The Bean Trees Chapters 1-3
Respond to the following questions. If you have other comments, please post them.
Chapter One "The One Who Got Away"
Taylor's mom compares a scarecrow to a person's character. Discuss her words and how they sum up the decision Taylor makes. What do these words tell us about Taylor’s mother, her values, and Taylor’s upbringing?
Chapter Two "New Year’s Pig"
Chapter Two is told from the perspective of Lou Ann. How does this change in point of view affect the story for you as a reader? Lee Sing compares Lou Ann’s baby to a new year’s pig. Why and what does this say about some of the issues thus far addressed in the novel?
Chapter Three "Jesus is Lord Tires"
Choose details from the story to characterize the shop. Is unusual? Explain your answer.
Labels: "I'm Movin' On"
posted by dr. dalili @ 2:13 PM
25 Comments:
Chapter One "The One Who Got Away"
Taylor's mom compares a scarecrow to a person's character. I think this means that the more full the scarecrow is underneath just that clothing the better, fuller person they are; someone with more of a backbone. I think Taylor's mom is implying that a lot of people in the town where they are from and just empty, lifeless scarecrows. I think this might have influenced Taylor's decision t leave because she just wanted to get away from all the bad empty people. I think these words of Taylor's mom tell us that she is a woman of high character, a woman who values her most loved one (her daughter) and values a good upstanding person. I think this tells us about Taylor's upbringing being very successful (for example, she doesn't get pregnant). And I think it also shoes that Taylor was brought up as a strong up standing citizen like her mother likes.
Chapter Two "New Year’s Pig"
Chapter Two is told from the perspective of Lou Ann. The story being told from the perspective of Lou Ann affects the story for me as a reader by 1) setting the scene of where the whole book is going to take place (aka where Taylor will eventually end up) and 2) giving me a perspective of how a totally different situation is going on with a woman and a baby in comparison to Taylor and her baby situation. Lee Sing compares Lou Ann’s baby to a new year’s pig. Well, thus far in the novel the idea of teen pregnancy and also pregnancy in general has been brought up a lot and how it really weighs down the mother (having to settle, losing money, forcing marriage, cutting life short for the mom).
Chapter Three "Jesus is Lord Tires"
I think the shop is very different, unusual, and mesmerizing all at the same time. All the exotic plants, mugs, and tires really just create this unusual scene and to add the beautiful mural of Jesus in just makes it all very mesmerizing. Surprisingly the whole scene is completely unusual. Mattie being so nice, the shop being so homey, and everything just coming across as nice. It's very different from any other tire shop I can think of. Most tire shops are clean pristine, unhomey like, and the salesmen are always rude and to salesmeny.
Chapter One:
Taylor's mother's words help Taylor ask Mr. Walter for the job down at the hospital because she wants to be a scarecrow with a good stick and not to blow over. In asking for the job her stick is getting stronger. These words tell us that Taylor's mother is not prejudice of any kind, believing that all people are the same it's just what they do with their lives to decide whether they'll blow over or not. Taylor's mother's words about the scarecrow show that Taylor was brought up to see whats around her and to be the best she can.
Chapter Two:
When the story is told from Lou Ann's perspective the mood completely changes. It becomes upsetting and depressing. It makes Taylor's life seem much easier. When Lee Sing compares Lou Ann's baby to a new year's pig saying "Feeding a girl is like feeding the neighbors New Year pig. All that work. In the end, it goes to some other family."(32) This provides some insight to were the baby that Taylor ends up getting comes from. Lee Sing might have been foreshadowing that Lou Ann was going to give up the child, after all she had done.
Chapter Three:
I think that the tire shop is quite unusual. The fact that most tire shops are very business-like and don't have owners that give out apple juice, and use mugs with bunnies all over them. Another reason it's different is because most store owners want to make a sale Mattie doesn't care she just wants to help. It's also different because of the backyard and how there are purple beans everywhere and tomatoes. The tire shop comes across more as a home with a garage full of left over pieces of a car.
Chapter One:
Taylor's mom says that everyone is scarecrow, and that their life is determined by the stick that they're stuck up on. This shows that Taylor's mom believes that a person's future is determined by how he is raised. A scarecrow's stick is its foundation - if the stick is strong, the scarecrow can do its job. A person's childhood determines how he will live life. This shows that Taylor's mom probably taught Taylor important values like honesty and responsibility.
