Holden and Jimbo

Describe and discuss the parallels and disfluencies (differences) between Holden, in The Catcher in the Rye, and characters and situation in A Rebel Without a Cause.

The Bean Trees themes, symbols & characters

Answer two of the questions below with thorough and thoughtful comments.

1. How does Turtle symbolize Taylor's transformation?

2. If Taylor had not found Lou Ann would she have been better or worse? Explain with details from the story.

3. In chapter 9 "Ismene," after Estevan tells Taylor what Esperanza's life has been like, Taylor thinks there "was no way on earth I could explain what I felt, that my whole life had been running along on dumb luck and I hadn't even noticed." What does Taylor realize about her situation as compared to Estevan and Esperanza's?

4. What does the night-blooming cereus symbolize? If it is an omen or sign what does it foretell?

5. If Taylor had not inherited Turtle would she have had a better life? How has Turtle affected Taylor's life?

The Bean Trees Characters

Use three words from vocabulary lesson 17 to compare and contrast two characters. Be sure to include issues, conflicts, symbols, and/or themes the characters suggest.

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?

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.

Sections 3 & 4 Catcher in the Rye: points and perspectives

For this blog post, respond to someone's comments in class or talk about ideas for your research essay.
So what do YOU think? In class some of us expressed that the ending was a bit too abrupt. Some voiced their interest in looking at the ducks as a central symbol. Others said that Holden's confusion is what is most important about the book--a sort of focusing on like Mr. Antolini said, Holden's terrible fall, into depression and mental breakdown. Some said the scene when Phoebe and Holden talk about being a catcher in the rye is significant. Maybe you think the carousel scene shows his change. Or, maybe you just want to respond to what someone said in class. Whatever you want to say, just say it.

The Catcher in the Rye chapters 13-15

Holden resists giving Maurice five dollars yet he feels like he wants to give more money to the nuns. Why? Respond in a complete thought of at least one paragraph and provide textual references to support your comments.