Plot Analysis for the Book of Ruth

1. Prologue: A family of four, Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, and Chilion, moved from Bethlehem in Judah to Moab due to the severe famine in the land during the time of the judges (1:1-2).
2. Presentation of the Problem: Elimelech dies, Mahlon and Chilion die after marrying Moabite women prompting Naomi to move back to Bethlehem, but only one of the young widows accompany her -- Ruth (1:3-14).
3. Development of Plot: Ruth lives with Naomi, and one day when she decides to glean barley at harvest time she meets Boaz who is her kinsman-redeemer; he is kind to her, gives her food to eat, and tells her after her advances of marriage that she has a closer kinsman-redeemer than he (1:14-4:7).
4. Climax: Boaz redeems the land of Elimelech from Naomi, marries Ruth in order to carry on the name of Mahlon, and is sent off by the witnesses with their blessing to be as fruitful as Rachel and Leah; Ruth later has a son (4:8-13).
5. Resolution of Problem: Naomi's line is re-established through Ruth and Boaz (4:14-15).
6. Epilogue/conclusion: Naomi's grandson is named Obed who is the father of Jesse, the father of David, the forefather of Christ (4:16-22).

1. Prologue: A family of four, Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, and Chilion, moved from Bethlehem in Judah to Moab due to the severe famine in the land during the time of the judges (1:1-2).
2. Presentation of the Problem: Elimelech dies, Mahlon and Chilion die after marrying Moabite women prompting Naomi to move back to Bethlehem (1:3-7).
3. Plot Development: Naomi insists that the two Moabite women return to their homeland, and there are many tears as the women embrace each other (1:7-14).
4. Climax: Ruth vehemently argues her case to stay with Naomi no matter what the cost and clings to her until Naomi gives in and takes Ruth back to Bethlehem with her (1:15-18).
5. Resolving Events: Ruth and Naomi travel back to Bethlehem from Moab due to God's blessing in the land; Naomi is recognized but insists that her life is over and God's blessing has departed from her (1:19-21).
6. Conclusion: The two women arrive in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest (1:22).