Symbols+in+The+Bean+Trees

Presentation 5/13/08 Emily Lutz

This article is kind of long, so I put the important stuff in bold. [|1st article for presentation.doc] This the one I am going to write the summary response on. [|The Bean Trees 2nd article.doc]

Summary Response Emily Lutz Block 3 Janet Taylor Palmer’s analysis of the Barbara Kingsolver’s The Bean Trees, indentifies several symbols in the novel. Palmer says that Lou Ann represents a scared mother with low self esteem, Jesus Is Lord Used Tires represents a sanctuary and the changing of names represents a fresh start. Palmer says that these symbols contribute to the central theme of the novel, the search for identity. In Barbara Kingsolver’s The Bean Trees the sanctuary of Jesus is Lord Used Tires is used to paint Mattie as a Christ figure. Jesus is Lord is a tire shop run by a woman named Mattie. Mattie’s house and business function “as a sanctuary for Central American refugees” (Palmer). Mattie is takes in people who are hurting and need a hand to get back on their feet, like Jesus. The Bible teaches that “religion that God our Father accepts a pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows” (New International Version Disciple's Study Bible James 1:27). Mattie has this type of religion. She takes in Esperanza and Esteven, despite the fact they do not have proper documentation. Miss Virgie Mae Parsons an acquaintance gives her grief for stirring up “trouble with illegal aliens and dope peddlers” (140). Miss Parsons represents hypocritical religion, religion that is more concerned with acting religious than people. Mattie acts a Christ figure in direct contrast with Miss Parsons. Link to the summary response

Kopacz, Paula D. “The Bean Trees” //Masterplots II: American Fiction Series, Revised Edition.// 2000. //Literary Reference Center//. EBSCO. Arapahoe High School Library. 8 May 2008. . Palmer, Janet Taylor. “The Bean Trees.” //Issues and Identities in Literature//. 1997. //Literary Reference Center//. EBSCO. Arapahoe High School Library. 8 May 2008. . Refrenced in the summary response //New International Verison Disciple's Study Bible//. Johnnie Godwin, Roy Edgemon editors in chief. Nashville: Holman, 1988.