Park Ridge Library Discussion Questions
BEAN TREES by Barbara Kingsolver

  1. How is the power of friendship evoked in this novel? (Taylor and Lou Ann; Mattie and Taylor; Mattie and Estavan & Esperanza)

  2. Describe Taylor. Why does Taylor leave Kentucky? In many ways, the novel is "the education of Taylor Greer" What does she learn about human suffering? About love?

  3. Compare Lou Ann and Taylor. Contrast the two women.

  4. How is Taylor able to care for an abused child?

  5. Each character in this novel has faced important choices and has had to live with those choices. How does this apply to Taylor? Estavan and Esperanza? Mattie?

  6. Barbara Kingsolver feels that politics are personal. How does she incorporate this view into her book? Do you think the politics are woven into the story or does it become preachy?

  7. Does the setting add to the story?

  8. Flowers and vegetables are flourishing in the story. What do these growing plants symbolize?

  9. Discuss the humor in the novel.

  10. How are women viewed in this book?

Questions created by Vivian Mortensen, Head of Reader Services at the Park Ridge Public Library.