Comparing the Family of Kingsolver’s Bean Trees with...

Comparing the Family Presented in Barbara Kingsolver’s The Bean Trees with the Ideal Family of Socrates In The Republic, Socrates idealized the perfect city. One of the aspects that he deliberated on was the raising of children and family structure. The conclusion reached by Socrates is that no parent will know his own offspring or any child his parents (457 d). It was Socrates belief that the best atmosphere would be created in a communal upbringing of the citys children. In the same sense, he believed that they should take every precaution to insure that no mother knows her own child (460 c). Not even the mother, the traditional child-rearer, would be permitted to know or have a say in the lives of her own children, but†¦show more content†¦All of these little details contribute to Kingsolver underlying message of the varied kinds of families that exist, and the importance they play. Ryan acknowledges that Taylor has always known that a father and mother and 2.3 children dont necessarily make a family (80). Taylor recognizes the existence and importance of makeshift families , and knows what can be gained from the love of others. Kingsolver repeated theme of the extended family and how it benefits and helps one grow, is evident throughout her novel. She uses Taylor to illustrate her belief in Socrates idea of the communal family, and how it is often the best thing for the upbringing of a child. Kingsolver strongly disagrees with Socrates on the role of the mother in the family. While Socrates sees no need for a single maternal influence, Kingsolver entire writing centers on the importance of motherhood. When Taylor leaves Kentucky to head out into the world on her own, she leaves behind her mother, who has played a significant role in creating the strong woman that Taylor has become. Taylor frequently comments on the many things she learned from her mother, who urged her to talk to her teacher about the job at the hospital, and encouraged her that barefoot and pregnant was not [her] style (3). Taylors mother wouldnt allow her daughter to become like all the other girls in their town, but rather, she hoped for her success in life. She was a positive role model, an idea that