The Poisonwood Bible
Intro People always greatly and negatively impact each other, though they believe it to be for the greater good. In the 1950’s European and American imperialism tore asunder what tranquility there was in the Congo. These countries may have not been aware of their influence at the time, but the outcome nonetheless was drastic. Cultural misunderstandings were the ultimate catalyst for the Congo’s destruction. In Barbara Kingsolver’s novel The Poisonwood Bible published in 1998 she exposes how cultural ignorance creates problems. With her chosen syntax, point of view, and time gap of each narrator Kingsolver exposes how close mindedness creates unfulfilled results because individuals can not adapt to cultural changes.
Style
Barbara Kingsolver narrates the novel with five different women two of whom, Rachel and Adah, expose two polar views on culture. The syntax of each character creates distinguishing tones. Barbara Kingsolver’s differencing use of syntax laces tones into readers minds; consequently, the readers belief pertaining to certain cultures develops according to the narrator’s representation of grammar and language usage.
Rachel’s sentence structure and word choice is simple. Neither her speech nor thoughts are complicated. Her language may be simple, but these simple thoughts are very strong. Her tone is distinguishing. It portrays her character as “materialistic, racist, selfish, vain, and shallow” (Strehle). For example her attitude towards different cultures can easily be portrayed in statements such as “This [Africa] is not a christian type of place...stick out your elbows, and hold yourself up.” (Kingsolver 517). And since the natives “don’t have the same ethics as us” she doesn’t care about their outcomes (Kingsolver 426). Rachel’s diction and tone associated with it makes it hard for the reader to credit any pathos towards her cause.
While Rachel is simple and easy to follow Adah is not. She not only does odd things but also writes them
Style
Barbara Kingsolver narrates the novel with five different women two of whom, Rachel and Adah, expose two polar views on culture. The syntax of each character creates distinguishing tones. Barbara Kingsolver’s differencing use of syntax laces tones into readers minds; consequently, the readers belief pertaining to certain cultures develops according to the narrator’s representation of grammar and language usage.
Rachel’s sentence structure and word choice is simple. Neither her speech nor thoughts are complicated. Her language may be simple, but these simple thoughts are very strong. Her tone is distinguishing. It portrays her character as “materialistic, racist, selfish, vain, and shallow” (Strehle). For example her attitude towards different cultures can easily be portrayed in statements such as “This [Africa] is not a christian type of place...stick out your elbows, and hold yourself up.” (Kingsolver 517). And since the natives “don’t have the same ethics as us” she doesn’t care about their outcomes (Kingsolver 426). Rachel’s diction and tone associated with it makes it hard for the reader to credit any pathos towards her cause.
While Rachel is simple and easy to follow Adah is not. She not only does odd things but also writes them
Cited: Austenfeld, Anne Marie. "The revelatory narrative circle in Barbara Kingsolver 's The Poisonwood Bible." Journal of Narrative Theory 36.2 (2006): 293+. Literature Resource Center. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. Epstein, Robin. "An Interview with Barbara Kingsolver." Progressive 12.9 (Feb. 1996): 1-12. Rpt. in Novels for Students. Ed. Elizabeth Thomason. Vol. 12. Detroit: Gale, 2001. Literature Resource Center. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. Kingsolver, Barbara. The Poisonwood Bible. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1998. Print. Strehle, Susan. "Chosen people: American exceptionalism in Kingsolver 's the poisonwood bible." CRITIQUE: Studies in Contemporary Fiction 49.4 (2008): 413+. Literature Resource Center. Web. 15 Nov. 2012.