What the differences and the similarlity between Jmes and Ruth?

I think to add that although James had the retrospect of his mother's experiences, he had his own internal problems. Unlike his mother, James had family support. Like his mother James struggled with identity. I think it was a combination of normal teenage angst combined with the fact that he was visibly of mixed race. This put him at odds with two,often conflicting, race relations. Unlike his mother, James does't have to literally flee. He instead falls into a less than desirable crowd. Fortunately Ruth is always there, a strong presence to sort him out.