Friendship in the Bean Trees

Friendship is the most important thing in life. Taylor realizes this through Estevan and Esperanza. She learns that to get through tough times, you need friends to help you get through. Through Estevan and Esperanza, Taylor learns the love, loss, and loss of friendship.

Love and compassion are clearly present in Taylor, Estevan, and Esperanza's relationship. When Esperanza was in a time of need, Taylor confronted her. Taylor could have sat back and watched Esperanza suffer and get Estevan all to herself; but Taylor had such a compassionate personality that she helped Esperanza in her time of need. Taylor also had the courage to go and speak to her although they had never had a real conversation prior to that. Taylor, although she had feelings for Estevan, did not express how she felt for him. Taylor did not share her feelings with Estevan because she cherished Estevan and Esperanza's friendship. This act of affection was one of the most admirable acts that Taylor ever achieves.

Although Taylor, Estevan and Esperanza's relationship has love and compassion it also has plenty of loss. The first sign of loss in their relationship was when Taylor found out that Esperanza's child, Ismene, had been kidnapped. Taylor did everything in her power to help Esperanza and Estevan cope with her child's loss. Taylor learned through the story of Ismene, how hard life can actually be. When Taylor left Oklahoma she had to leave behind Estevan as well. Leaving Estevan was a very distressing event in Taylor's life. When Taylor left Oklahoma her leaving Estevan was as big of deal as Esperanza leaving Turtle, and Turtle burring her doll.

Taylor, Estevan, and Esperanza are the best of friends; they would do anything for each other. They are always there for each other no matter what obstacle stands in there way. Taylor, Estevan and Esperanza, although probably will never see each other again, will always have a part of one anther.