The Bean Trees Chapter 16 Summary

Soundness of Mind and Freedom of Will

  • Pretty serious chapter title, huh? Something big must be happening here.
  • Our happy crew head out to see Mr. Jonas Wilford Armistead, a registered notary in Oklahoma City. He is the contact whose name Cynthia gave to Taylor when she offered to help collect information about alternative means of adoption.
  • Estevan and Esperanza pose as Turtle's birth parents, and tell Mr. Armistead that they wish to transfer their rights as guardians to Taylor.
  • Did you see that coming? Boom!
  • Mr. Armistead is fully convinced by the ruse. All of the necessary paperwork is drawn up without a problem.
  • If only bureaucracy were always that easy.