The Bean Trees' an Exploration of Motherhood and Belonging

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver is a poignant and compelling novel that explores themes of motherhood, identity, and belonging. Set in the 1980s, the novel follows the journey of Taylor Greer, a young woman from Kentucky who sets out on a road trip to escape her small town life and find her place in the world.

Throughout the novel, Taylor learns the importance of family and community, and how they shape one's sense of identity. As she travels through different states, she encounters a diverse group of people who become her chosen family, including Lou Ann, a single mother struggling to raise her son, and Estevan and Esperanza, a Guatemalan couple who have fled their country in search of safety.

One of the most significant themes in the novel is motherhood, as Taylor finds herself unexpectedly caring for a young Cherokee girl she names Turtle. As Taylor navigates the challenges of being a single mother, she learns about the resilience and strength required to care for a child, and the importance of creating a safe and loving home for her daughter. Barbara Kingsolver mentions Taylor’s mom cleaning up houses and calling the owners Ms or Mr “ I stamped my foot and told my mother not call Marietta but miss Marietta, as I had to call all the people including children in the houses where she worked to miss this or mister”. As you can see, Taylor’s mom had to clean for houses and she and Taylor had to call the owners and the children Ms or Mr. It is a shame that she and Taylor have to call the owner’s Ms and Mr because she does not have as much money as the owners she’s cleaning for. The owners are treating her as, for instance, lower-class (which she is). America does not live up to its promise because it is not supporting people like Taylor’s family. Taylor and her mom were struggling and there was no support from America. Another example of this when Taylor sees these men,” Look at those guys out in the park with no place to go,” I said.” and woman, too. I've seen whole families out there”. As you can see, America is just not supporting it’s people at all. Taylor says she’s seen families out in the streets, but America is not doing anything. America promised freedom and Opportunities, but where is the support at. There's no support because these people are left on the streets. 

Another central theme in The Bean Trees is the idea of belonging. Taylor struggles to find her place in the world, and through her experiences with Lou Ann, Estevan, and Esperanza, she learns that family and community can be found in unexpected places. The novel highlights the importance of connections and relationships, and the role they play in shaping one's sense of self and belonging.

The Bean Trees is also a commentary on social and political issues of the time, including immigration, racism, and poverty. Through the characters of Estevan and Esperanza, Kingsolver shines a light on the struggles faced by refugees seeking safety in the United States, and the discrimination they face from those who fear them. The novel also explores the impact of poverty on individuals and communities, and the importance of social programs to support those in need.

In conclusion, The Bean Trees is a powerful novel that explores complex themes of motherhood, identity, and belonging. Through the experiences of Taylor and her chosen family, Kingsolver highlights the importance of relationships and connections, and the resilience required to navigate the challenges of life. The novel also serves as a commentary on social and political issues of the time, and reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in building a more just and equitable society.