# Ruth States Her Intentions explained — The Coming of Bill

> Chapter companion for The Coming of Bill by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Bailey Bannister, agitated by Clarence Grayling's account of Ruth's rejection, rushes to his sister's home to confront her. Ruth calmly defends her views on eugenics and her refusal to marry men she deems unfit, citing her Aunt Lora's influence. Bailey accuses Aunt Lora of poisoning Ruth's mind, but Ruth remains resolute, asserting her duty to the future of the race.

## Themes in this chapter

### Eugenics and Heredity

Ruth explicitly discusses eugenics, questioning the quality of children she might have with Clarence Grayling and emphasizing her duty to the future of the race.

### Individualism vs. Interference

Bailey tries to interfere in Ruth's personal choices, but Ruth asserts her own will and rejects his attempts to control her.

### Marriage and Companionship

Ruth's refusal of marriage proposals and her criteria for a suitable partner highlight her unconventional views on marriage.

## Character check-ins

### Bailey Bannister

Rushes to confront Ruth after hearing from Clarence Grayling; fusses over Ruth's behavior and blames Aunt Lora.

### Ruth Bannister

Calmly defends her rejection of Clarence Grayling and her eugenicist views; asserts her independence and duty to the race.

### Grayling

Rabbit-faced young man who proposed to Ruth and was rejected; his story prompts Bailey's visit.

### Aunt Lora

Referenced through her photograph and Ruth's quoting of her; Bailey blames her for influencing Ruth.

## Key lines

> I asked him what sort of children he thought we were likely to have if we married.

Ruth questioned Clarence about the genetic quality of their potential offspring.

_Illustrates Ruth's eugenicist reasoning for rejecting Clarence._

> A nice girl ought not to think about such things.

Bailey believes that a proper young woman should not consider matters of heredity and reproduction.

_Highlights the generational and ideological conflict between Bailey and Ruth._

> She can feel that it is her duty to bring fine children into the world.

Ruth believes women have a moral obligation to produce healthy, superior offspring.

_Reflects the eugenicist philosophy Ruth has adopted from Aunt Lora._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_of_bill_se/chapters/ii-ruth-states-her-intentions
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_of_bill_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_of_bill_se/chapters