Chapter 15
Review Questions
- How do Estevan and Esperanza react as they drive further into Cherokee land?
- What starts to happen to Esperanza?
- As Turtle is burying Shirley Poppy, what connection does Taylor make?
- What promise does Taylor make to Turtle?
Discussion Questions
- What changes in Esperanza and Estevan occur? What do these changes mean?
- What are Taylor’s feelings about Estevan? What do you think Kingsolver is saying about relationships?
- How has Turtle’s and Taylor’s early years differed?
- What wishes do you think Taylor makes? What does Taylor’s refusal to wish using money say about her?
- Would Cynthia be surprised to find out Turtle’s mother is dead? Why or why not?
Cultural and Historical Allusions
- holy cards
- Bible school
- Holy Ghost
- poncho
- whirling dervish
Medical, Natural, and Geographic Allusions
- Pine Needles
- Pine Forest
- A Scarlet Columbine Flower
Chapter 16
- What is Esperanza’s act of courage?
- How has Esperanza’s face changed?
New Characters
- Mrs. Cleary
- Mr. Wenn
- Miss Brindo
Cultural and Historical Allusions
- basketball
- hearing aid
- Oscar nomination
- White-out
Medical, Natural, and Geographic Allusions
- stork
Chapter 17
- Why does Taylor insist on waking Turtle up to say goodbye to Estevan and Esperanza?
- When Taylor says goodbye to Estevan, what does she realize about this heartache?
- What does Taylor’s mother think is perhaps the main influence on children?
- Taylor has had a number of names throughout this novel. What is the last name she claims?
New Characters
- Reverend Stone
- Mrs. Stone
- Irma Ruebecker
- Mae Richey
- Minerva Wickentot
- Cameron John
Idioms, Slang, and Difficult Words
- pack rat
- the cat’s meow
- catharsis
- groggily
- horticultre
- tempest
Cultural and Historical Allusions
- Robin Hood
- Underground Railroad
- White-out
- clapboard
- Statue of Liberty
- Shell gas station
- “Give me your tired …”
- Burger King
- The Music Man
- Marian the Librarian
- chain gang
- Rastafarians
- Mr. T.
Medical, Natural, and Geographic Allusions
- Oklahoma City
- rhizobia
- ageratums
- legume
- Doberman pinschers