The Poisonwood Bible Paper

Individuality in characterization is what drives the story of a novel and many authors use this technique to their advantage. In The Poisonwood Bible, Kingsolver uses multiple points of view to reveal theme through characterization. The theme she conveys is the individuality present in one's reaction to the surrounding people and environment. This characterization in relation to theme is shown through the voices of three of the four daughters, Rachel, Leah and Adah. Although each daughter is presented with the same obstacles, Rachel reacts in a selfish and careless style, Leah reacts in an active and emotional way ever aware of her surroundings, and Adah reacts in an analytical, scientific manner (Barbara, 22). Rachel's vacuous, selfish, 'cares for naught but her appearances' attitude is revealed throughout the novel as she gives a first hand account of her experiences in the Congolese jungle. Her reaction to the ant crisis, her sister's death, and her father support the theme of individuality in The Poisonwood Bible. After many months of settling into their new surroundings, the Price family is hit with the full force of one of the jungle's greatest surprises- Nsongonya. Ants. As the ants crawl over everything and appear as a sea ready to carry anyone out into the unknown, Rachel thinks of no one but herself. In a frantic attempt to save her most prized possession, Rachel leaves her clothes and Bible behind, opting instead for her mirror. If this is not proof enough of her self-centered character, she later states " I stuck my elbows very hard into the ribs of the people who were crushing in around me, and kind of wedged myself in. Then I just more or less picked up my feet and it worked like a charm. Instead of getting trampled I simply floated like a stick in a river, carried along on everyone else's power." (Barbara 302) She selfishly pushes into others boats trying desperately to save herself and her perfect appearance.

Barbara Kingsolver is the author of many well-written pieces of literature including The Poisonwood Bible. This novel explores the beauty and hardships that exist in the Belgian Congo in 1959. Told by the wife and four daughters of a fierce Baptist, Nathan Price, Kingsolver clearly captures the realities this family and mission went through during their move to the Congo. The four daughters were raised in Atlanta Georgia in the 1950's therefore entering the Congo with preconceived racial beliefs, and a very different way of life than they would soon experience. Throughout The Poisonwood Bible Kingsolver explores the importance and impact of faith, and a religion based on your own private beliefs. (Barbara, 22)

Orleanna Price, the wife and mother, of this struggling family is a very honest woman, lacking some of the stronger religious background of which her husband possesses. Orleanna, struggles with the hardships of daily life' toting and disinfecting the family's water, scrambling to make ends meet and trying to protect her family from the myriad terrors of the ...