Full of Beans

Historical novels often reveal traditional gender roles realistic to the period. How do the women in the story fall into traditional roles for their time, location, and situation? Are there any exceptions throughout the book? Point out scenes and character descriptions that support your thoughts.

Bean’s directness is a strong character trait in the beginning of the novel, evident in his first-person narration. Considering moments of interior monologue, description, and reactions to others, in what scenes must Beans work to curtail his bluntness? How does his candor contribute to his overall character arc and growth, and what happens when he opts for sneakiness or dishonesty (traits he resents in adults)? As Beans sees the results of lies and blunt truth, what does he learn, and how does it change him? Cite evidence from different points in the story to demonstrate your ideas.

Mrs. Albury speaks highly of Beans’s kindness and goodwill when he cures Dizzy’s diaper rash: “Your son is a lifesaver!” (66). Beans represents altruism in that he helps Mrs. Albury with no expectation of reward or return. In what other ways does the theme topic of altruism surface in the novel? What characters represent the opposite of altruism? Use details to support your ideas.

Children often played marbles before the advent of electronic toys; ancient cultures played games similar to marbles. Marbles is still played today; the National Marbles Tournament takes place annually on the beach in Wildwood, NJ. How is the game significant to the plot and characterization in the novel? What might it symbolize, considering Beans’s competitive nature and his ongoing dispute with Dot? If you do not know much about marbles, use reputable online sources for brief investigation. Respond to these discussion points by incorporating details from the novel.

Some of the scenes and events in this story take place in short vignettes that help supply the reader with an overall image of Beans’s home, lifestyle, daily activities, and challenges. Consider the micro-settings of the novel and their role in the plot. What might the docks, the school, Nana Philly’s house, Johnny Cakes’s old cigar factory, or other micro-settings represent symbolically? Select two to three micro-settings and analyze their role in the story on both a literal and a figurative level. Use plot details to support your ideas.

Many stories feature an animal “sidekick” or secondary animal character who serves to highlight the conflict or character development of the human characters. How does Termite function in this story? In what scenes does he play a role, and what is the author’s intended purpose for including him? Use book details to support your ideas.

Beans lives in a small house with two siblings; his parents are busy throughout the novel trying to earn enough money to provide for the family. How do Beans’s family dynamics contribute to his characterization, goals and objectives, and conflicts? Think carefully about the details regarding, for example, Ma’s background with Nana Philly, the rapport Beans enjoys with Poppy, and Beans’s responsibilities as the oldest brother. Use details and examples from various places in the novel in your discussion.

Chapter titles often promote interest in the upcoming chapter, hold a double or clever meaning revealed upon reading the chapter, or call attention to important plot points or thematic elements in that chapter. Scan the chapter titles in Full of Beans now that you have read the book. Which three to four chapter titles had language or meaning you were unfamiliar with but came to understand in reading the chapter? Discuss your choices and explain what you learned.