The Bean Trees: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Bean Trees" by Barbara Kingsolver explores the journeys of its major characters, particularly focusing on themes of resilience, motherhood, and community. The protagonist, Taylor Greer, escapes her small-town roots in Kentucky to raise her adopted Native American daughter, Turtle. After a challenging start, Taylor navigates life in Tucson, where she becomes involved in the sanctuary movement for Central American refugees, embodying strength and optimism. Lou Ann Ruiz, another key character, contrasts with Taylor through her more traditional and pessimistic outlook, yet she provides essential support and friendship. Mattie, the owner of Jesus Is Lord Used Tires, serves as a mentor to Taylor, merging her skills as a mechanic with her activism. Estevan and his wife Esperanza, both Guatemalan refugees, introduce deeper emotional layers as they deal with the trauma of losing their daughter. Other characters, like the elderly Virgie Mae Parsons and Edna Poppy, add complexity to the community dynamic, highlighting diverse perspectives on life and support. Overall, the novel presents a rich tapestry of interconnections among its characters, illustrating their varying experiences and the shared challenges they face.
The Bean Trees: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Barbara Kingsolver
First published: 1988
Genre: Novel
Locale: Tucson, Arizona
Plot: Social realism
Time: Late 1980's
Taylor Greer, the protagonist and narrator. Born and reared in rural Pittman, Kentucky, she vows not to get pregnant and live the rest of her life in Pittman. After graduating from high school and working for five years in a hospital lab, she buys an old Volkswagen and drives west. She acquires an abandoned Native American child, whom she names Turtle, in Oklahoma. Taylor and Turtle end up in Tucson, Arizona, where Taylor struggles to rear a child by herself and earn a living. She becomes involved in the sanctuary movement for Central American refugees. Tough-minded and resilient, Taylor meets these challenges with humor, optimism, and courage.
Turtle Greer, Taylor's adopted Native American daughter. When Taylor leaves Kentucky to drive west, a young Native American woman leaves the two-year-old Turtle in Taylor's car. Turtle has been severely abused and does not begin to speak until six months after her arrival in Tucson. Taylor knows nothing about Turtle's parents or her background.
Lou Ann Ruiz (née Logan), who also is originally from Kentucky. She lives in Tucson with her infant son Dwayne Ray. After her husband, Angel Ruiz, leaves her, she advertises for a roommate, and Taylor and Turtle move in with her. Lou Ann is more traditionally domestic—and more pessimistic—than Taylor, but she provides Taylor with friendship and support, and Taylor works to bolster Lou Ann's self-esteem.
Mattie, the widowed proprietor of Jesus Is Lord Used Tires. She is both an accomplished mechanic and an important figure in Tucson's underground sanctuary movement. When Taylor and Turtle first come to town, Mattie helps them, including later giving Taylor a job at the tire shop. She becomes a role model for Taylor, teaching her about both motherhood and political activism.
Estevan (ay-STAY-vahn), formerly an English teacher in his native Guatemala, is now a refugee living in Tucson with his wife, Esperanza. He works at a Chinese restaurant as a dishwasher. Estevan and Taylor are attracted to one another, but they develop only a close friendship.
Esperanza (ay-spay-RAHN-zah), Estevan's wife. She does not speak much English. Both she and Estevan were active in a teacher's union in Guatemala, and the anti-union government forces abducted their daughter, Ismene, in an attempt to get them to reveal the names of other union members. the loss of their daughter has deeply affected them both; Esperanza has attempted suicide several times.
Virgie Mae Parsons, who lives next door to Taylor and Lou Ann. She is an elderly woman who lives with her companion, Edna Poppy. Opinionated and bigoted, Mrs. Parsons often helps Taylor and Lou Ann with child care while the younger women are at work.
Edna Poppy, Virgie Mae Parsons' housemate. She is also elderly, and blind. Much more sweet-tempered and good-natured than Mrs. Parsons, Edna also helps take care of Turtle and Dwayne Ray.
Alice Jean Stamper Greer, Taylor's mother, who still lives in Kentucky. Her first husband left before Taylor was born, and Alice reared Taylor by herself, supporting them by cleaning other people's houses. She has always been proud and supportive of Taylor.