“The Bean Trees” In The Bean Trees, there are many themes that add up to a well-crafted story. One of the most obvious themes is immigration and the Underground Railroad that Mattie helps run. In the book there are also several references to child abuse. Another is that of teenage pregnancy, introduced very early. These are not, however, all the themes used, but they are among the most important and recurring in the novel. One of the themes is teenage pregnancy, but it's only mainly discussed in the first chapter. This is one of the main driving forces in getting Taylor out of Kentucky. Taylor begins in a society where many girls in her school and town become pregnant at a young age. This impresses Taylor and motivates her to become someone better than all the pregnant girls in her town. This motivates her even more when Newt Hardbine and Jolene Shanks arrive at the hospital. Newt had been shot by his father and Jolene had also been shot while carrying a baby. As this reality dawns on him, it takes hold of his soul and immediately changes the way he sees the world. This turn of events has a great impact on his future. I think his decision to leave was sealed that day. Soon after, Taylor pooled her money and bought a 55 Volkswagen. After Taylor tied up a few loose ends at home, she was on her way. Taylor after having covered a few kilometers and...