The Bean Trees chapters 1-8
Post three comments by answering a question from each of the small group reading discussions below from chapters 1-8.
Thanks for the questions!
Chapters 1-3
1. Do you think Taylor will have the strength and ability to keep Turtle? Do you think that Turtle's mother will show up later in the novel?
2. Do you think that Taylor's fear of tires leads to a deeper phobia she has in her life? Examples?
Chapters 4-6
1. How has Taylor's attitude and demeanor changed since she has met LouAnn, and the other way around?
Chapters 7-8
1. In chapters 7 & 8, Turtle says her first word: bean. what do you think the beans symbolize and why are they important?
posted by dr. dalili @ 9:09 AM
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Chapters 4-6
I think Taylor's attitude, personality, and her life has greatly changed since she's met Lou Ann. Taylor used to be that tough and rough girl on the outside that didn't really care. But now after she's met Lou Ann, Taylor has become more of a worry wart like Lou Ann and more cautious and thinks about the future and how might things affect the long run of life. I think Lou Ann has changed after she's met Taylor because she's become less of a worry wart and is just able to enjoy life a little more. In addition I think Taylor's original confidence has rubbed off on Lou Ann because she has become much less self conscious and self hating.
Chapters 1-3
I don't think Taylor will have the strength to give up Turtle, however I do believe she will accomplish that challenge despite its difficulty; I also think Turtle's mother will show up, but the mother will not be who she is expected to be.
Chapters 4-6
Ever since Taylor has met Lou Ann, she has become more sensitive and has learned not to judge people so easily; while Lou Ann has become stronger and more confident in her decisions.
Chapters 7-8
I think that Turtle's first word (bean) symbolizes the slow yet steady growth of not only Turtle but of life as well. The bean shows how something so rough can soon become something beautiful. This idea could also introduce the concept of patience.
Chapter 1-3
I do think that Taylor will keep turtle. Even if the state tries to take turtle away because Taylor isn't her legal guardian. Turtle has no one else and the "system" would halt her recovery to normal social behavior even more. Even more I believe Taylor is too closely attached to Turtle to let her go.
Chapters 4-6
Taylor has changed since she met Lou Ann. I think the change also comes from the fact that they run the house like a family.I also think Turtle has changed Taylor. Before Taylor had a very black and white outlook on life to just go somewhere new. Now i feel Taylor has matured and sees deeper meaning in life and everything.
Chapters 7-8
I think Taylor's first word being bean symbolizes growth.In addition I think it also plays on to the quote Doc told us "still waters run deep" A bean seems really plain and insignificant but as it grows it starts life and can become a beautiful plant. I think that is the case with Turtle she may seem stupid at first but then you realize there are much more deep issues
Chapters 1-3
1. Do you think Taylor will have the strength and ability to keep Turtle? Do you think that Turtle's mother will show up later in the novel?
I think overtime Taylor will gain the strength (if she doesn't already have it) to keep Turtle and raise her into a fine human being. No I don't think Turtle's mom will show up later in the book because that pretty much unlikely and very non-real life.
2. Do you think that Taylor's fear of tires leads to a deeper phobia she has in her life? Examples?
Yes, I think that Taylor's fear of tires leads to her deeper phobia of her life exploding. I think Taylor is afraid that her life will become too full and complicated that it will blow up like the tires. I think this is why Taylor never wanted a child and why she moved away; she wants a simple life and as much non-complication as possible.
Chapters 4-6
1. How has Taylor's attitude and demeanor changed since she has met LouAnn, and the other way around?
I think Taylor's attitude, personality, and demeanor has greatly changed since she's met Lou Ann. Taylor used to be that tough and rough girl on the outside that didn't really care. But now after she's met Lou Ann, Taylor has become more of a worry wart like Lou Ann and more cautious and thinks about the future and how might things affect the long run of life. I think Lou Ann has changed after she's met Taylor because she's become less of a worry wart and is just able to enjoy life a little more. In addition I think Taylor's original confidence has rubbed off on Lou Ann because she has become much less self conscious and self hating.
Chapters 7-8
1. In chapters 7 & 8, Turtle says her first word: bean. what do you think the beans symbolize and why are they important?
I think the bean symbolizes new growth. They are important because beans can be planted, grown, and turned into something magnificent. I think this symbolizes turtle's life. She was planted in the dirt and made all dirty when she was abused, but now that she's met Taylor she is growing and flourishing.