Chapter Two:
When the point of view changed from Taylor to Lou Ann, I noticed a similarity. The babies would have a mother, but not a father. Taylor's baby was given to her, and Lou Ann's husband left her. When Lee Sing compares Lou Ann's baby to a new year's pig, she's saying that she will raise her child, but then she will one day leave her. This could be similar to Taylor leaving her mother when she drives away. It shows that eventually everyone will have to leave their parents.
Chapter Three:
First, "Jesus is Lord Used Tires" is a very unusual name. It doesn't really make sense. Also, the shop is very welcoming, and more like home. The person who works there, or Mattie, gives Taylor a cup of coffee and Turtle a box of apple juice with crackers. Mattie isn't even interested in making a sale. Another thing that's unique about the shop is that there is a garden in the back of Mattie's house. She fills it with vegetables, flowers, and car parts.
Chapter One
Taylor’s mom makes the comment about a scarecrow comparing to a person’s character. This comment suggests that Taylor’s mom thinks someone with strong character and integrity is similar to a strong scarecrow that won’t blow over. These words show that, like Phillip said, the way a child is raised will determine how he/she will live life. Taylor’s mom raised Taylor to be strong and independent. By giving her these morals she is instilling Taylor with the foundation for a strong scarecrow.
Chapter Two
The story being told from Lou Ann’s perspective confused me at first. I am curious how Barbara Kingsolver is going to tie the two different story lines together. But like Maggie said, it totally changes the mood of the story. The story goes from anything is possible Taylor, to my husband just left me Lou Ann. When Lou Ann was checking out at Lee Sing Market, Lee Sing mentions that Lou Ann’s baby is a girl. Then she continues on to say “New Year pig”. Lee Sing explains that “feeding a girl is like feeding the neighbor’s New Year pig. All that work. In the end, it goes to some other family” (43). I agree with Phillip in which Lou Ann is going to put all of her energy, time, and money into raising her baby girl who will eventually leave her like Taylor did her own mom.
Chapter Three
I like the Jesus is Lord Tires. It is a different place with hard-working and honest people (I am sure Mattie is not the only one who works there. And I don’t think Mattie would marry someone who wasn’t similar to herself). Mattie, for example, knows exactly how to adjust something underneath a car and not even get dirty. She then went on and offered Taylor and Turtle some apple juice, coffee, and peanut butter crackers. That is very generous things to do especially to someone you don’t know. And lastly, the garden in the back is exotic and extraordinary. The fact that the tomato plants are growing out of the cars is something that is hardly ever seen.
Chapter One:
Taylor's mom says that everybody is a scarecrow, and the stick the scarecrow is on resembles how the people live their lives. Meaning that you half to make your own stick by making your own decisions. And your decisions determine if you are going to blow over or if your going to stand strong. This tells me that Taylor's mom brought Taylor up with the belief that you have to do things for yourself. Theses words made Taylor think that this decision of working in the Hospital will lead to a strong stick, so that's why she took the job.
Chapter Two:
The perspective changing from Taylor to Lou Ann didn't really make a difference to me. The transition was abrupt from Taylor's story to Lou Ann's but it made sense. Like it didn't start at some random part. and it provided enough details for me to understand Lou Ann and angel and their circumstances. Lee Sing addressing Lou Ann's baby as a pig tells me that the novel is going to show how babies bring people down. As if you could substitute a baby for a pig, and it would have the same lasting effect.
Chapter Three:
Taylor makes it seem like the store is also the Home of Mattie and her husband. Because a shop usually doesn't just have a refrigerator in the building. And Taylor says that the building is tall which means there could be a couple of floors that Mattie lives on above the shop. And the Garden in the back of the building which had very nice and ripe potatoes and beans, in which they harvested. And in front of the shop there is a bunch of tires, as Taylor describes because Turtle won't stop hitting them.
Chapter One:
Taylor's mom said that everyone is like a scarecrow in the way that it only matters what stick they are put on. I think Taylor's mom is trying to say that anyone can really do anything they want. They just need to put themselves on a strong stick and hope they don't fall over.
