Peace Like A River Character Analysis

In Peace Like a River motherly figures play an important role for Reuben, especially during troubling or stressful times. This is shown in the book after Jeremiah's wife, who left after she found that he was no longer going to be a doctor, is explained. This is first shown with Bethany Orchard on page 30, next with Mrs. DeCeuellar on page 81, and finally many times with Roxanne throughout the book. Bethany Orchard is the first of the motherly figures in the book. She is shown as being very Mature for her age of only twelve, cooking for her family and having "old hands". She is also described as having very business like movements, she treats Reuben in a very adult and even motherly way, even hand feeding him an