Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Setting
Damsel in DistressThe Congo isn't just a setting in The Poisonwood Bible: it's practically a character. (We almost gave it its own "Character Analysis," but hey—we're not crazy.)At first, the Con...
Narrator Point of View
The Poisonwood Bible is told from five—count 'em, five—points of view: Orleanna Price, and her four daughters, Leah, Adah, Rachel, and Ruth May. Each of these women has a voice so strong that y...
What's Up With the Title?
Near the end of the book, Adah tells us about all the mistranslated Bibles she collects: "The Lions Bible had sons coming forth from lions instead of loins, and in the Murderers' Bible of 1801, the...
What's Up With the Epigraph?
So, yeah, the Bible. Heard of it? Number-one bestseller (even bigger than The Da Vinci Code). The Good Book. No wonder The Poisonwood Bible makes so much use of it—and quite appropriate use, too,...
What's Up With the Ending?
The final section of The Poisonwood Bible, "Book
Seven: The Eyes in the Trees," is the only section without a header
telling us who is narrating it. But we're no dummies, and we figure out
prett...
Tough-o-Meter
The Poisonwood Bible can be a tough read. Like any trip into the jungle, it's easier if you come prepared. We've got a quick checklist for you to make this journey go smoothly. Some of the voices a...