With a partner (or two), discuss the questions and answer them with a post online. Be sure to list the names of the people in your group. Also, as time permits, work on your 15 word exercise from the last class.
1. Describe Marietta/ Taylor. What do you think she looks like? What sort of person is she?
2. How do you think Newt Hardbine died?
3. What two promises does Marietta/Taylor make to herself when she leaves Pittman, Kentucky?
4. What do you know about the life that the baby lived before she was given to Taylor?
5. Compare the way that Chapters One and Two are narrated.
6. Describe Lou Anne. Compare the way she thinks about life with her mother. How does her mother feel about her marriage?
7. What do Lou Anne and Taylor have in common?
8. Why did Lou Anne and Angel's marriage fall apart? Who caused the problems and why?
9. Describe the time that Taylor and Turtle live at the Broken Arrow Motel in Oklahoma?
10. Describe Mattie.
11. How did "Jesus is Lord Used Tires" get named? Why is this an appropriate name for Mattie's business?
12. Why do you think Taylor picked the name Turtle for the baby?
13. What does Angel do with the bottle of baptismal water Grandma Logan leaves for Lou Anne?
14. How do Taylor and Lou Anne meet?
15. Explain the irony of the fact that "the first killing frost of winter came on Valentine's Day."
16. Why does the priest, Father William visit the tire shop so often?
17. Describe Estevan and Esperanza.
18. What is the point of Estevan's story about heaven and hell?
19. How does Lou Anne feel about her Mom marrying?
20. What is the symbolism of Wisteria? How does this symbolism relate to people in the novel?
21. Respond to Estevan's statement about Americans? (ch. 8)
22. What sort of people does Mattie give sanctuary to?
23. What does Angel say to Lou Anne when he comes back?
24. What do the x-rays from Dr. Pelinowsky reveal?
25. What is Turtle's real name and how does Taylor find out?
26. Why did Estevan and Esperanza give up their daughter?
27. How does Edna Poppy save Turtle?
28. How does working at the salsa factory change Lou Anne?
29. Where does Mattie take everyone to experience the first summer rain?
30. Look up the word "anthropomorphism" and find three examples in the description of the storm and the desert that begins ch. 12.
31. How does Taylor feel about Estevan and what does she do about it?
32. What is the symbolism of the night-blooming Cereus plant? How does this relate to the symbolism of Wisteria?
33. How does Taylor respond after Turtle is attacked?
34. Is Taylor a hero? Give reasons for your answer.
35. How do Estevan and Esperanza feel on the Indian reservation?
36. How do Estevan and Esperanza help Taylor to adopt Turtle?
37. Why does Esperanza cry at the adoption? Look up the word "catharsis" and explain what it means in this context.
38. Should Lou Anne get back together with Angel?
39. What do you think the future holds for Taylor and Turtle? List five questions that are left unanswered at the end of the book.
40. Read the following statement that Barbara Kingsolver made about The Bean Trees, then make a list of five or more examples to show how the "central question" is answered in the book:
| "I always think of a first novel as something like this big old purse you've been carrying around your whole life, throwing in ideas, characters, and all the things that have ever struck you as terribly important. One day, for whatever reason, you just have to dump that big purse out and there lies this pile of junk. You start picking through it, and assembling it into what you hope will be a statement of your life's great themes. That's how it was for me. It probably wasn't until midway through the writing that I had a grasp of the central question: What are the many ways, sometimes hidden and underground ways, that people help themselves and each other survive hard times?" |
Vanessa Torrance & Syasia Smith
ReplyDelete1: Marietta/ Taylor always been interested in working when she was younger.
2: Newt Hardbine was shot.
3: she promised herself not to get pregnant or take care of any kids.
4:Taylor thinks the baby has been abused/sexually abused, because of the way she grabs on to people.
Amelia Carter
ReplyDeleteClara O'Connor
1. Lightly tanned skin and long dark hair. Plain, not very extraordinary, though she is confident.
2. Newt shot himself.
3. That she will get herself a new name, and that she will stop wherever her car stops running.
4. We know that the baby was abused sexually.
5. Chapter one is narrated in first person, by Taylor. Chapter two is narrated in third person, the subject is Lou Ann Ruiz.
6. Lou Ann is somewhat meek. Her mother didn't like Lou Ann's choice of husband because she didn't like Mexicans.
7. Lou Ann and Taylor both have babies with no help raising it.
8. Angel caused the problems. He accused her of cheating and of wanting to cheat. He thought that his accident repulsed her. He blamed her for their problems. I think the problem was that Angel didn't love her anymore.