Chapter Two:
The way the story changes from the point of view of Taylor to the point of view of Lou Ann shows that the story is not just about one persons life. The story is about how many people's lives interact with each other. Lee Sing compares Lou Ann's baby to a new years pig. In the story they say that when you feed a new years pig it just goes to another family. When you feed your child, he or she will eventually leave. Lee Sing is comparing how you give both the pig and the baby away eventually.
I think the shop is very unusual. The name of "Jesus is Lord used tires" is also very strange. Especially when she has a mug with rabbits having sex on it. I find Mattie very different. Another strange thing is that they have many plants in the back including a rare purple bean vine. This shows the unique interests the workers at the shop have.
Taylor's mom came up with the comment on a person's character compared with a scarecrow and the stick. I think she is trying to say that some people in town are just wasting their oppurtunities and will just blow over like a weak scarecrow. She wants Taylor to be strong and do the right things in life and stand on her two feet. As Maggie also said I believe these words encouraged Taylor to get the job at the hospital. When she ask for the job Taylor and her stick get more confidence and she will not just blow over like others in the town.
Chapter Two: When the story changes to the perspective of Lou Ann i got a little confused at first. Then i seen that Barbara Kingsolver was giving us a clue that both babies were basically in the same situation and that Taylor and Lou Ann would eventually be in the same place. Some women gave Taylor the baby and Lou Ann's baby father left them two alone. When Lee Sing compares Lou Ann's baby to a new years pig i began to think that she means all Lou Ann had done, her baby stil will be given up like everyone else.
Chapter One "The One Who Got Away"
Taylor's mom compares a scarecrow to a person's character by saying a person with a strong and determined mind will succeed and not get blown over easily. They will stand strong and achieve things. This shows that Taylor's mama believes in that Taylor can do anything as long as she puts her mind to it. Her mama wants the best for her and treats her like she deserves the best and can do anything if she stays out of trouble. Mama had already made Taylor stay away from trouble and being pregnant. On top of that, these words convinced Taylor she was good enough as anyone so she asked and earned the job. Taylor being taught that everyone is equal it just depends on your attitude and strenth towards life shows that she will settle for what she wants and not what other people tell her she should be doing. She doesn't let people boss her around. She will try to listen to her mama and be stuck on a good stick.
Chapter Two "New Year’s Pig"
Chapter Two being told from the perspective of Lou Ann makes the reader feel less hope for Lou Ann and makes the mood more depressed. the story goes from Taylor's strong attitude towards life,to a more sad story about Lou Ann who seems to have nothing to work towards anymore after her husband leaving her and having no one to help her with her unborn baby. When Lee Sing compares Lou Ann’s baby to a new year’s pig she predicts that after all the work of feeding it, it just goes to another family. This is foreshadowing that Lou Ann's baby is Turtle, who indeed is given to another family.
Chapter Three "Jesus is Lord Tires"
Mattie is a very nice woman who makes the car shop feel somewhat homie to Taylor, especially by inviting her in for coffee and taking care of Turtle. Nothing seems unusual to me about the car shop to me, It just seems like an invitng place where you can get your car fixed and maybe also a place that homes a husband and wife. To me the car shop has a comfortable, layed back, and friendly environment.
Chapter Three: The tire shop seems a little irregular. First of all the name is "Jesus is Lord Used Tires." That to itself is crazy. In a car shop, I have never known an owner to give people that she doesn't even know juice and other types of food or drinks. I would be about buisness if I owned a car shop trying to make as much money as I can. I wouldn't show them around, the first thing I would ask was what can i help you with today and fix there tires, not give them food. The car shop is a strange place or setting and really made me think.
Chapter One: Taylor's mom makes the comment about the scarecrow and the stick it's stuck up on to teach Taylor that some "scarecrows" are stuck up on the wrong stick and they won't do anything in life. But those "scarecrows" who will stay up because of being stuck up on a good stick, those are the ones that will make a difference in the world. Taylor's mother is a strong woman who believes in right and wrong. She only wants the best for Taylor, and that is why she encourages Taylor to take that job at the hospital. Taylor's mom doesn't want Taylor to "blow over" and be like those other teen moms who drop out of school, Taylor's mom wants Taylor to be the difference in rural Kentucky.
