Comparing John Steinbeck's The Differences Between Ruth And Ruth

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Don is ignorant. However, he is not a horrible person. His opinions of those who are different than him is a reflection of the stereotypical white male- fearful of the other. This can be seen when Don asks Ruth if she was worried about leaving her daughter, Althea, with a Mestizo man. He is surprised when Ruth answers no, before asking if Althea's father would mind having a mixed grandchild. When Ruth responds that she is not married, Don asks her why not. This shows that Don believes himself to hold women to the same standard that he holds men; however, he says things such as "The damn women haven't complained once, you understand. Not a peep, not a quaver, no personal manifestations whatever. They're like something out of a manual.". This

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