Sexism In Kingsolver's The Bean Trees

In the book the Bean Trees the author Kingsolver, depicts the way that men treat Taylor and Lou Ann to show how their is still sexism in Whatcom County and all over the world. Kingsolver writes about sexism both knowingly and also unaware. This shows how sexism is more of a common item in society today rather than something unusual. In the book men were the ones who were sextist towards the women. The main character Taylor, who is very self-reliant person and doesn't need a man to help her, ends up falling into the same ideologies as other women do who fade into the role of the submissive gender. Sexism is seen in the way that women are expected to dress and look in order to please the opposite sex. Also, in relationships between men and women and how a lot of females live by the belief that men are superior to women and accept it. Sexism is not seen as an “issue” to most people since it is so common and dates back to a long time ago.
Most of the time, the way that women dress and look is to appeal to the opposite sex. Short skirts, dresses and low cut shirts to show cleavage are all examples. In chapter 10 Lou Ann goes for a job interview at a convenience store. Lou Ann explained to Taylor how the …show more content…
Not only does she purposely add sexism to the story she also included it without knowing. This just shows how sexism is not something that just shows up abruptly but is very common, and more accepted than anyone realizes. Most women in Whatcom County could relate to the female characters in the story. Women just like Taylor and Lou Ann have experienced the need to dress and look a certain way to appeal to men, and going through abusive relationships where they play the submissive role. Kingsolver helps women point out sexism. After reading this book, it’s hard to not go looking for sexism. Sexism is still very alive in whatcom County and around the world