I discerned this also. The imdb writeup on the miniseries remake makes it clear that Ruth Crockett was being sexually abused by her father, the slimey Mr. Crockett. Ruth was alone, no mother and no other close relatives to turn to for help. Mr. Crockett was the wealthiest and most influential man in town and of course a perfect stereotype found in other movies and books where the richest most politically influential people in small towns are the most corrupted. Ruth's rejection to her overbearing, incestuous father makes it clear the abuse had been ongoing for some time. Like many unfortunate, innocent young female victims of this kind of secret, domestic incest abuse, Ruth had to swallow it and bear the cross. What else can they do? Where can they go? Who can they turn to? Some of these poor young women will opt out by quick marriage at age 18, or after high school, get out of Dodge quick by moving far away on their own. Those are the clear-thinking ones who realize that trying to do something on their own before age 18 is likely to fail.
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