The entire male family perceives women as existing solely for their benefit. Teddy regards Ruth as both a mother and a supportive partner, whereas Max and Lenny quickly label her as a prostitute. Furthermore, Max attempts to belittle the other men by calling them "bitches" or using other derogatory terms often directed at women. Ruth, in turn, uses sexism to mock Lenny. After teasing Joey, she suddenly stands and demands a drink. When Lenny inquires if she wants it with ice, she responds, "Rocks? What do you know about rocks?" Her double entendre is evident to Lenny. The play can be seen as an attempt to keep women "in their place," but Ruth ultimately prevails against this effort. She takes control, leaves an unfulfilling marriage, and takes charge of business negotiations, demanding a contract with strong economic terms. Ruth chooses to use her body as she sees fit to achieve her objectives, ignoring the opinions of others, including her husband. As Pinter noted in a discussion with Mel Gussow of the New York Times, "Ruth in The Homecoming—no one can tell her what to do. She is the closest to a free woman that I've ever written—a free and independent mind."