The Bean Trees. The Idea of Going West for a better life
...ress the idea of going east in search of a better life as compared to going west. Is it really, where you move to or just the classic “grass is greener on the other side?” Taylor moves west and finds a better life, but Estevan and Esperanza move east in search of a better life too. First, we meet Taylor, a small town girl just trying to make something of her life. Taylor grows up in a town where all that is expected of her is to start a family and keep the circle of life going, but she wants more. Taylor wants to get out of the small town and heads west in search of a better life. Just like history has told us “Go west, to the land of opportunity,” so Taylor leaves Kentucky. She is not completely sure what she is doing, all she knows is that anything has to be better then living in Kentucky. “Mama always said barefoot and pregnant was not my style. She knew” (Kingsolver 4). This quote just goes to show how unique Taylor is compared to those in her town. Finally, Taylor decides to leave and go west, she leaves with very little money, a beat up old car, and one very big easygoing attitude, she has her own way, and that is just the way that it is going to be. Throughout the course of the novel, Taylor learns to accept the fact that she is not wonder woman. Taylor learns that she needs guidance and help at times. Much like the time that Lou Ann said: “I cannot believe you’re just ready to roll over play dead about this, Taylor. I thought I knew you” (Kingsolver 235). Thus showing, that Taylor has a vulnerable side, that she cannot do anything and everything, that she just like everyone else has insecurities. Taylor has found a family, herself, and a way to live with it all. In comparison, Estevan and Esperanza’s journey ends up taking them east, yet they still find comfort and a sense of happiness. Estevan and Esperanza are Guatamalen refugees who move from sanctuary to sanctuary trying to escape INS and make a life for themselves. “I don’t even know anymore which home I miss. Which level of home. In Guatemala City I missed the mountains” (Kingsolver 258). This quote by Estevan shows that he has become numb to all of the moving. He no longer has a sense of home. No matter where Estevan and Esperanz...