Chapter Two: I think the change in point of view shows the reader that Lou Ann will later have an impact on the story. Right now in chapter 2, the reader has no idea who this woman is, but I think as we progress through the story she will have a prominent role. I think her story will later intertwine with Taylor's. Lee Sing compare's this baby to a new year's pig by saying, "having a girl is like feeding a New Year's Pig." This comparison relates back to the issues, because all of Lou Ann's efforts are going into this baby that she will most likely give away or the baby will leave. So all of her effort is for someone else and not herself. This comparison is true through out the novel so far because these teen girls put hard work into school until the realize they can get pregnant at a young age and throw it all away. Their futures were bright and ahead of them, but because they get pregnant at such a young age, this hard work is just being thrown aside.
Chapter Three: The shop, Jesus is Lord Tires, is very unusual. It's not like any other Tire Shop. Most car shops are dirty, clustered, and filled with dark, oil stains. But this Tire shop was different. This shop was covered in vegetables, National Geographics, and flowers. This extremely religious tire shop, is unlike no others, which makes it unusual but unique as well.
Chapter One:
Taylor’s mom says, “a person isn’t nothing more than a scarecrow.” (5) Like Payton and Phillip both said I think Taylor’s mom is trying to say that you have to be true to your decisions and beliefs in life to get somewhere. By always changing it can be bad and show instability and Taylor’s mom doesn’t want that for her daughter.
Chapter Two:
In chapter two it changes perspectives and I think in the end of the book these two perspectives will come together. Lee Sing addresses that, “feeding a girl is like feeding the neighbor’s New Year pig. All that work. In the end, it goes to some other family.” (32) Along with Maggie said I think that Taylor will end up taking care of the baby and then in the end will have to give it away.
Chapter Three:
I think the shop is unusual. A tire shop wouldn’t normally have a women be the one in charge. When I think of tires and cars and people that fix cars I would think it would be manly and their job. Also surprisingly Mattie was very good with Turtle. She knows how to do a men’s job and she’s good with kids. You would also think that she would want to make some money and sell her products but when Taylor mentions that she is practically broke Mattie doesn’t even care.
Chapter 1
If it weren't for Taylor's mom, Taylor would not have had the gutts to ask Mr. Walter for the job. Taylor's mom says that everybody is a scarecrow. Which means that everybody should be treated equally and she doesn't look at anybody any different, even if they are a different race. Taylor is learning to have a good character because of her mom.
Chapter 2
When the story is being told from a different perspective, Lou Ann's, the story completely changes and is completely different. This chapter really makes the reader realize that teen pregnancy can lead to a lot of bad things. And it makes you reconsider your actions and not letting it get that far. These situations were both similar, in the sense that the kids both don't have dads.
Chapter 3
This tire shop is definitely different from most tire shops we know. First, this tire shop had apple juice and was giving it out. Second, Mattie was a really nice person and she really interacted with her customers. The reader could tell that Mattie just had a kind heart. Also, this tire shop had tomatoes in the backyard. That is unusual. Most shops would just like to have business, but this shop just seemed like they wanted to help.
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1.
I feel that the author is trying like in The Catcher in the Rye, to contrast between the main character's ideas and the rest of the world's ideas. This is shown through Taylor having a dislike for the Cherokees, not wanting her birth name, and promising herself not to get pregnant and ending up with a baby by the end of the chapter. The analogy of a scarecrow to a person is similar to this concept. Taylor's mother tells Taylor that a scarecrow is only as good as the stick it is stuck up on. Taylor most likely differs in opinion on this topic, and this is represented by the journey that she takes all the way to Tucson, Arizona. Unlike a scarecrow that is firmly planted in the ground, she is the one that blows away in the wind.
2.
The comparison of a girl to a New Year's pig is the authors way of showing the reader part of the setting and what the point of view of the South is in this portion of history. First, the comparison to a pig shows that people in this time period discriminate against women and think of them as lower than men. But there is also the underlying fact that a girl is married off to a man, showing that women in this time were supposed to be subordinate to men. This chapter sets up the issue of the minority of women in the book in this segment of history.
3.
