The Role Of Feminism In The Bean Trees

1250 Words3 Pages

Motherhood and Feminism in the Bean Trees

Joanna Symon
English 11R
Mr. Alfino
May 11, 2015
Symon 1

Feminism is all about equality between men and women. Often times in history woman were discriminated; they had less significant roles in society. After becoming mothers they had to make sacrifices and had fewer opportunities in terms of education and careers. Even in modern society in spite of the technological and scientific advances women's roles haven't changed much. However, some women have broken stereotypes and adversities in order to achieve their goals. In the novel The Bean Trees written by Barbara Kingsolver, feminism and motherhood stands out as significant and paramount themes. The author uses …show more content…

In 1988 she wrote The Bean Trees which reflected various events that she experienced in her life or were set in places she lived. The circumstances in which Kingsolver was brought up, played a

Symon 2 major role in the portrayal of the characters in her novels. The major protagonist in this story is Taylor Greer; other supporting characters are Lou Ann, Alice Greer, Mattie and Esperanza.
The theme of feminism is seen throughout this novel. These female characters who faced obstacles in their lives, but still supported themselves without being dependent on the patriarchal figures in their society. In the beginning of the novel the readers are introduced to Taylor Greer, a courageous and self-reliant woman who leaves her hometown Kentucky and moves towards the west to seek better opportunities. Even with less money, an abused and abandoned child and no place to live, Taylor never lost courage. Later on in the novel we are introduced to Lou Ann another woman who breaks the conventional norms of society and chooses not to live with her husband anymore and support her son by …show more content…

"Gender in the Bean Trees." McClinton-Temple, Jennifer ed. Encyclopedia of Themes in Literature. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2011. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 27 Apr. 2015
Kingsolver, Barbara. The Bean Trees: pg 22 A Novel. New York: Harper Collins, Copyright 1988.
Kingsolver, Barbara. The Bean Trees: pg 45 A Novel. New York: Harper Collins, Copyright 1988. Kort, Carol. "Kingsolver, Barbara." A to Z of American Women Writers, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2007. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 9 May 2015
Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. "Female victims and feminist literature." Encyclopedia of Feminist Literature. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2006. Bloom's Literature.
Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. "matriarchy and feminist literature." Encyclopedia of Feminist Literature. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2006. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 24 Apr. 2015
Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. "patriarchy and feminist literature." Encyclopedia of Feminist Literature. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2006. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 1 May 2015
Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. "single parenting and feminist literature." Encyclopedia of Feminist Literature. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2006. Bloom's

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