9. They lived in the smallest room at the end of the rows of motel rooms. They stayed for most of the holidays and Taylor made some money helping around the place, cleaning and such.
10. Mattie wears a long grey braid down her back, and jeans, cowboy boots and a red bandana. She is very nice and generous.
11. The repair/mechanic shop was named by Mattie's husband, Sam. He was a fanatical.
12. Taylor picked the name Turtle because the baby is small and she clings to you like a mud turtle after it bites you.
Tess Austin
ReplyDelete1. Describe Marietta/ Taylor. What do you think she looks like? What sort of person is she?- I imagine Taylor as a tall, thin, tanned girl. Dark brown hair, slightly narrowed eyes. She’s a determined person. She knows what she wants and she’ll do anything to get it.
2. How do you think Newt Hardbine died?- I think that Newt died of a slab wound, judging by the wounds described.
3. What two promises does Marietta/Taylor make to herself when she leaves Pittman, Kentucky?- She promises herself that she'll get herself a new name and not stop until her car broke down.
4. What do you know about the life that the baby lived before she was given to Taylor?-You know that it was terrible and that she was abused.
5. Compare the way that Chapters One and Two are narrated.-chapter one was narrated by Taylor, describing her life and stuff. Chapter two is narrated by Lou and is in 3rd person as apposed to the first chapter which was in first person.
6. Describe Lou Anne. Compare the way she thinks about life with her mother. How does her mother feel about her marriage?- Lou Ann is obsessed with her husband and her baby-to-be and her appearance. Her mother is a cranky old woman who hates her daughters husband.
7. What do Lou Anne and Taylor have in common?-they both now have a child.
8. Why did Lou Anne and Angel's marriage fall apart? Who caused the problems and why?- Angel only likes what he doesn't have. Once he loses his leg, he losses motivation and goes out looking for excitement that Lou Ann couldn't provide.
9. Describe the time that Taylor and Turtle live at the Broken Arrow Motel in Oklahoma?-Taylor gives Turtle a bath and gets better aquatint with her.
10. Describe Mattie.-Mattie is the owner of Jesus is lord used tires.she is a safe heaven for people who illegality crossed the border. She also has a garden with been trees, thus the name of the book.
Yulyia Otchych
ReplyDeleteI. esDcribe Taylor.
Taylor is an outgoing person who takes risks. She is responsible and cares for the baby. Even thought she did not want to be a mother, she still does it to help the baby. Taylor is pretty selfless. She is practical and spirited.
II. How did Newt Harbine die?
He overfilled his tire and was thrown onto a billboard.
III. What promises does Taylor make when she leaves Pittman, Kentucky?
She promised to give herself a new name and to that she would drive west until her car stopped running.
IV. What do you know about the life the baby had before she was given to Taylor.
The baby was not treated right in her old home. She had bruises all over her body.
V. Compare the way Chapter Two and Chapter One is narrated.
Chapter one is narrated in first person as Taylor. The second chapter was narrated in third person as Lou Anne.
VI. Describe Lou Anne. How does she feel about her mother? How does her mother feel about her marriage.
Lou Anne is a woman who really loves her husband. She wants what is best for her baby. She is not selfish and she is kind. She is motherly and soft.Lou Anne’s mother is against her marriage to Angel.
VII. What do Lou Anne and Taylor have in common?
Taylor and Lou Anne both have children that they did not want.
VIII. Why did Lou Anne and Angel’s marriage fall apart? Who caused problems and why?
Lou Anne and Angle’s marriage fell apart after Angel was in an accident and lost his leg. They didn’t talk to each other as much and they faced the opposite directions when they went to bed. Angel thought his amputation repulsed her.
IX. Describe the time Taylor and Turtle live in Broken Arrow.
When Taylor and Turtle lived in Broken Arrow, the owner seemed to want they baby. She kept saying how her daughter looked very becoming with Turtle.
X. Describe Mattie.
Mattie was a really nice person. She didn’t judge Turtle’s name and she even invited Taylor inside for coffee even though she couldn’t pay for tires.
XI. How did Jesus is the lord tire place get its name? How was it appropriate?
That is the name of the shop because the owner and his wife are Christians.
XII. Why do you think Taylor picked the name Turtle for her?
Turtle was slow when she did things. Se was three years old but still doesn’t talk.
XIII. What does Angel do with the bottle of baptism water?
When Angel sees the bottle, he drains it into the sink.
1. I think she looks sort of like an average girl with very dull features and sort of like a country person. She is a relatively smart person.