The "Jesus is Lord Used Tires" shop is another example of contrast in the story and of religious reference. Religious reference is made a lot in the book. But the contrast is what stands out the most. Even though, the shop is called "Jesus is Lord Used Tires", some things around the shop do not seem to reflect Jesus or holiness, especially the mug with the rabbits. Another example of contrast is the outdoor nature dwelling with all kinds of car parts. This contrast show that conflict is arising in the story.
Chapter One:
When Taylor's mom makes the comparison between a scarecrow and a person, I believe she is trying to explain how some people don't give themselves goals or a basis for living. When a person (or scarecrow) is mounted to a strong stick, that means that person has aspirations set that will be the basis of becoming successful; compared to someone who's stick is not stuck hard in the ground, will probably not have their goals or values supporting them. In the end, the metaphor describes how if one does not give oneself a foundation, then one's life will uproot and lead one off track. Taylor's mother has taught her to prepare her own infrastructure, and this is shown when Taylor's mother and herself go through the scenarios of car trouble in order to avoid unforeseen challenges.
Chapter Two:
This new point of view causes the reader to change their opinion of the situation that Taylor claimed to be typical. When the reader listens to Taylor's side of the story, she makes clear that the norm of motherhood should be avoided. However the reader understands, when they read Lou Ann's side, that sometimes one is thrown in to situations that are expected and prepared for; versus Taylor who, despite her preparations, is thrown in to the unexpected. When Lee Sing compares Lou Ann's baby to a new year's pig, she addresses one of the main issues in the story which is the fact that taking care of a child by oneself is a tough challenge and can result to leaving that child. Lee Sing predicts this will be the situation for Lou Ann.
Chapter Three:
The store "Jesus is Lord Used Tires" is different compared to most marketing stores. The insides are very casual and are anything but professional. Also, the cup with the bunnies on it is a contrast compared to the name of the store.
Chapter One:
When Taylor's mom makes the comparison between a scarecrow and a person, I believe she is trying to explain how some people don't give themselves goals or a basis for living. When a person (or scarecrow) is mounted to a strong stick, that means that person has aspirations set that will be the basis of becoming successful; compared to someone who's stick is not stuck hard in the ground, will probably not have their goals or values supporting them. In the end, the metaphor describes how if one does not give oneself a foundation, then one's life will uproot and lead one off track. Taylor's mother has taught her to prepare her own infrastructure, and this is shown when Taylor's mother and herself go through the scenarios of car trouble in order to avoid unforeseen challenges.
Chapter Two:
This new point of view causes the reader to change their opinion of the situation that Taylor claimed to be typical. When the reader listens to Taylor's side of the story, she makes clear that the norm of motherhood should be avoided. However the reader understands, when they read Lou Ann's side, that sometimes one is thrown in to situations that are expected and prepared for; versus Taylor who, despite her preparations, is thrown in to the unexpected. When Lee Sing compares Lou Ann's baby to a new year's pig, she addresses one of the main issues in the story which is the fact that taking care of a child by oneself is a tough challenge and can result to leaving that child. Lee Sing predicts this will be the situation for Lou Ann.
Chapter Three:
The store "Jesus is Lord Used Tires" is different compared to most marketing stores. The insides are very casual and are anything but professional. Also, the cup with the bunnies on it is a contrast compared to the name of the store.
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Chapter One:
In chapter one, Taylor's mom compares a scarecrow to a person's character. I beleive that the underlying meaning to what she is saying is that a person, like a scarecrow is able to stand up for itself. A scarecrow holds its ground, literally by sticking in the dirt and scaring away the crows. A person that is able to stand up for themselves has a strong will and is self-confident.
Chapter Two:
In chapter two the story is told from Lou Ann's perspective. For me as a reader, this helps me to understand the setting of the story and helps to understand the character better. If the story was told from taylor's persspective you wouldn't be able to tell how Lou Ann felt and you also would not be able to understand some of ehr actions as well. You become more connected with the character.
Chapter Three:
I chapter three the reader is introduced to the shop "Jesus is the Lord Used Tires." This shop to me is very eccentric, but in a good way. I beleive that the shop is not only a place where you can find tires, but also a place where you can find yourself. Taylor ends up there with turtle and ends up getting a job their and finds a friend in Mattie and also starts to discover more about hersel. It is also a safe haven for immigrants. The shop is a place where you can find tires, discover new things about yourself, and feel safe.
