In the novel The Color of Water by James McBride, what does James's mother value?

's
is openly defined as "a Black man's tribute to his white
mother." As a white, Jewish woman, his mother, Ruth, chooses to marry a black man in 1942.
This took place at a time in history where interracial marriages were not as readily accepted as
they are today.

There are numerous things that James illustrates throughout
the text that his mother values.

Determination

Ruth valued
determination. With all of the hardships she faced (an abusive father and mild mother, constant
moving around, and the oppression of the South), Ruth was determined to do better for
herself.

Identity