Abstract:
The relationship that the author of the book of Ruth shows to exists
between his characters, Ruth and Naomi has been read or interpreted by
scholars in various ways. Some say it is a lesbian or bisexual relationship,
others a type of patriachal structure that ties a woman to her mother-in-law
even after the death of her husband (Nelson, 1967 & Fuchs, 1983) and still for
Dube it is an unfair relationship where mutual love is lacking (Dube, 2001).
This thesis, on the other hand understands it differently: It is a
relationship driven by chesed (loyalty). This is a reading by means of narrative
critical approach, focusing among others on characterization and narrative view
point. In other words, the submission of the author of this thesis is that it is an
underlying loyalty that the author of the book presents as keeping the young
woman, Ruth and the aged woman, Naomi together. The main significance of
the study is that it offers another perspective to understanding the Ruth and
Naomi’s relationship by offering an opposing view to others who have read the
story as a homosexual relationship or a permanent bond established between a
mother and her daughter-in-law in a patriarchal household.