ReplyDelete2. I think that he was shot.
3. She makes the promises to get a new name as well as that she would stay wherever her car died.
4.We know that the baby had been abused before she was given to Taylor.
5. Chapter 1 is narrated by the protagonist and Chapter 2 is narrated by someone else and is put in the past.
6. She is someone who cares for her husband and is sensitive towards him after his accident. Life with her mother was not as easy, and her mother does not agree completely with the marriage.
7. Both of them were left with the baby that they had to take care of all on their own.
8. Their marriage fell apart because of Angel. He had gotten into an accident where he lost is leg and then he never acted the same after that.
9. Taylor earned money by changing beds and Mrs. Hoge took care of Turtle for her.
10. Had a long gray braid of hair going down her back, blue jeans, cowboy boots, red bandana, and a nice personality.
11. Mattie’s husband had decided on the name. It fits the business because Mattie is relatively nice and seems like a good person.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNeriah Santiago...
ReplyDelete1. I think Marietta is about 5 feet 5inches tall. I think she has long brown hair. I think she may have a young look to her, but mixed with an amount of maturity. She seems really responsible.
3. Marietta promised herself that she would get a new name. Taylorville inspired her, she said whereever the gas ran out she'd look for a sign. The second promise was one that she broke and it had to do with where she ended up.
4. I think the baby wasn't being well-taken care of and we know she was sexually abused.
5. Chapter one is told in the first person from Taylors' point of view. Chapter two is in third person.
7. LouAnn and Taylor both have babies they have to take care of alone.
8. I would blame Angel because he drove her to want to cheat and to actually do it.
9. Taylor gives Turtle a bath and gets to know her better.
10. Mattie owns a tire shop. She has the garden with the bean trees. Her shop is a safe haven for illegal immigrants.
11. Matties' husband named the shop. He is a fanatical Christian.
12. Taylor chose the name Turtle, because the child was small and clings to to you like a mud turtle after it bites you.
13. Angel drains the holy water.
11. How did "Jesus is Lord Used Tires" get named? Why is this an appropriate name for Mattie's business?-her husband started it, and he named it. it's appropriate because to refugee's that live upstairs, she kind of is the Lord
ReplyDelete12. Why do you think Taylor picked the name Turtle for the baby?- she had a very strong grip.
13. What does Angel do with the bottle of baptismal water Grandma Logan leaves for Lou Anne?-he dumps it down the drain.
14. How do Taylor and Lou Anne meet?-Taylor sees the add in the paper and goes over to talk to her.
15. Explain the irony of the fact that "the first killing frost of winter came on Valentine's Day."-it's ironic because death and love shouldn't be associated. Valentines day should be a happy occasion.
16. Why does the priest, Father William visit the tire shop so often?-He visits the refugees.
17. Describe Estevan and Esperanza.- they are from Guatemala, Estevan is a English teacher and Esperanza isn't even close to fluent. they lost a daughter.
18. What is the point of Estevan's story about heaven and hell?- the point is to show the two stuffy old ladies how rude their being.
19. How does Lou Anne feel about her Mom marrying?-she's shocked and appalled, and feeling a little lost.
20. What is the symbolism of Wisteria? How does this symbolism relate to people in the novel?- They grow even in the dead of winter. They can flourish in harsh conditions.
21.Respond to Estevan's statement about Americans? (ch. 8)-He says that we think that we deserve all the bad things tat happen to us. I agree.
22. What sort of people does Mattie give sanctuary to?- illegal immigrants.
23. What does Angel say to Lou Anne when he comes back?- That he was going away for good.
24. What do the x-rays from Dr. Pelinowsky reveal?- that she had stunted growth, but now she's growing again.
25. What is Turtle's real name and how does Taylor find out?- April. Because when she siad April loudl, turtle looked up.
26. Why did Estevan and Esperanza give up their daughter?- to save their village. They sacrificed one for many.
27. How does Edna Poppy save Turtle?- she hits the attacker with her cane.
28. How does working at the salsa factory change Lou Anne?- she feels more in charge and involved.
29. Where does Mattie take everyone to experience the first summer rain?- so they can feel intunded with nature.
30. Look up the word "anthropomorphism" and find three examples in the description of the storm and the desert that begins ch. 12. -the storm was alive and wild.
ReplyDelete31. How does Taylor feel about Estevan and what does she do about it?- she has a crush on him but she doesn't do anything about it. He is married after all.
32. What is the symbolism of the night-blooming Cereus plant? How does this relate to the symbolism of Wisteria?-Again it symbolizes that they can thrive in situations that you would expect them to wither away and die.