1. In chapters 7 & 8, Turtle says her first word: bean. what do you think the beans symbolize and why are they important?
When Turtle says "bean", I think it symbolizes Turtle and Taylor's growth. The book is titled "Bean Trees" not just beans. The trees grow from the seed of the bean which symbolizes Turtle and Taylor's state of mind in the exposition of the story. Just as a seed is small, they had little knowledge of what the world was like; Taylor because of her isolated upbringing and Turtle because of her young age. But as the seed slowly grows into a tree, Turtle and Taylor also begin to find out what life is.
I think Taylor will have the strenth to keep Turtle. Now that Taylor is looking for Turtle's real moher, i think Taylor will find the real family and get the papers signed to keep Turtle. Taylor was sure of herself but when it came to keeping Turtle she was indicisive whether or not she was a good mother. After Mattie, Lou Ann, and Cynthia knocked some sense into her she realized she should keep Turtle. Now that she is determined to keep Turtle and is sure of herelf as being a good mother, i think when she finds Turtles real family, she will make them sign the papers and make sure she keeps Turtle because she is on a mission and now knows what she wants. I think she is really starting to have a special bond and relationship with Turtle. When somone tried to attack Turtle and Edna, Taylor didnt hold and comfort Turtle that night because she was confused and was worried about how the world and the life she had to offer Turtle wasnt enough. After she realized no one can make the world perfect, they can just do their best to make a good life for their child. After she was sure of herself and what she wanted, I dont think Taylor would want to give this bond up that she has with Turtle.
Chapters 4-6
1. How has Taylor's attitude and demeanor changed since she has met LouAnn, and the other way around?
Since Taylor met Lou Ann she became more aware of the life around her and also learned how to be a parent. On pg. 101 taylor says, "I suppose some of Lou Ann had rubbed off on me,for me to take this laugh as a sign". Lou Ann was always cautious and paying attention to details. This made Taylor realize how much danger in the world their is and also how the world has a lot to offer. Also, Lou Ann made Taylor change gears and realize that even though the world was a dangerous place for Tirtle, she still had to try to raise Turtle the best she could.
Chapters 7-8
1. In chapters 7 & 8, Turtle says her first word: bean. what do you think the beans symbolize and why are they important?
the word bean means growth and change. If you have hope and wait for your time, you will grow. On p. 151 its says," It was another miracle. The flower trees were turning into bean trees. Thie symbolizes that it was finally time for the flower to grow into a bean tree. Everythingg eventuall grows but it may take a while to have its turn.
Chapter 1-3
I think that Taylor will have the strength to keep Turtle. After Lou Ann gave Taylor the talk about being strong and such Taylor changed. She made an appointment with their therapist to talk about being able to adopt Turtle. Which she wouldn't have been able to do without having talking to Lou Ann. I do think that Taylor's mother will show up later in the story. I think that her mother will show up beacuse of the advice she gave in the beginning of the book. I think she'll make a reapperance to either give more advice or meet Turtle.
I think her experience with the exploding tire tractor causes her to be more skittish in the future. She is more careful and constantly worries about it. On the other hand I also think that the tires proved something. The fact that Taylor has the the courage to go back and work for Mattie in the tire shop shows that she is willing to challenge herself.
Chapter 4-6
Taylor has become more motherly and happy. She has been giving more advice and has gained more self confidence. Lou Ann has become a lot more self confident, as seen when she stops cutting her hair. She also slowly forgets about Angel throughout the time that she spends with Taylor.
Chapter 7-8
I think that the beans symbolize growth, development, and life. Turtle has grown so much since she has been in the care of Taylor, both physically and mentally. Mentally she has become less clingy and become more independent. Physically she has grown and become a much happier child. Beans can also symbolize life because, beans obviously are a plant and grow but they also show the life around them growing; Dwayne Ray and Turtle, even Lou Ann and Taylor. The beans are important because they symbolize all of this and it gives us insight on Turtle and her situation.
Chapters 1-3
1. I think that Taylor will keep Turtle and if Turtle’s mom does return Taylor will do everything in her power to keep Turtle. Turtle has changed Taylor’s life in more ways than imaginable. It will be hard in the beginning but I think that they will help each other grow and mature.
Chapters 4-6
1. Taylor has changed greatly since she has met Lou Ann and the other way around. Before Taylor met Lou Ann, she didn’t know anything about how to be a mom and more importantly how to be a great friend. Lou Ann was self conscience and didn’t believe in herself before the met Taylor. Taylor has taught her how to believe she is someone important. I think Taylor and Lou Ann will be best friends for the rest of the book because they have (even if Taylor doesn’t like it) become a family.
