These are the three options that develop the idea that racially charged confrontations can have a sudden and unpleasant impact. In the first case, the phrase "Ain’t this the living gall!" describes Ruth's reaction at facing this type of confrontation. She is amazed at seeing the lengths people will go to in order to avoid relationships with black people. The phrase "They don't do it like that anymore" describes how conflicts between white and black people have changed, but continue to be present. Finally, the phrase "Lord, Lord, Lord . . ." describes Mama's reaction at the awareness of being involved in this sort of conflict.
