Her face, seen so close, is built of great flats of skin pressed clean of color except for a burnish of yellow that adds to their size mineral weight, the weight of some pure porous stone carted straight from quarries to temples. Words come from this monumental Ruth in the same scale, as massive wheels rolling to the porches of his ears, as mute coins spinning in the light. You have it pretty good.
The passage describes a character, Ruth, whose face is depicted with a striking lack of color, dominated by a yellow sheen that gives it a weighty, stony quality. This imagery emphasizes her presence, likening her features to heavy, flat surfaces made of a mineral-like substance. The description conveys a sense of gravity and permanence, suggesting that Ruth embodies a powerful and monumental figure.
In addition, the text illustrates how Ruth's words have a similar weightiness, resonating with the same magnitude as physical objects like large wheels or spinning coins. This comparison implies that her speech carries significance and impact, contrasting with the visual simplicity of her appearance. Together, these elements portray a complex character whose external simplicity masks a deep and profound influence.