Chapters 7-8
1. I think the importance of Turtle’s first word is that it symbolizes personal growth and development. Beans start as a seed and through the process of life they grow into a living vegetable. This symbolizes Turtle’s life. She starts off in her “shell” and when she finally puts her roots down with Taylor in Tucson, she starts to grow. But beans are usually eaten and I don’t think anything bad like that will happen to Turtle.
Chapters 1-3
1. I think Taylor will keep Turtle because she loves her. When the social workers were trying to send Turtle to a foster home, she talked to Mattie to find a loophole in the system. She also set out to find Turtle's relatives. I think that Turtle's mother will show up later to help Taylor out. She will probably go back to Tucson and sign papers for Taylor.
Chapters 4-6
1. Since Taylor has met Lou Ann, she has learned a lot of things. Lou Ann taught her to be careful because of her paranoia. Taylor's also learned how to be a mother. She needs to take care of Turtle properly, and Lou Ann knows what to do. Lou Ann has also influenced Taylor because she doesn't give up. When Taylor is feeling like she has lost, Lou Ann fights for her. She doesn't let people make fun of her or abuse her.
Chapters 7-8
1. I think that "bean" symbolizes what she will do when she grows up. She has an interest in plants because she only says that names of plants. Also, she memorized the names of every flower in a book that was given to her. Furthermore, she likes to bury things. She buried a bean in the park one time. Since she has an interest in plants and likes to bury things, she might want to be a farmer when she's older.
1-3: Yes, I do think Taylor will have the strength and ability to keep Turtle. Taylor truly cares for Turtle, if she didn't she would have gotten rid of her. But Taylor will grow to love Turtle and her shy ways. I think Taylor has a tough shell on the outside, but on the inside she's very sensitive. Taylor has enough strength and she definetly has the ability to keep Turtle.
4-6: Taylor used to be a tough girl, but now that she's met LouAnn, she's softened up. LouAnn's maternal ways have also rubbed off on Taylor. Taylor no longer acts in an individual way, she now has responsibilities in her life. Lou Ann has changed as well throughout the novel. Lou Ann has began to think more on her own. Lou Ann is a very insecure person, but ever since Taylor, she has become more secure, and she has let loose. Lou Ann is much more relaxed and care free than it used to be, before Taylor.
7-8: I think beans symbolize Hope and Patience. Turtle was extremely quiet and shy at first, but sooner or later, she became more open and outgoing. Taylor was patient with Turtle, who eventually began to spoke. Beans are important in this story because not only were they Turtle's first word, but they play a big role in this book. The Bean Trees, also known as the 2nd miarcle of Dog Doo Park, were grown after a long time. No one would ever guess that the flower trees would change into beans, which represents hope.
1-3
Yes, i do think Taylor will have the strength and ability to keep Turtle. She seems like a very mature and responsible 18 year old. I do think Turtle's mother will show up later in the novel. When this happens, I have a feeling that Taylor will be very upset because she has grown attached to Turtle.
4-6
Since Taylor has met Lou Ann, she has grown up a lot and has started to look at things though a different perspective. She has grown up as a person and now a "mother."
7-8
I think Turtle's first word "bean" symbolizes growth and maturity. Not only does this word symbolize Turtle and Taylor's individual growths, it symbolizes their growth together and how far they have come. A bean is planted and then it grows.
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Chapters 4-6
I think Taylor really changed drastically since she met Lou Ann. Before Taylor met Lou Ann she wanted to be seen as tough and different from everyone else. She really didn't communicate well with others and wanted to get away from her life. Now that she met Lou Ann, Taylor cares about Turtle and her social life is improving. She actually has someone that she can relate to and she has become sensitive. Lou Ann has become stronger and she loosened up to let others come into her life. She isn't so secure now with the things she says and her actions.
Chapters 7-8
I think Turtle's first word being "bean" symbolizes her growing up and showing her opening up. A bean grows up out of the ground and has roots. Turtle relates to the beans and it shows how she is now talking and becoming open to Taylor and Lou Ann. Her and Taylor will be together to live a good life and actually find out about the world.
Chapter 1-3
I think that with help and guidance from Lou Ann, Estevan, Esperanza and Mattie she will learn how to take care of turtle. Taylor's love and affection towards Turtle will allocate the strength to keep her in the end.
