The Bean TreesChapter 9-10

Anissa Hernandez

Allusion 1

“This was not the – what do you call? The P.T.A.” (p.183)

The P.T.A. is an acronym for parent -teacher association. An organization of parents, teachers, and staff that is intended to involve parent opinion and participation in a school.

Allusion 2

“ like if you could return a baby after thirty days’ examination like one of those Time-Life books,” (p.186)

Time- Life is a creates and markets books, movies, video/DVD, and other multimedia products. It’s products are commonly sold throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia

Allusion 3

“ A hundred and fifty pounds equaled one pair of Levi’s” (p.188)

Levi’s are brand of denim jeans known worldwide. Levis were founded in 1853.

Allusion 4

“ Lou Ann came home from the Ruiz Family reunion singing “ La Bamba.” ” (p.190)

“La Bamba” is a Mexican folk song, best known for a 1958 version sung by Ritchie Valens. “La Bamba” was one of early rock and roll's best-known songs.

Allusion 5

“or sometimes she called it “Two-Two,” which is what I had named my Volkswagen,” (p.191)

Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer and has factories in many parts of the world.

Characterization

Taylor is somewhat ignorant about things that occur outside of her surroundings.

“ What do you mean, they use them for interrogation? Do you mean they question you over the telephone?” (p.180)

Indirect Characterization

Characterization

Estevan is not a selfish person and makes decisions based on what’s best for everyone

“ And you picked the lives of those seventeen people over getting your daughter back?” I said. “Or at least a chance at getting her back?” (p.184)

Indirect Characterization

New character

Ismene is Estevan and Esperanza’s daughter. She was taken by Guatemalen government so that Esteven would be pressured to give up the names of seventeen other teachers.

New Character

Lee Sings mother, whom no one has seen for years but it is known that she is always in the back of the store.

New setting

In chapter 10 Taylor goes upstairs for the first time at Mattie’s. Taylor describes it as crowded and cluttered.

Higher Level Question 1

Why do you think Taylor falls back on “female traditions” when Angel comes

over?

Higher Level Question 2

Why do you think Taylor says that Lou Ann would ask for a job by saying “ Really ma’am, I could understand why you

wouldn’t want to hire a dumb old thing such as myself.”

Higher Level Question 3

How do Taylor’s feelings toward Estevan change in this section? And Why?

Higher Level Question 4

In what way does Taylor say Ezperanza and Turtle are alike?

Higher Level Question 5

Why do you think Taylor become more sympathetic towards Ezperanza in this

section?

Higher Level Question 6

Do you think the children’s drawings in Mattie’s house explain why she once said

“something like” grandchildren?