33. How does Taylor respond after Turtle is attacked?-she runs around the house trying to get a bug out of it.
34. Is Taylor a hero? Give reasons for your answer.- sure. she saved turtles life by taking care of her. She is Turtles own personal hero.
35. How do Estevan and Esperanza feel on the Indian reservation?- they are saddened and reminded of their homeland.
36. How do Estevan and Esperanza help Taylor to adopt Turtle?-they pretend that Turtle is their daughter that they are giving to Taylor.
37. Why does Esperanza cry at the adoption? Look up the word "catharsis" and explain what it means in this context.-it means the release of strong emotion. Esperanza is finally giving up on her daughter.
38. Should Lou Anne get back together with Angel?- nah. Angels a scumbag.
39. What do you think the future holds for Taylor and Turtle? List five questions that are left unanswered at the end of the book.-I wanna know how her mothers wedding went, i wanna know what happens to the couple, I want to know if Taylor will get a boyfriend.
40. Read the following statement that Barbara Kingsolver made about The Bean Trees, then make a list of five or more examples to show how the "central question" is answered in the book:
-different people handle it differently. Turtle closes up and doesn't talk. Taylor works and escapes, Lou Ann finds something to care for.
Clara O'Connor
ReplyDeleteAmelia Carter
13. Angel pours the water down the drain.
14. Lou Ann put an add in the paper about a room mate, and Taylor found it and went to Lou Ann's apartment.
15. Valentines Day is supposed to be about love and happiness, instead the killing frost happens and death and love do not usually mix.
16. Because Father William takes the people in Mattie's upstairs rooms away.
17. The are dark and quiet. They have shining eyes and dark hair. Their faces are angular and their feet are small and quiet.
In 2008, an Indian tribe took back a Native American baby from Heather and Clint Larson. The baby was taken away from his original home in the tribe because the tribal courts deemed his birth mother unfit to care for him. After being adopted by the Larsons (the baby was also part European and Mexican, making him eligible for adoption), the mother changed her mind and wanted the baby back. Because she was still unable to take care of the child, the baby was placed in foster care in the tribe, not with his family.
ReplyDeleteHannah MacLagger
ReplyDeleteIn 1995 a white couple adopted a pair of Native American twins that were originally born to and unmarried Pumo couple. However, two years later, the biological paternal grandparents wanted the twins back, claiming they were wrongfully taken from them.
Federal regulations say that any person who has 50% or more Native American blood is Native American. Therefore the twins, Bridget and Lucy Rost, who are only thirty-three percent Native American, are not legally reconized as Native Americans.
Lizbeth Gonzalez, Djana Sefo, Raven Marrese…
ReplyDelete1.Lightly tanned skin and long dark hair.
2.Newt was thrown into a billboard after his tire exploded.
3.She promised to get a new name and not stop until her car broke down.
4.That the baby was sexually abused.
5.Chapter one is narrated in first person and chapter two is narrated in third person.
6.Obsessed with her husband, her appearance, and her baby to be. Her mother hates her daughter’s husband.
7.They both have a baby.
8.Angel caused the problems. She was accused of cheating. He blamed her for there problems.
9.The smallest room at the end of the row in a motel.
10.Mattie is a old lady, who works at Jesus Is Lord Used Tires. She wears a braid in her hair and wears cowboy boots with jeans. Very nice and loving.
11.The shop was named by Mattie’s husband, Sam.
12.Taylor picked the name turtle because it clings to you like a mud turtle.
13.Angel drains the holy water from the creek that Taylor was baptized in.
14.Lou Anne puts an ad in the newspaper to have a roommate and Taylor is interested in the place and she becomes Lou Anne’s roommate.
15.Because Valentines day is the day of and the reason that it’s so ironic is that the weather is so harsh on the day that most people would like to share a love with each other.
16.The reason that Father William visits the tire shop so often is because he is helping the people in the sanctuary.
17.They are from Guatemala. Estevon is a teacher. Esperanza does not know English. They both have lost a daughter.
18.The point expresses the ignorance of the stuffy old ladies.
19.She is very surprised and confused.
20.They can flourish despite any conditions that they may be put in.
21.He says that we think we deserve all the bad things that happened to us. We agree.
22.Illegal immigrants from Guatemala.
23.That he was going to leave and never come back.
24.Her growth was increasing although she had a growth stunt.
25.Her real name is April and she found out because when her name was called, she looked up.
26.They sacrificed their daughter to save the village.
27.She attacks the person with a cane.
28.She feels that she has more authority and is more included.