1. In many ways, the novel is "the education of Taylor Greer." What does she learn about human suffering? about love?
2. To what extent does the novel define home in terms of geographic setting? In terms of people?
3. How does this novel ask us to rethink our definition of family and how does it suggest alternative role models in place of or in addition to the biological mother?
4. The Bean Trees deals with the theme of being an outsider. In what ways are various characters outsiders? What does this suggest about what it takes to be an insider? How does feeling like an outsider affect one's life?
5. How and why do the characters change, especially Lou Ann, Taylor, and Turtle?
2. To what extent does the novel define home in terms of geographic setting? In terms of people?
3. How does this novel ask us to rethink our definition of family and how does it suggest alternative role models in place of or in addition to the biological mother?
4. The Bean Trees deals with the theme of being an outsider. In what ways are various characters outsiders? What does this suggest about what it takes to be an insider? How does feeling like an outsider affect one's life?
5. How and why do the characters change, especially Lou Ann, Taylor, and Turtle?