Character Analysis
Bumble in the Jungle
The Underdowns are like the English-speaking welcome wagon to the Congo when the Prices arrive to take over the mission in Kilanga villages. They make fun of the Price family's Southern accent, which is obnoxious, but let's compare: the Prices don't even call the Underdowns by their real name. "On-tray-down. We just say Underdown because it's easier" (2.7.2). (Ugh, Rachel.)
This husband-and-wife duo illustrate a problem with the missionary system in the Congo. The Underdowns don't live in a hut in the middle of a village like everyone else. Nope. They live in a huge house with Congolese servants who might as well be slaves. Not only that, but they have the audacity to complain about their "help" for being greedy. Even Leah sees how ridiculous this is, observing, "With so much else around, why wouldn't Mrs. Underdown just go ahead and give it to him?" (2.11.13).
Naturally, they don't stick around long. When the smell of independence is in the air, they make preparations to leave and urge the Prices to do the same. When the going gets rough, the Underdowns get going. They weren't really in it for the people of the Congo. They were in it for themselves.