The Bean Trees: Motif

Throughout The Bean Trees, by Brabara Kingsolver, motif is overwhelmingly used. The entire book focuses on one main symbol: Motherhood. The entire book is based on difficult family situations and the strives that these women have to make while trying to protect their children. Without this strong motif, the book would have no purpose. Even though it was just only a story, the characters and their feelings towards each other amazed me.

Although not one character had an easy life, they all found ways to love their lives and be grateful for what they had. One of the characters, a women named Esperanza, had her baby taken by a neighboring country during war. Through these tough times, although she was scarred forever, she still found ways to love life and be thankful for what she had. Another women named Taylor was unexpectenly given a Indian child while on the Cherrokee Indian Reservation. Her astonishment was something completely expected. To my suprise, Taylor cared for the baby like she was her own, and even though having the baby changed her life forever, she remained positive and happy. One other women who had mothering troubles was LouAnn. Her husband left her right after she had her baby, and although she was always hurt by this, she ended up becoming a wonderful mother and became happier than she had ever been.

I believe that the stongest element in the story is definately motif. Although there is some imagery, motif is used much more often. I love the motif in this story because I love books that have to do with motherhood and children. This book was definately a fun read and was very easy to get attached to the characters and their lives. I was upset when I finished this wonderful book!