What conditions in Ruth’s early life render her vulnerable to Bellingham’s seduction? How does her lack of economic and familial stability impact her decision to live with him? If Mrs. Mason had not cast out Ruth, do you think she would ever have agreed to become Bellingham’s mistress?

Throughout the novel, many women are judgmental and harsh toward Ruth (for example, Mrs. Bellingham, Mrs. Mason, the landlady in Wales, Sally, etc.), while it is Mr. Benson who first shows her compassion and forgiveness. Why does the reaction to Ruth’s choices seem to be gendered? Why does Mr. Benson overlook social convention and feel empathy for Ruth?

Gaskell does not describe the period between when Ruth first goes to live with Bellingham and when the couple is established in Wales. What factors might have contributed to this structural choice? How would your understanding of the characters of Ruth and Bellingham potentially be different if this period of their relationship was described in the narrative?