Bean Trees Essay Research Paper In the

Bean Trees Essay, Research Paper

In the sequel, Pigs in Heaven, how does Kingsolver s solution to the problem of where Turtle belongs strike a balance among the needs of the child, Turtle; the needs of the adoptive mother, Taylor; and the needs of the tribe as represented by Annawake?

Barbara Kingsolver s Pigs in Heaven is not only well-written, but ends well also. The struggle Taylor deals with to keep custody of Turtle is the main theme of the novel. Taylor is battling to keep her daughter against Annawake Fourkiller, an attorney who specializes in the placement of Indian children. Annawake s primary goal is to place Turtle in an environment where she has strong Indian cultural influence, she wants Turtle to know her background. Taylor s mother, Alice, incidently discovers Turtle s natural grandfather, Cash, who wants the daughter of his dead daughter to be returned to him.

This is how the judge s decision to award joint custody to both Taylor and Cash is satisfying to all. Taylor just wanted to be with her daughter; she and Turtle need each other. It is important for Turtle to stay with Taylor because Taylor is the only mother she has ever known. Taylor has already been a role model for Turtle, as well as Turtle s family , such as Lou Ann and Jax. Taylor provided a father figure, and aunt and a grandma for Turtle. Turtle shows her love for Taylor in the simplest way – she won t part with Taylor when she is scared. Clutching Taylor brings her security and protection, something her past has deprived her of.