A contrast exists between the Midrash's portrayal of Ruth's inborn modesty and the simple reading of the text which portrays Ruth's learning process with regard to modesty. Naomi embraces Ruth as a partner. Ruth and Naomi deal with two challenges of survival: the short-term one of obtaining food and the long-term one of continuity of progeny.

Ruth
Naomi
Boaz
Modesty
Go'el
Redeemer
Moavite
Moav
Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion