Most of this portion of The Color of Water is narrated by James McBride's mother Ruth. While in New York, Ruth lived with her grandmother, Bubeh, and worked in her aunt Mary's leather factory. Ruth got to the point that she could not stand her aunt, and thus, moved around looking for jobs in a motley of locations. Living in New York became execptionally expensive, therefore, the family was inclined to move to Delaware. James became caught up in being a Jazz musician, he had an adequate musical background, but poor grades and SAT scores. Ruth and Dennis were eventually accepted as a couple, however, shock was the first expression of Dennis' Family and friends. James went down south looking for his mother's past, in order to be able to understand his own.
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"College was my way out. My Eldest brother's wife, Becky, had gone to Oberlin college in Ohio and she told me I should apply because they had a great liberal arts school, a conservatory of music, and most of all, scholarship money" (McBride 188).Reaction:
Again we see these two themes of education and money. James has found out his interest of Jazz music and would like to pursue a career as a musician. Fortunately for James, Becky has reffered him to a Oberlin College, a college that would allow him to pursue his career while potentially costing him little or no money. As we know, James' family is relatively poor, with his mother scavenging for jobs wherever possible, living a hand to mouth experience. Having to feed, shelter, and put clothes the backs of a copious family of 12 siblings did not appease their economic situation. James was accepted to Oberlin College, in spite of his poor grades and SAT scores.
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