Barbara Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible tells the story of the Price family's arrival and failed assimilation of baptism in the village of Kilanga. Reverend Nathan Price selfishly leds his wife and four daughters to the harsh and unforgiving African Congo in hopes to exoterically save the souls of the villagers. Nathan failed to see the significance in unchanged traditional culture and only wished to promote his self interest. This same selfish promotion tragically brings the Price family to it’s end.
The novel is told through the eyes of all four daughters(Rachel, Adah, Ruth May, and Leah Price) and Nathan’s wife, Orleanna Price. Since we are given numerous perspectives from the Price family, we see Nathan’s actions happen first hand. Within the first few chapters we see Nathan’s decision of completing a mission in Africa consume the already established life of the family. Although the daughter’s fail to understand the significance of the mission, the family reluctantly follows. This decision creates conflict from the very beginning of the novel, and initiates a line of dominos pieces, placed with conviction, that …show more content…
Nathan wishes to tame the forces of Africa and plant various forms of vegetation from back home. Mama Tataba warns him of his incorrect method of planting and of the danger of the Poisonwood tree. Nathan carries as on and refuses to listen, as a result his arms are covered in rashes and his right eye is swollen shut. Mama Tataba goes to adjust the garden, in favor of the environment, but despite Nathan’s rashes and unsuccess he still insist on planting the way he’d always known. This scene shows not only Nathan’s neglect of opinions from others that could benefit him, but also Nathan’s arrogance and self centered mind frame. This theme of neglect to others and promotion of self interest is seen throughout the novel, from Mama Tataba’s leave to the death of his youngest