Beans: When a plant blossoms it produces a seed filled bean pod. The seeds are then used for planting more bean plants or the beans are eaten for a healthy source of nourishment.
Although to some people, beans are just another thing you would find on the dinner table, they can symbolize things with much more meaning. Through out the novel The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, several refrences are made to beans that make the reader relate beans to life situations and relationships.
When a small, hard shelled seed is given care and attention, it can sprout into a thriving plant. The fact that Turtle's first word is "bean" is significant to the story. Growing up with harsh conditions of neglet and abuse, Turtle is a small, closed off child. Like a bean given love and encouragement, Turtle began growing up like a normal little girl, learning to speak and beginning to understand the people around her. With Taylor in Turtle's life, Taylor was able to reverse Turtle's condition of "failure to thrive" (9fsjkfljsdklfjsd). Like bean vines, Turtle clings on to anything near her, holding on to what she can. It proves that support is needed for anything to grow and flourish, whether it be beans or children.
Beans are also a symbol of how beautiful things can survive regardless of their surroundings (as long as they have the things they need). In the back of Mattie's yard, filled with old car parts, "the purple beans appeared to go trooping down the block, climbing over anytyhing in their path" (Kingsolver 61). Another example would the be bean vines growing at the ugly Dog Doo Park. If a person has the right determination and a good head on their sholders they can progess and become successful no matter what kind of town they grow up in. Taylor is a good example of this: she becamse more successfull and more motivated than anyone in her town.
Overall, i believe the beans give the promise that no matter what happens, no matter how bad any situation or surrounding is, that with love, care, and determination you can turn anything into something beaufitul and thriving.
27.3.09
Draft One
Although they're just beans, they symbolize things with much more meaning, and that is just how Kingsolver uses them in the novel The Bean Trees. Throughout the story, several refrences to beans are made.
When a small, hard shelled seed is given love and care, it can sprout into a thriving plant. Turtles first word was "bean". Growing up with harsh conditions of neglet and abuse, Turtle is a small, closed off child. Like a bean given love and affections, Turtle began growing up like a normal little girl, learning to speak and understanding the people around her.
Like people, beans can't just thrive anywhere though; they need to be in the right environment to support them throughout their growth. People need others to help them throughout their life. Turtle needs Taylor, and Taylor also needs Turtle although she may not realize it.
Beans are also a symbol of how beautiful things can thrive while everything surrounding them are not so beautiful; as if the beans are a miracle. In the back of Mattie's yard "The purple beans appeared to go trooping down the block, climbing over anytyhing in their path" (Kingsolver 61). Taylor, decided she was better than anything she could find her town, and decided to do something about it. Like the beans, Taylor became something thriving compared to the rest of the people around her.
Overall, i believe the beans give the promise that no matter what happens, no matter how bad any situation or surrounding is, that with love, care, and determination you can turn anything into something beaufitul and thriving.
When a small, hard shelled seed is given love and care, it can sprout into a thriving plant. Turtles first word was "bean". Growing up with harsh conditions of neglet and abuse, Turtle is a small, closed off child. Like a bean given love and affections, Turtle began growing up like a normal little girl, learning to speak and understanding the people around her.
Like people, beans can't just thrive anywhere though; they need to be in the right environment to support them throughout their growth. People need others to help them throughout their life. Turtle needs Taylor, and Taylor also needs Turtle although she may not realize it.
Beans are also a symbol of how beautiful things can thrive while everything surrounding them are not so beautiful; as if the beans are a miracle. In the back of Mattie's yard "The purple beans appeared to go trooping down the block, climbing over anytyhing in their path" (Kingsolver 61). Taylor, decided she was better than anything she could find her town, and decided to do something about it. Like the beans, Taylor became something thriving compared to the rest of the people around her.
Overall, i believe the beans give the promise that no matter what happens, no matter how bad any situation or surrounding is, that with love, care, and determination you can turn anything into something beaufitul and thriving.
25.3.09
The Bean Trees
The Bean Trees, title of the book, now the chapter title. Even a spotted pig looks black at night. I'm not sure what that means. When Lou Ann comes back from Angel's family reunion, she decides they'r all nicer than Angel. At Roosevelt park, Turtle points out that the wisteria flowers were sprouting beans, and she says "Bean Trees". Lou Ann apparntly doesnt go into Lee Sing's Market; she believes Lee Sing is mad. However, Lee Sing leaves a sign saying "Be back one minute, please do not steal anything. Lee Sing." as if that sign would really stop anyone. Turns out Edna Poppy is blind; it explains why she always wears red, why she is smelling the tissues instead of reading the scent, why people are always anounced to her when they walk into the room, and why she needed to know if she had a lime or a lemon. This bothers Lou Ann, because Edna has babysat her baby, Dwayne Ray.
