What happens in the first chapter of The Bean Trees?

What happens in the first chapter of The Bean Trees?

One day, when Taylor is working at the hospital, Jolene and Newt are brought into the emergency room. Jolene’s shoulder is bleeding from a bullet wound, and Newt is dead. From clues and insinuations, we gather that years of abuse and neglect from his father led Newt to shoot Jolene and himself.

What time period does the Bean Trees take place in?

Widespread violence and political upheaval marked a 36-year period in Guatemala that spanned the 1960s through the mid-1990s. During this period, Guatemalans lived in fear and oppression as opposing forces both tore apart the government and terrorized its citizens.

What is Turtle’s first word in The Bean Trees?

bean

How old is turtle in The Bean Trees?

This silence, however, is due to Turtle’s history: although she is only three years old, Turtle has already been physically and sexually abused. Although Taylor has spent her life avoiding pregnancy, she keeps Turtle with her.

What does Turtle symbolize in The Bean Trees?

“Bean,” Turtle’s first word, symbolizes the promise that, like a dried-up seed that grows, a mistreated woman may thrive if given enough care. The bean trees, another name for the wisteria vine that Turtle spots in Dog Doo Park, symbolize transformation, a spot of life in the midst of barrenness.

What is the other name for dog doo Park?

Sitting in Roosevelt Park (also known humorously as Dog Doo Park) under the arbor of wisteria vines, they discuss the upcoming marriage of Taylor’s mother.

What is Fanny heaven?

In “Heaven,” Fanny is spoiled and doted on by her father Luke. She becomes wild and promiscious at an early age, and Heaven tries to reign her in, with little success. Fanny’s mother, Sarah abandons the family, and Heaven is forced to become the mother to the family.

Is Fanny pregnant with Logan’s baby?

Meanwhile, Fanny tells Heaven that she and Logan have been intimate and that she is pregnant with their child. When Logan returns, he confesses. Although enraged by his betrayal, Heaven forgives Logan but remains estranged from Fanny. Soon after, Heaven discovers that she is pregnant.

How does Cynthia refer to Turtle?

Note that Taylor is convinced that Turtle is “planting” the dolls. Here, Kingsolver foreshadows the future as Cynthia expresses her concern about Turtle “burying” the dolls. Kingsolver creates suspense as Mattie discusses the penalties involved in transporting illegal immigrants, including jail and stiff fines.