1). Background and Identity:
- Author: Lou Ann Taylor grew up in Mississippi and has a strong southern background, which influences her writing.
- Character: Taylor Greer is a young white woman from Kentucky, navigating her identity and independence.
2). Personal Growth:
- Author: Taylor has experienced personal growth throughout her life, including raising a family and overcoming challenges as a writer.
- Character: Taylor Greer begins the novel as an unsure young woman but undergoes significant growth as she embraces her role as a caretaker.
3). Relationship Building:
- Author: Taylor values community and relationships, which is reflected in her writing and interactions with others.
- Character: Taylor Greer forms strong bonds with the people she meets during her journey, including Turtle and Mattie.
4). Parenting:
- Author: Taylor is a parent in real life, drawing on her own experiences and insights about raising children.
- Character: Taylor Greer initially hesitates to take on the role of a parent, but she ultimately embraces her responsibility toward Turtle.
5). Women Empowerment:
- Author: Taylor advocates for women's rights and empowerment, both in her personal life and through her writing.
- Character: Taylor Greer's journey explores themes of independence, choice, and self-discovery, aligning with the feminist perspective of the novel.
6). Southern Culture and Identity:
- Author: Taylor's southern upbringing shapes her perspective and style of writing.
- Character: Taylor Greer's background in rural Kentucky influences her values, beliefs, and interactions.
7). Exploration of Social Issues:
- Author: Taylor touches upon social issues in her writing, such as poverty, discrimination, and identity struggles.
- Character: Taylor Greer encounters various challenges and complexities related to social issues as she embarks on her journey.
8). Writing Style:
- Author: Taylor's writing is known for its strong character development, vivid narratives, and use of southern vernacular.
- Character: The character of Taylor Greer is depicted with depth and nuance, demonstrating Taylor's skills as a writer.
In conclusion, Lou Ann Taylor's experiences and personal journey as an author resonate with the character of Taylor Greer in "The Bean Trees." Taylor Taylor's ability to create relatable and complex characters reflects her insights into human nature, societal issues, and the resilience of individuals.