Title
The Poisonwood Bible
Author
Barbara Kingsolver
First Published
1998
Meaning of the Title
Poisonwood is a plant that is poisonous to humans. The title relates to the Nathan's mispronunciation of the word and the irony of the un-intended meaning that his mistake conveys.
Type of Novel/Genre
Epic; Political Allegory; Coming of Age Story; Post-colonial Fiction.
Point of view / Tense
First person / Present tense. We are told the story through the eyes of each narrator as the events happen to them, with the exception of Orleanna, who narrates in the past tense recollecting the events.
Mood
The mood is somber overall and there is an overwhelming sense of loss and tragedy.
Narrator
Orleanna Price and her daughters Ruth May, Adah, Leah, and Rachel
Setting
Most of the novel takes place in Africa, specifically in the Belgian Congo (later known as Zaire) from 1959 to the late 1980's. In the later part of the book, events take place in Georgia, in the Congo and in South Africa, depending on which narrative voice is engaged.
Protagonist
There is no single protagonist in this novel unless a reader chooses to analyze the Congo as a silent protagonist. The female characters are equally important as each tells the story of learning to cope. Their father, Nathan could also be characterized as a protagonist through his influence on the lives of his daughters.
Antagonist
The initial antagonist for the women is Nathan Price.
Conflict
Each of the Price women has been transported to the Congo and must figure out a way to either leave or live with the situation into which they have been placed. Nathan's feels called to convert and civilize a culture about which he knows nothing.
Climax
The death of Ruth May who is killed by a green mamba snake.
Outcome
The members of the family separate and live their individual lives and careers and meet different fates.
Rising Action
The decision to stay in Congo during the period of independence and the increased threats.
Major Themes
The Power of the Land; The Spirit of the Congo; Salvation/Redemption
Minor Themes
Love of Self and Family; Political Changes; Understanding culture; Light vs. Darkness; Freedom
Symbolism/Motifs
The Poisonwood tree; Gardening; Fish; Mirror; Elections; Green mamba snake; Baptism - Symbolic of conversion for Nathan Price; The ants; Methuselah, the parrot.
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Cite this page:
Ruff, Karen DA. "TheBestNotes on The Poisonwood Bible".
TheBestNotes.com.
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