The Poisonwood Bible Study Guide

Questions and Answers

Why does Orleanna describe herself and her daughters from a third-person point of view at the start of the book?

She does that to help draw the reader into the story and foreshadow events to come.

When Orleanna refers to 'you', to whom is she speaking?

She is speaking about her favorite child, later revealed to be Ruth May.

What does Orleanna mean when she says, 'One has only a life of one's own'?

A person only knows of what's going on inside their own head and must worry about their own survival.

How do the Prices manage to get so many possessions into Africa?

They wear multiple layers of clothing and stuff many items into their pockets and belt loop. Signup and view all the answers

How do Orleanna and Leah view Nathan Price's character?

Orleanna sees Nathan as selfish and self-righteous, while Leah admires him despite his flaws. Signup and view all the answers

What comment does Ruth May make about faith in relation to racial inequality?

Ruth May observes that faith is often misused to support hateful ideas. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the approaches of Orleanna and Nathan during the welcome celebration.

Orleanna is polite and grateful, while Nathan criticizes the locals. Signup and view all the answers

How is Adah different from her twin sister, Leah?

Adah is almost completely silent and walks with a limp, while Leah is talkative and athletic. Signup and view all the answers

What might Nathan believe about good deeds and their relationship to one's life?

Nathan believes one must do good deeds to have good in life. Signup and view all the answers

What does Leah think of Nathan's experiences in life?

Leah believes Nathan has seen 'everything' but he has a lot to learn. Signup and view all the answers

Should Reverend Price host an Easter service even though it is not actually Easter Sunday?

Yes, it shows the love of Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

How do the people of Kilanga react to Rachel's hair?

They touch it and pull at it, having never seen such light, long, and fine hair before. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Orleanna serve fried chicken at the church picnic?

She hopes it will help the villagers not be upset with the Prices. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Nathan disappointed at the church picnic?

He hoped the picnic would inspire the people to convert to Christianity, but no one wanted to be baptized. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it fitting that Ruth May's sock monkey, Saint Matthew, should have been stolen?

It is ironic because the sock monkey attracted children to faith, unlike Nathan. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Mama Mwanza's legs?

The roof of her house caught fire and fell on her legs. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nathan imply about sending girls to college?

He implies that it is a waste of resources due to their eventual roles in family. Signup and view all the answers

What punishment do the girls receive in the Price house?

'The Verse' where they must copy 100 passages from the Bible. Signup and view all the answers

What was Nathan's lesson influenced by Africa?

He learned he needed to adapt his gardening methods after the seeds washed away. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Methuselah copying when he says, 'Damn'?

Orleanna, who swore when the cake mix didn't work. Signup and view all the answers

Does Nathan have the support of his Mission League?

No, and it foreshadows Ruth May's death. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the village smell like rotten fish?

Nathan used dynamite in the river to kill fish but killed too many. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Adah feel more comfortable in Kilanga than in Bethlehem?

People in Kilanga do not judge her disability. Signup and view all the answers

What is preventing the plants from producing vegetables?

There aren't any bees to pollinate the plants. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mama Tataba leave?

She is angry about Nathan's intentions to baptize children in the river. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nathan do to Methuselah?

He sets him free. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Perspectives and Character Insights

Orleanna uses third-person narration to engage readers and foreshadow events, providing a buffer before the family's journey into the Congo.
The reference to “you” in Orleanna’s thoughts is directed at her favorite child, later revealed as Ruth May, emphasizing her emotional struggles.
Orleanna believes that individuals are primarily aware of their internal experiences, suggesting that true understanding comes from one's own thoughts and feelings.

The Prices' Journey and Adaptations

The family maximizes their belongings for the journey by layering clothes and cramming items into pockets due to strict baggage weight limits.
Nathan’s character is depicted through contrasting perspectives: selfishness in refusing to lighten the load for his family and an inflexible, self-righteous demeanor.

Race, Religion, and Responses

Ruth May connects the biblical story of Ham to racial inequality, highlighting the misuse of faith to justify discrimination, which aligns with the author's critique of such ideologies.
Nathan’s confrontational approach at the welcome celebration alienates the villagers, while Orleanna’s politeness fosters goodwill.

Sibling Dynamics and Individual Traits

Adah and Leah represent contrasting personalities: Adah's silence and physical challenges juxtapose with Leah's talkativeness and admiration for Nathan.
Leah's perception of Nathan as a seasoned individual is misguided, as he has much to learn about their new environment and culture.

Cultural Interactions and Reactions

Rachel's hair is a point of fascination for the Kilanga villagers due to its uniqueness, reflecting cultural differences.
Orleanna's choice to serve fried chicken at the church picnic symbolizes her attempt to bond with the villagers amidst cultural tensions.

Religious Practices and Beliefs

Nathan's disappointment at the church picnic stems from his hope for conversions, indicating his struggle to connect with the locals.
The irony of Ruth May's sock monkey, Saint Matthew, being stolen highlights the disconnect between Nathan’s failed outreach and the children's connection to faith.

Physical and Personal Challenges

Mama Mwanza’s disability, resulting from a house fire, signifies the harsh realities faced by villagers and their resilience.
Nathan’s dismissive remarks about women's education reveal his deep-seated sexism and lack of regard for their potential.

Family Discipline and Consequences

The enforcement of "The Verse" as punishment for the girls illustrates Nathan’s authoritarian parenting style and rigid moral teachings.
Adah’s observation regarding Nathan’s learning curve in Africa emphasizes his arrogance and inability to recognize his reliance on the local knowledge.

Foreshadowing and Consequences

The lack of support for Nathan from his Mission League hints at impending tragedy for the Prices, suggesting an unstable future.
Environmental challenges, like the absence of pollinating bees, impede agricultural success, highlighting the struggle of the Prices to adapt.

Cultural Acceptance and Adjustments

Adah finds comfort in Kilanga due to the acceptance of physical differences, contrasting with her experiences in Bethlehem.
Mama Tataba's departure is fueled by anger over Nathan's reckless insistence on baptizing children in a crocodile-infested river, showing local discontent with his decisions.

Animal Symbolism and Nathan’s Actions

Nathan's release of Methuselah symbolizes his desperation for control and a desire to seek redemption, despite his fears of vulnerability.
The event foreshadows Nathan's internal conflicts and growing disconnect from both his family and the local community.

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Description

Explore the themes and characters of 'The Poisonwood Bible' in this study guide focused on Book One: Genesis. Understand Orleanna's perspective and narrative choices that set the stage for the family's journey in the Congo. Perfect for students looking to enhance their comprehension of this significant work.

The Poisonwood Bible Study Guide - Genesis