Surpsingly, to me at least, Taylor goes to visit Esperanza. Esperanza stays rather quiet throughout the visit, which makes sense. I can't really picture her being a talkative person, after everything shes lived through. She compliments her name, which she finds out means wait and hope; ironic because Esperanza should just wait things out, but she doesnt and tries to kill herself, and hope because she should remain hopeful, but she doesnt. She reminds her that Estevan is crazy about her, hoping that will make her feel better.
Lou Ann is offended, as she tells Taylor about her job interviews. A man intervied her, calling her sweatheart and talking to her boobs more than her face. Lou Ann dresed up for it, wearing a nice skirt, blouse and pumps.
Taylor tells Lou Ann that just because she doesn't like Fanny Heaven means she has to ignore it. Taylor tells her that she should get angry. When asked how she never lets someone put one over on her, Taylor replies with "Nutter School" (202) .
Surpsingly, to me at least, Taylor goes to visit Esperanza. Esperanza stays rather quiet throughout the visit, which makes sense. I can't really picture her being a talkative person, after everything shes lived through. She compliments her name, which she finds out means wait and hope; ironic because Esperanza should just wait things out, but she doesnt and tries to kill herself, and hope because she should remain hopeful, but she doesnt. She reminds her that Estevan is crazy about her, hoping that will make her feel better.
Lou Ann is offended, as she tells Taylor about her job interviews. A man intervied her, calling her sweatheart and talking to her boobs more than her face. Lou Ann dresed up for it, wearing a nice skirt, blouse and pumps.
Taylor tells Lou Ann that just because she doesn't like Fanny Heaven means she has to ignore it. Taylor tells her that she should get angry. When asked how she never lets someone put one over on her, Taylor replies with "Nutter School" (202) .
Ismene
This chapter begins with Esperanza trying to kill herself. The ironic thing is that it was with a bottle of baby asprin, as we later learn that she lost her baby. It is almost as if she is so upset about losing her baby that she decides to kill herself with someone resembling her baby. Estevan makes it sound like its something that happens often.
Estevan and Taylor spend a lot of time together in this chapter, and i'm not sure what to think of it. its clear how attracted Taylor is to Estevan and it makes me uncomfortable on the count of Taylor has never really likes anyone, and Estevan has a wife. I know nothing would happen but it just is confusing. Taylor tells Estevan about being a Nutter and the system they went by. Estevan compares it to the caste system. Estevan tells Taylor about the abuse in Guatemala. Taylor realizes her life wasnt so bad. Turns out Esperanze found Turtle so interesting because Ismene, her childs name, was taken from her. They chose saving 17 other people over saving their own daughter. A decision i know i would have chosen, only because trying to save my daughter would be a selfish move. I rather let the others live.
Turtle ends up joining them on the couch. With all of them together on the couch, Taylor thinks of the Family of Dolls she used to play with when she was little.
Taylor tells Estevan about what it meant being a nutter; how everyone knew you were a nutter because of your fingernails.
Estevan and Taylor spend a lot of time together in this chapter, and i'm not sure what to think of it. its clear how attracted Taylor is to Estevan and it makes me uncomfortable on the count of Taylor has never really likes anyone, and Estevan has a wife. I know nothing would happen but it just is confusing. Taylor tells Estevan about being a Nutter and the system they went by. Estevan compares it to the caste system. Estevan tells Taylor about the abuse in Guatemala. Taylor realizes her life wasnt so bad. Turns out Esperanze found Turtle so interesting because Ismene, her childs name, was taken from her. They chose saving 17 other people over saving their own daughter. A decision i know i would have chosen, only because trying to save my daughter would be a selfish move. I rather let the others live.
Turtle ends up joining them on the couch. With all of them together on the couch, Taylor thinks of the Family of Dolls she used to play with when she was little.
Taylor tells Estevan about what it meant being a nutter; how everyone knew you were a nutter because of your fingernails.
