Esperanza is a character in, The Bean Trees who undergoes a significant change in character throughout the course of the novel. In the beginning, Esperanza is portrayed as depressed, withdrawn and dreary. Esperanza’s state of profound depression is not only evident through her attempted suicide but furthermore confirmed through Taylor’s observations. Taylor senses Esperanza’s depression and her first impression of Esperanza is that, “At one time in life she'd been larger, but that someone had split her in two like one of those hollow wooden dolls, finding this smaller version inside. She took up almost no space.” (Kingsolver 93) Taylor’s notion about Esperanza being once “large” suggests that Esperanza had once been happy in life until some
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Upon meeting Esperanza for the first time, Taylor notes Esperanza’s reclusive behaviour, “While the rest of us talked and splashed and laughed [Esperanza] sat still, a colorful outgrowth of rock. She reminded me of Turtle.” (Kingsolver 97) Much like Turtle, Esperanza limits her interactions with others and is depicted as a very reserved character. Esperanza withdraws herself from the rest of the group by silently walking behind them during their picnic and, consequently, isolating herself from conversations, bonding and social activities. Finally, Esperanza is portrayed as a dreary character through Taylor’s narration. While studying Esperanza, Taylor notes that, “Her eyes looked blank. Dark, black holes” (Kingsolver 148) and further notices that, “Her skin felt cold and emptied-out, like there was nobody home.” (Kingsolver 149) Esperanza’s vacant eyes and emptied-out skin confirms her lack in spirit and emotion and portrays her as dreary, lifeless and emotionally numb. As can be seen, Esperanza’s character at the start of the novel is depicted as depressed, isolated from others and withal …show more content…
Although Esperanza appears to be exceedingly depressed from the outset of the story, Esperanza seemingly overcomes her depression as she courageously allows herself to move on from her tragic experience regarding the loss of her daughter, Ismene. Esperanza’s courage is evident through allowing herself to give up Turtle for adoption, and as a result, symbolically laying Ismene to rest. Taylor describes the adoption as a “catharsis” (Kingsolver 220) and notes that Esperanza is, “As happy as if she’d really found a safe place to leave Ismene behind.” (Kingsolver 220) Esperanza’s catharsis demonstrates her courage to finally move on from her past depression and finally take a step forward towards recovery. Moreover, Esperanza’s withdrawn behaviour presented at the start of the novel slowly begins to fade as she becomes more open with others. Taylor points out that, “Turtle and Esperanza were becoming inseparable.” (Kingsolver 205) Esperanza overcomes her reclusive behaviour as she opens herself up to Turtle and allows herself to breakthrough her initial isolation from others. Esperanza’s openness with others further becomes apparent as she begins to interact with Turtle by, “…stroking Turtle’s hair and singing to her quietly in a high, unearthly voice.” (Kingsolver 194) Esperanza’s ability to interact and socialize with Turtle is a clear transformation from her withdrawal and isolation from others at the
Upon meeting Esperanza for the first time, Taylor notes Esperanza’s reclusive behaviour, “While the rest of us talked and splashed and laughed [Esperanza] sat still, a colorful outgrowth of rock. She reminded me of Turtle.” (Kingsolver 97) Much like Turtle, Esperanza limits her interactions with others and is depicted as a very reserved character. Esperanza withdraws herself from the rest of the group by silently walking behind them during their picnic and, consequently, isolating herself from conversations, bonding and social activities. Finally, Esperanza is portrayed as a dreary character through Taylor’s narration. While studying Esperanza, Taylor notes that, “Her eyes looked blank. Dark, black holes” (Kingsolver 148) and further notices that, “Her skin felt cold and emptied-out, like there was nobody home.” (Kingsolver 149) Esperanza’s vacant eyes and emptied-out skin confirms her lack in spirit and emotion and portrays her as dreary, lifeless and emotionally numb. As can be seen, Esperanza’s character at the start of the novel is depicted as depressed, isolated from others and withal …show more content…
Although Esperanza appears to be exceedingly depressed from the outset of the story, Esperanza seemingly overcomes her depression as she courageously allows herself to move on from her tragic experience regarding the loss of her daughter, Ismene. Esperanza’s courage is evident through allowing herself to give up Turtle for adoption, and as a result, symbolically laying Ismene to rest. Taylor describes the adoption as a “catharsis” (Kingsolver 220) and notes that Esperanza is, “As happy as if she’d really found a safe place to leave Ismene behind.” (Kingsolver 220) Esperanza’s catharsis demonstrates her courage to finally move on from her past depression and finally take a step forward towards recovery. Moreover, Esperanza’s withdrawn behaviour presented at the start of the novel slowly begins to fade as she becomes more open with others. Taylor points out that, “Turtle and Esperanza were becoming inseparable.” (Kingsolver 205) Esperanza overcomes her reclusive behaviour as she opens herself up to Turtle and allows herself to breakthrough her initial isolation from others. Esperanza’s openness with others further becomes apparent as she begins to interact with Turtle by, “…stroking Turtle’s hair and singing to her quietly in a high, unearthly voice.” (Kingsolver 194) Esperanza’s ability to interact and socialize with Turtle is a clear transformation from her withdrawal and isolation from others at the