The Bean Tree - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages The novel is based on the notion that people cannot survive without hope. It highlights the need for strong familial relationships in order to overcome social, political, economic and cultural challenges. The story line addresses contemporary social and political evils, offering hope in situations that seem hard to live by and adapt to. Taylor Greer is the protagonist, narrator and the main character of the novel. Taylor is a wise, smart, open-minded and strong willed young lady who overcomes major challenges in life. She is ambitious, determined, and she knows what she wants. The novel focuses on her growth and maturity, beginning from when she decides to make something out of her life. In order to do that, she leaves Pittman, Kentucky, where she lives with her mother. Her early years in Kentucky have instilled in her the view that the region is backward in every way, except the rates of teenage pregnancies. Her determination and strong character enable her to leave her dull hometown. The strength of her relationships helps her get through her challenges. She gains support, courage and comfort from those around her. After saving enough money to purchase a 1955 Volkswagen which has neither a window nor a starter, she begins her journey. She leaves her past behind, including her real name –Marietta. The decision to change her name shows her strong personality and how determined she is to shape her life. Her new name gives her a wider, newer perspective of the world. Her strong personality is evident from when she was a child and she insisted that her mother call her “Missy,” the same way her mother called her wealthy employees whom she cleaned houses for. The decision to leave home on her own portrays her as gutsy and a risk taker. She views her mother as her role mentor: “There were two things about Mama. One is that she expected the best out of me. And the other is that no matter what I did, whatever I came home with, she acted like it was the Moon I had just hung up in the sky and plugged in all the stars (Kingsolver 13). Taylor is assertive and independent, determined not to rely on a man. She portrays little regard for marriage. She also gives little regard to motherhood until her car breaks down in the middle of Oklahoma, and a Cherokee woman puts a child wrapped in a blanket on her car’s front seat. The woman asks her to take the child. “If I wanted a baby, I would have stayed in Kentucky”, she tells the woman (Kingsolver 24). The woman leaves and vanishes into a pickup. Owing to her kind and loving nature, Taylor decides to take the child with her. That scenario portrays a great sense of responsibility on her part. Taylor suspects that the child has been physically and sexually abused, “a kind of misery” she could not imagine (Kingsolver 31). She is pained and empathizes with the child, indicating compassion. Her independent nature and maturity are highlighted when she takes a job as a maid over Christmas holidays, although she finds no hope in it. She holds onto it for Turtle’s sake, portraying selflessness and tenderness. Taylor is open minded and willing to learn. When she meets Mattie who teachers her about motherhood, she wonders “how many other things were lurking around waiting to take a child’s life when you weren’t paying attention” (Kingsolver 60). She is also adaptable. She easily gets along with people and quickly adapts to situations. Her fears do not hinder her from achieving her ambitions. Her character sharply contrasts that of Lou Ann Ruiz, a fellow Kentucky emigre, Lou. Abandoned by her husband, Angel, while seven months pregnant, Lou faces rejection and ridicule. Unlike Taylor, who is confident and has high self esteem, Lou Ann is generally insecure. ...Download file to see next pagesRead More