Miralces at Dog Doo Park
Taylors Mom is getting married, to Harland Ellestion- he works at a paint shop. Taylor doesnt really like the fact that her Mom is getting married, her mom even says that is happening a little fast. Turtle is talking a lot now, "Cabbage, cabbage, cabbage."(149) Taylor addmits to liking Estevan, and also mentions how limitted her choices were in pittman. Lou Ann discusses Angel, and how it was when the first met. How she thought she could get him to pay attention to her. Taylor admired the wisteria vines in the park that once seemed dead now bloom a beautiful purple, They remind her of a Bible story " where somebody or other struck a rosk and the water pourd out. Only thi was better, flowers out of bare dirt." (152) Hence the reason, the chapter is called Miralce of Dog Doo Park.
Taylor decides to tell Estevan shes sorry for the things Mrs.Parsons said, mentioning how she has a mean streak in her. Taylor even gets enough confidence to tell Estevan that she likes the way she talks; she thinks its beautiful. He tells her that the things she says are poetic; she doesnt understand. He says "Washing Hogs is poetic," (158).
Taylor finally takes Turtle to the hopsital, for all the abuse she suffered when she was little. Turtle seems to be interested in vegatables.Nothing seems to be wrong at first, but then Turtle gets X-Rays.Turns out, Turtle suffers from "Failure to Thrive". The doctor tells Taylor that it is somethign that can be reversed.As he was explaining all these important things that Taylor should be listening to, she was too busy looking out the window at a bird that built a home in a catus.
Angel tells Lou Ann that he is going back to the Rodeo. Taylor and Lou Ann realize Turtle's real name is April. It was rather exciting.
Taylor decides to tell Estevan shes sorry for the things Mrs.Parsons said, mentioning how she has a mean streak in her. Taylor even gets enough confidence to tell Estevan that she likes the way she talks; she thinks its beautiful. He tells her that the things she says are poetic; she doesnt understand. He says "Washing Hogs is poetic," (158).
Taylor finally takes Turtle to the hopsital, for all the abuse she suffered when she was little. Turtle seems to be interested in vegatables.Nothing seems to be wrong at first, but then Turtle gets X-Rays.Turns out, Turtle suffers from "Failure to Thrive". The doctor tells Taylor that it is somethign that can be reversed.As he was explaining all these important things that Taylor should be listening to, she was too busy looking out the window at a bird that built a home in a catus.
Angel tells Lou Ann that he is going back to the Rodeo. Taylor and Lou Ann realize Turtle's real name is April. It was rather exciting.
22.3.09
Chapter 7
How they Eat in Heaven
In the Chapter How They Eat In Heaven, two new characters are introduced: Esperanza and Estevan, who are married. They are Mattie's friends, and they go along with Taylor,Turtle, Lou Ann, Dwayne Ray, and Mattie on a picnic neer a creek. At first, Esperanza seems very interested at Turtle, because it reminds her of what turns out to be her child; by the end of the chapter you learn that Turtle is most likely their child, but there is nothing they can really do about it. When they stop the car because of a group quails, Turtle gets excited. She laughed. It was her first sound, and this made Taylor so happy. Lou Ann points out that if Angel as seen them, he would have given himself points for every quail he hit- just shows what kind of person Angel is. Later on, Turtle said her first word; bean. She said it when Taylor handed her white beans out of Matties jar. She even thinks that Turtle understood her when she told her that the beans she gave her were to play with and not eat.
Lou Ann tells Taylor about her fears, in which Taylor can relate. All about fears that things you imagine will become reality, which is an understandable thing to be afraid of. Thank goodness for self control. Talor and Lou Ann work out a plan so that Tayloe can cook meals certain days and Lou Ann the rest so it is more balanced- less like a wife and husband situation.
Taylor looks really nice, and Estevan compliments her. Esperanza also looks nice, and i wish i could actually have seen the dress she was wearing. No one really understood what Mattie said on TV, but it had to do with immigrants and there rights and violence. Thats all i understood out of it.
Mrs Parsons and Edna do not seem like happy people. They do not like immigrants, and do not aprove of Turtle, or Esperanza or Estevan.
Estevan tells a story, about hell and heaven. Basically saying that people in hell cannot eat because all they care about are themselves, and people in heaven can because they feed eachother, because they care about others well being. I like Estevan and i think he is wise. I think he is understanding, and i think he wants other people to become more accepting.
