Small Great Things

Small Great Things

by

Jodi Picoult

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Small Great Things: Chapter 30, Ruth Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Ruth walks out of the courtroom in a daze. She feels different, but also like nothing has changed. She texts Edison, calls Adisa, and gets a text from Christina. Kennedy and Howard assure Ruth that it's over, and Kennedy invites Ruth out for lunch. Ruth feels like suddenly, she and Kennedy are on equal footing.
Now that Kennedy is no longer representing Ruth, the two of them can move forward and continue to connect as parents and as friends. Ruth can do the same with Christina, now that Christina is willing to listen.
Themes
Belonging and Community Theme Icon
Family and Shared Humanity Theme Icon
Ruth remembers that she forgot Mama's scarf in the courtroom. She runs back to get it and stands alone with the scarf. She thinks that Edison might one day argue a case here and feels free for the first time.
Running back for Mama's scarf mirrors how Ruth eventually returned to her black community—triumphant, and feeling like anything is possible.
Themes
Belonging and Community Theme Icon