The Rooted Symbolism in Kingsolver's "The Bean Trees

Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Bean Trees” is a vibrant tapestry of human experience, beautifully woven together through the power of narrative. The novel captures the journey of Taylor Greer, a strong-willed woman from rural Kentucky, who embarks on a life-changing adventure that leads her to adopt an abandoned child and create a makeshift family in the arid landscapes of Tucson, Arizona.

“The Bean Trees” is much more than a coming-of-age story; it’s a profound exploration of human resilience, community, and the complexity of relationships.

These themes are masterfully encapsulated in the symbol of the ‘bean tree,’ or the wisteria vine—a resilient plant that thrives in the most unlikely environments, much like Taylor and her new-found family.

In the parched soil of Arizona, the ‘bean trees’ serve as a powerful metaphor for resilience and survival. They thrive against the odds, their blooming flowers a symbol of hope in a harsh, barren landscape. Their roots form a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia, tiny bacteria that help the plant survive in nutrient-poor soil.

This symbiosis can be likened to the relationships that Taylor forms throughout her journey—each character contributing to the other’s survival, their shared experiences helping them to grow and flourish amidst adversity.

Furthermore, Kingsolver employs the bean trees as a symbol of the diverse forms that family can take. Much like the wisteria, family is not always about blood ties but rather the connections we nurture and the bonds we build. In her Arizona family, Taylor finds love, acceptance, and support—elements that enable her to put down roots and grow in ways she never imagined.

Get quality help now

Prof. Finch

Verified

Proficient in: Flowers

4.7 (346)

“ This writer never make an mistake for me always deliver long before due date. Am telling you man this writer is absolutely the best. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

The theme of motherhood, too, finds resonance in the bean trees. Taylor’s journey into unexpected motherhood with the little Cherokee girl, Turtle, mirrors the growth of the wisteria from a small seed into a blossoming tree. The relationship between Taylor and Turtle evolves and deepens over time, much like how the wisteria becomes more entwined and complex as it grows.

Moreover, the novel presents a striking parallel between the plight of the Cherokee people and the bean trees. Both have suffered in inhospitable environments, yet they continue to persevere. Their shared narrative of survival, resilience, and growth further accentuates the symbolic significance of the bean trees in the novel.

“The Bean Trees” is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of resilience. It paints a vivid picture of how individuals can grow in unexpected ways, much like the resilient wisteria, blooming amidst adversity. The story teaches us that, akin to these remarkable plants, we too can foster deep roots of resilience, enabling us to thrive in the most challenging conditions.

In conclusion, Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Bean Trees” masterfully intertwines a rich tapestry of compelling narratives, relatable characters, and powerful symbolism. By associating the characters’ lives with the bean trees, Kingsolver successfully explores themes of resilience, motherhood, and the unconventional forms that love and family can take. The novel stands as a compelling ode to survival and growth, a testament to the power of nurturing connections, and a reminder that even in the most desolate landscapes, life finds a way.