Study Guide Answers
1. Reader’s opinion
2. Some readers feel this is a story about the lives of three women and the title should have been The Pink Begonia Sisters’ Caribbean Retreat. Other readers feel the story’s focus is Mary Ruth. Thus, the title punctuation would be correct as it is.
3. The author feels the title presents an opportunity to teach that we do our best while realizing that no one is perfect everyday. The title will hopefully encourage us to pursue writing without worrying whether readers feel the focus is grapes or raisins. We grow as humans and we grow as writers.
4. Annie Mae’s speech, description of dirt roads, mosquitoes, wooden homes and outhouses.
5. Reader’s opinion
6. Reader’s opinion
7. Reader’s opinion
8. Reader’s opinion
9. For example: Nancy Ree as a young girl dreamed of becoming a teacher and living beside the ocean. She attended college, earned a doctorate, and was appointed the first woman “President” of a particular university. On Pink Begonia Island she realized that she valued degrees rather than people. In the end, she appreciated all people.
10. Mary Ruth earned a degree in art. She also learned to speak without evidence of her heritage. Annie Mae didn’t attend college. Her friend in prison insisted Annie Mae read and discuss books so she could learn to manage money. Nancy Ree earned a doctorate and led a university. On Pink Begonia Island she guided the education of a young woman.
11. Southern fiction or Inspirational southern fiction.
12. Science-Explanation of red sand, use of solar energy on the island. Geography-North Carolina, Caribbean as settings. History-Life in rural southeastern North Carolina including outhouse. Art-painting. Business-Use of mysterious anonymity to increase interest/value of Mary Ruth’s art, marketing to opportunity to visit island. Psychology-Self confidence, abuse, romance, friendship, encouragement, belief. American Indian Studies-Pride in heritage, valuing language, self-worth, feeling out of place in other settings. Women’s Issues-Friendship, sisters, encouragement. Health-Breast Cancer, exercise, eating healthy,
13. Speech, interactions with each other, experiences with romance, religious belief
14. Ches. He is the object of Mary Ruth’s inner turmoil. Their relationship is the “problem” to be solved.
15. Mary Ruth’s lack of appreciation for her heritage, separation from Ches, the impact of abuse on Annie Mae, Annie Mae and Nancy Ree’s constant bickering, Nancy Ree’s self-righteous attitude
16. Harris didn’t realize his mother had cancer because he was self-absorbed, Ches turned to alcohol and work to deal with Mary Ruth’s absence, American Indian culture, southeastern heritage, Caribbean setting, breast cancer.
17. God has a plan.
18. Jeremiah 29:11 encourages believers to pursue adventure and enjoy life without fear of the future.
19. Academic pursuits, travel, living in a different culture or region of the world, appreciation of diverse cultures, belief that strength is not a weakness when it’s found in women, spend quality time with family, artistic talent shouldn’t be hidden or ignored but used in ways which influence others, faith in God’s plan
20. Lack of belief in and value of self can bring sadness and despair. Belief in and value of self releases internal power, opens mind to creativity, trusts sound judgment, and loves.
