kathy and Tommy apart and tries to make amends by encouraging them to seek a deferral.
Her final donation and death highlight her transformation—she is no longer manipulative but instead self-aware.