In the Chapter How They Eat In Heaven, two new characters are introduced: Esperanza and Estevan, who are married. They are Mattie's friends, and they go along with Taylor,Turtle, Lou Ann, Dwayne Ray, and Mattie on a picnic neer a creek. At first, Esperanza seems very interested at Turtle, because it reminds her of what turns out to be her child; by the end of the chapter you learn that Turtle is most likely their child, but there is nothing they can really do about it. When they stop the car because of a group quails, Turtle gets excited. She laughed. It was her first sound, and this made Taylor so happy. Lou Ann points out that if Angel as seen them, he would have given himself points for every quail he hit- just shows what kind of person Angel is. Later on, Turtle said her first word; bean. She said it when Taylor handed her white beans out of Matties jar. She even thinks that Turtle understood her when she told her that the beans she gave her were to play with and not eat.
Lou Ann tells Taylor about her fears, in which Taylor can relate. All about fears that things you imagine will become reality, which is an understandable thing to be afraid of. Thank goodness for self control. Talor and Lou Ann work out a plan so that Tayloe can cook meals certain days and Lou Ann the rest so it is more balanced- less like a wife and husband situation.
Taylor looks really nice, and Estevan compliments her. Esperanza also looks nice, and i wish i could actually have seen the dress she was wearing. No one really understood what Mattie said on TV, but it had to do with immigrants and there rights and violence. Thats all i understood out of it.
Mrs Parsons and Edna do not seem like happy people. They do not like immigrants, and do not aprove of Turtle, or Esperanza or Estevan.
Estevan tells a story, about hell and heaven. Basically saying that people in hell cannot eat because all they care about are themselves, and people in heaven can because they feed eachother, because they care about others well being. I like Estevan and i think he is wise. I think he is understanding, and i think he wants other people to become more accepting.
Chapter 6
Chapter 6's title is Valentines Day, and it is cold in Tuscon. Mattie's bean plants are frozen. AMttie's house was filled with the sent of green-tomato pies baking upstairs, which I thought was rather strange- not something i'd want to eat. Mattie was even kind enough to offer Taylor a job. Taylor mentions how it seems like Lou Ann takes care of the children, while Taylor goes to work. Taylor also discovers that Mattie's place is like a sanctuary for people; a safe place for them to be. Mattie finally finds out that Taylor has a fear of tires, and Taylor realizes how stupid it sounds. Luckily, Mattie explains to her that if a tire did expload it wouldnt be that bad; if it was a tractor tire Mattie would handle it.
As the book goes on, Mattie seems to more of a kinder person. She keeps people safe, offers people jobs, and is almost motherly- all at the same time she manages her own tire shop. Even with all these responsibilities, she comes across as a calm person, someone who doesn't get all nervous or tied up in silly stuff. She knows how to hold her own.
Taylor misses her mom.
Taylor bought Turtle some books, only to come home to hear Lou Ann trying to find Turtle a new name. I would have taken that offensivly; if i named my child one thing, i don't think i'd want someone else trying to tell me to change it. Taylor is not in the best mood, she later realized it was because Lou Ann seems to be the mom, and Taylor the husband. Taylor doesn't want them to be a family, but thats how Lou Ann likes it.
Lou Ann gets drunk, and fears what will happen. It makes me think Lou Ann is so content living on the good side, as if she doesn't trust herself or others. She says "Its Valentines Day...I ran off both my husband and the TV" (117). I feel bad for Lou Ann, but i dont think her divorce was her fault; her husband was just concieted. I wish she wasn't so depressed about Angel leaving- clearly he wasn't that great.
As the book goes on, Mattie seems to more of a kinder person. She keeps people safe, offers people jobs, and is almost motherly- all at the same time she manages her own tire shop. Even with all these responsibilities, she comes across as a calm person, someone who doesn't get all nervous or tied up in silly stuff. She knows how to hold her own.
Taylor misses her mom.
Taylor bought Turtle some books, only to come home to hear Lou Ann trying to find Turtle a new name. I would have taken that offensivly; if i named my child one thing, i don't think i'd want someone else trying to tell me to change it. Taylor is not in the best mood, she later realized it was because Lou Ann seems to be the mom, and Taylor the husband. Taylor doesn't want them to be a family, but thats how Lou Ann likes it.
Lou Ann gets drunk, and fears what will happen. It makes me think Lou Ann is so content living on the good side, as if she doesn't trust herself or others. She says "Its Valentines Day...I ran off both my husband and the TV" (117). I feel bad for Lou Ann, but i dont think her divorce was her fault; her husband was just concieted. I wish she wasn't so depressed about Angel leaving- clearly he wasn't that great.
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