Chapter 4-6
Lou Ann has in a way learned to move on from Angle by being around Taylor. Taylor shows this to Lou Ann because Taylor was able to leave her home town and find a new place to live and find work. Lou Ann being able to move on means she isn't thinking about Angel and she isn't sad that he left her. Taylor has become more high spirited by being around Lou Ann because Lou Ann is a very high spirited person.
Chapter 7-8
I believe that the beans symbolize a start to life. Meaning that it will be a completely different experience now that Turtle has come out of her shell. Also i believe that it will show Turtle growth and how Taylor Esperanza and Estevan will grow through the novel as Turtle does. It is important to show the beans as a symbol of growth because the whole book imitates how Taylor is growing up.
Chapters 1-3
1. Yes, I think that Taylor will have the ability and strength to keep Turtle. As she has taken care of Turtle she has become more and more attached and loves her and like Taylor says when you love someone its very hard to let go and after losing Estavan I don’t think she wants to lose Turtle as well.
2. No. I think that the only reason why Taylor remains to be afraid of tires is because Newts dad. I don’t think she would want to risk her life because she has known someone personally who got very hurt because of it so I don’t think she wants to spend a future like that.
Chapters 4-6
1. I think that Taylor has opened up a lot more and become her own person ever since Lou Ann came into her life. She has learned how to take care of Turtle and Lou Ann is like her best friend which she probably didn’t have many friends where she used to live because everyone wanted to get pregnant and have kids right away.
Chapters 7-8
1. When Turtle first says bean she is in the Mattie’s garden and I think the garden symbolizes universal immigration and a bean is just a small part of that garden and it shows that she was a small part of the immigrants that came to Mattie.
Chapters 1-3:
I believe that Taylor's fear of tires does has a deeper phobia in her life. I think that Taylor is afriad of having something in her life become disturbed, such as her getting pregnant, and letting that destroy her life or make it in a sense explode. Taylor is afraid something drastic will change her life and not let her live up to her full potential as a person.
Chapters 4-6:
Around Lou Ann, Taylor's life has become more structured. She states in the story that she becomes more anxious about dangers and is thinking like Lou Ann. This has taught Taylor how to bbe a good mother. I think that Lou Ann helped Taylor prepare for her journey to take care of Turtle. I also believe that Taylor has helped Lou Ann grow as well. She helped Lou Ann realize how to become a more free spirited and open minded person. I think that Taylor has helped Lou Ann branch out and become less self concious about herself and just to live her life.
Chapters 7-8:
I think that bean (Turtle's first word) is a symbol for growth and change. This story is based off the concept of change and how changing your life in different ways can affect the way you grow as a person. I think that the word bean is important because it is the true meaning of growth in the story and how as the characters literally grow, they also figuratively grow as people inside and out.
Chapter 1-3
I do believe that Taylor will keep April or Turtle. She loves her too much and she has really changed Taylor's life. Taylor is now more open and doesn't just care about herself. She actually has someone to look after so it keeps her busy. If Turtle's mom shows up Taylor would fight her hardest to keep her. She understands that they probably didn't want her before or abused her so why give her back now.
Chapters 1-3
1. Yes, I think that Taylor will have the ability and strength to keep Turtle. As she has taken care of Turtle she has become more and more attached and loves her and like Taylor says when you love someone its very hard to let go and after losing Estavan I don’t think she wants to lose Turtle as well.
2. No. I think that the only reason why Taylor remains to be afraid of tires is because Newts dad. I don’t think she would want to risk her life because she has known someone personally who got very hurt because of it so I don’t think she wants to spend a future like that.
Chapters 4-6
1. I think that Taylor has opened up a lot more and become her own person ever since Lou Ann came into her life. She has learned how to take care of Turtle and Lou Ann is like her best friend which she probably didn’t have many friends where she used to live because everyone wanted to get pregnant and have kids right away.
Chapters 7-8
1. When Turtle first says bean she is in the Mattie’s garden and I think the garden symbolizes universal immigration and a bean is just a small part of that garden and it shows that she was a small part of the immigrants that came to Mattie.
chapter 7-8, I think that the beans represent life and growing up. I think this is because throughout the book they talk about growing and maturing and almost every character in the book has matured or grown in some way Turtle in particular.
chapter 7-8, I think that the beans represent life and growing up. I think this is because throughout the book they talk about growing and maturing and almost every character in the book has matured or grown in some way Turtle in particular.
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