Esperanza's Connections Between Her And Turtle In The Bean Trees

Esperanza was not acting during her visit to the notary’s office in “The Bean Trees” because of how her pure emotions come out and we see the connections between her and Turtle throughout the story.

Turtle reminds Esperanza of Ismene. Throughout the story, Esperanza shows signs of relating Ismene to Turtle, and Taylor catches glimpses of the behavior together often. She treats Turtle like she was her child and not someone else's. Yes, it’s good for someone you put your trust in to take care of your child to treat them right, but it can cross boundaries. Taylor overheard what she thought was Esperanza calling Turtle the name Ismene in the backseat one day, the same day she saw in the rearview mirror how close a bond the two of them were building. Another moment is during the boat ride Estavon and Taylor had while Esperanza waited by the shore with Turtle, Taylor could see them both playing and laughing together like a mother and child. Their closeness shows how much love and care Esperanza does have for Turtle, proving why she wasn’t acting.

Turtle warmed up faster to Esperanza than she did to anyone else throughout the novel. Aside from Taylor, Esperanza is the only other woman Turtle has called “Ma,” she only ever called Taylor ``Ma” because Taylor has made it clear she’s there for Turtle as a mother figure rather than someone who will come and go. Taylor’s reaction was a bit jealous because she realized how close the connection was getting, but it adds to why Esperanza wasn’t acting when she visited the office over Turtle’s