Taylor's mom helps Taylor with her decision because he quote means a persons a person and to make a difference the person has to be in a good environment because no matter how Taylor is or what she does she wont get anywhere unless she goes to a new place with more opportunities so she can excel. Her mother is wise and unselfish. she has her daughters interest at heart and wants the best for her. she brought her up good but Taylor needs a better place to flourish.
When the point of view changes in the story it may confuse the reader a little but as the story goes on and they connect the reader will have a better understanding. Lee Ann suggest that having a women isn't that great because a women just gets given away but women have the same power as men and it is kind of offensive a sexist.
The shop is named Jesus is lord Tires but there is graffiti on the walls and it isn't the most holey place. but inside are very nice people and they care a lot about other human beings and even dangerous bugs and pests.
Chapter One-I think taylor's mom meant meant that everyone has teh potential to do great things, but its the way they go to do it, or even attempt to do it, that leads to that. this shows that taylors mom brought her up to know that she can do great things, not to underestimate herself. this sums up Taylor's decision because she wants to be able to do things, but she doesn't think she can do it here.
Chapter 2- I thought the change in narration and perspective was nice. Also having 2 different stories happening simultaneously made it more interesting to me. so i didn't have to focus all my attention on one story. It gave me time to think about the previous story while reading another, and trying to figure out how they connect. I think Lee Sing meant by calling Lou Ann's baby a new years pig ("Feeding a girl is like feeding the new years pig. All that work. In the end, it goes to some other family.") I think it had something to do with the fact that lee Sing thought it was a daughter, and after you take care of your daughter and she grows up and gets married, she goes and lives with her husband and her last name changes and all of that stuff. I know that the Chinese worshiped their ancestors, and having a boy was much preferable over having a girl. That way, you could carry on your family name and ancestry. That is what i think lee Sing meant by New Years Pig.
Chapter 3-some things that characterized the shop to me was the fact that in the front of the shop, it was all car stuff, manly stuff that mattie did. She has all the tires and things that repair tires. But when you go through her house and through the back door, she has a huge garden. I think this shows that mattie has multiple personalities. not the disorders, but like just in general. she is able to do both car work and care for herself.
Chapter 1 - I think that when Taylor's mom compares a scarecrow to a persons character I think she is saying that underneath it all the fuller the scarecrow the better he is, saying that if a person is full of personality and things, they will attract more people and have more stability in life.
Chapter 2 - Because the chapter is told in Lou Ann's perspective it gives another look into someone else and it helps to introduce a new look at the theme of the story so far. When Lee Sing compares a baby girl to a new year's pig I think it may have been trying to confuse the reader into thinking that Lou Ann would give up the baby ot something like that.
Chapter 3 - I think that the tire place is unusual and very suitable for Taylor. The owner was very welcoming. I think it is quite ironic that Taylor ended up living in a place with tires all around her considering she feared them. ( from later chapters)
Chapter One: Taylor's mom compares a scarcrow to the personality and character of a person. I think taylor's mom is saying that it depends more on what is underneath the clothes and who the person really is. When taylor's mom says "the only difference between one that stands up good and one that blows over is what kind of stick they're stuck up on." I think she is saying the more important thing is what the "core" of a person is. What their values are and what else is truely important to them. This scene tels me that taylor's mom values a person's true character and what their true values are. Taylor's mom also seems very nonjudgmental when she says "A person isn't more than a scarecrow. You, me, Eral Wickentot, the President of the United Sates, and even God Almighty, as far as i can see."
Chapter Two: When the point of view is changed there is new insight to characters. Before the reader was ableto know what Talor was thinking, but not anyone else. Now the reader knows what all characters are thinking, which can help the reader better understand everything. When Lee Sing says " Feeding a girl is like feeding the neighbor's New Years Pig. All that work. In the end it goes to some other family." I think Lee Sing may be talking about the situation Lou Ann and Taylor are in at this moment in the novel. Taylor has been raised by her mom and is now leaving her home to join some other city. As well as Lou Ann who left Kentucky and moved to Tucson.
Chapter Three: I think the shop is very unusual and different from most tire shops you would find. There are a lot of different plants and mugs in the shop. The muralon the side of the building ia an unexpected thing to have on a tire shop. The name itself is rather odd as well.
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