In Barbara Kingsolver's novel, The Bean Trees, she creates an implicit argument that a human being cannot thrive in isolation. Each character is strong in their own way but they still need someone by their side they can depend on and someone to depend on them. ... That's right, that's a bean. ... The ironic thing about Turtle's first word being "bean" is that the beans are also working to survive and live off of something that needs them or wants them to live. ... The old car parts seem to be dead with no life at all, but in reality they are a home for the beans and vege...

• Word Count: 2103
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

Realities of Motherhood: Levels of Love and Fear in "The Bean Trees" It has been said that he who fears not gives advantage to danger. ... In Barbara Kingsolver's The Bean Trees, main character Taylor obtains a completely unanticipated child upon her arrival in Tucson, Arizona after rigorously avoiding motherhood in her hometown of Pittman, Kentucky for several years. ... "The Bean Trees" is an inspiring story of two loving mothers who learn for themselves while teaching us at the same time. ...

• Word Count: 954
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School