Name:____________________________                              Date: ____________________

The Color of Water  by James Mc Bride

Chapter 1 – “Dead”

1. Ruth says, “Rachel Shilsky is dead as far as I’m concerned. She had to die in order for me, the rest of me, to live.” What does she mean?

2. Why is Ruth no longer a Jew? What circumstances caused her to give up her religion?

3. What are Ruth’s father and mother like? Compare and Contrast using descriptions from the text. 

4. Based on Ruth’s description of her parents, how does she feel toward each of them?

5. Give one example of humor (from this chapter).

6.  Why is the chapter called, “Dead”?

7.  A memoir is a journey in time. Explain