give examples of the theme of motherhood in this chapter. cite evidence from this chapter that taylor may be floundering in her role as turtles mother.

Considering the pattern of female relationships established throughout The Bean Trees, Taylor's reprimand of Lou Ann is a jarring shock, as she seemingly retreats from the idea of living with Lou Ann and Dwayne Ray as a family. Yet upon closer inspection Taylor's words betray a different anxiety; she does not wish to live in a family environment like "Blondie and Dagwood," in which Lou Ann plays the submissive wife to Taylor's dominant husband. It is not the idea of a family to which Taylor objects, but the idea of a paternalistic relationship, even with Taylor in control. She instead strives for greater equality.