Sarah+-+mod.+connections

[|Mod. Connections Article 1.doc] (i originally highlighted important points, but it's not showing up in this link. sorry) [|Mod. Connections Article 2.doc]

Summary Response to Article 1: In Neal Conan’s interview with several young women activists (Amy Richards, Crystal Lander, and Carrie Lukas) he questioned their ideas on the problems facing women of the 21st century. Among these issues he asks how they define feminism and what problems face the women of today, including the controversies of abortion and women’s health. These women believe in the equality of men and women and the belief in people to “make informed choices about their lives…the ability to make that choice.” Neal Conan’s interview intertwines with the underlying issues of women in controversial roles and the ability to make choices in Barabara Kingsolver’s //The Bean Tress.// Early in the novel, Taylor feels uncomfortable in taking on the stereotypical role of the man while living in Lou Ann's house. She resents the idea of family and "didn't want us to act like a family" (Kingsolver 309). At the same time, she also felt pressured into the role of the mother. Amy Richards argues that "women [who] have chosen to stay at home are...still undervalued." Taylor feels this way as well. Distancing herself from the role of Turtle's mother or care-taker. These opposing feelings represent that Taylor feels the pressures of the work-force and the household, both of which she does not desire. Like in the novel, today these controversies are still seen with women. Moreover, Kingsolver develops the idea of making your own choices based on your own thoughts. "I firmly believe people's personal choice is that, personal," Crystal Lander said in her interview. Taylor mirrors this belief all throughout the novel. She makes her own choices, and sticks with them. For instance, even though Mattie thoroughly tried to convince Taylor to not drive Estevan and Esperanza to their new home (or sanctuary), she still sticks to her own choice. This idea that Kingsolver adresses is still prominent in the feminist movement today. These themes that Kingsolver brings forth in her novel relate to society today because the struggle for women's rights and free choice is an ongoing battle.

Works Cited: Conan, Neal. "Analysis: Young women activists." //Talk of the Nation (NPR).// 22 April 2004. Landsberg, Michele. "Feminist rebels opened doors." //Toronto Star (Canada).// 9 Nov. 2002.