The Poisonwood Bible By Barbara Kingsolver - 2015 Words

The Poisonwood Bible, written by Barbara Kingsolver, details the experiences of a missionary family in the Congo, narrated by the Price women. Multiple questions are introduced over the course of the novel, some being answered and others not so much. One important theme in the novel is the influence of surroundings on the characters, specifically Leah Price. Leah Price arguably went through the most change and development as a result of her surroundings and environment. Her moral, psychological change is noted throughout the entire novel with subtle inclusions of doubt in her narrations and finally outright outrage and disgust. She develops in many aspects, with the most important being the changing views of her father, Christianity, and†¦show more content†¦She aspires to be a perfect copy of her father, someone she has looked up to since she was little. It’s easy to see his influence on her through her narration and thoughts. Everything he says, she soaks in, like a sponge willing to accept an unlimited amount of water. When she says of Brother Fowles that â€Å"I heard them saying he was a New York Irish, which tells you a lot, as they are notorious for being papist Catholics† (38), her father’s effect on not only her personality but views towards people is evident. Because of his impact on her youth, she looks up to him with fierce intensity, even desiring â€Å"his wholehearted approval† (42). Underneath this adoration for her father, however, lies a distinct fear of disapproval, having never â€Å"contradicted [her] father on any subject, ever† (66). Here, it is apparent his authoritative influence on her, resulting in a deep-seated anxiety that Leah feels. Furthermore, with Leah’s initial love of her father, it is easier to see the contrast of what she feels towards her father as the book progresses, something that changes directly as a result of her time in the Congo. Her views towards religion are also an aspect that can demonstrate how she has been inclined to feel specific ways. Leah’s most important value in her religion is the sense of justice, something she believes that Christianity is about with every particle on her body. She considers â€Å"God’s scale to be vast