The Poisonwood Bible & Congo's Reality
The Price Family in the Poisonwood Bible serves as a
close metaphor with Congo’s Political history (what actually happened). All of
the events that happened both in the Poisonwood Bible and in the Democratic Republic
of Congo have close ties with captivity, freedom, love, and betrayal.
When Ruth May got bitten by a snake, which represented Patrice Lumumba as Congo’s hope, she was sealed in an inevitable death, just like how Lumumba was assassinated by American-Belgian special agents.
In another perspective (which is totally different than the previous two paragraphs) is that Nathan represents Belgium and the other four women represent Congo after its independence. If Nathan is to leave the rest of the Price family, just like how Belgium left Congo, the other four women would have a really hard time to survive without their “leader”, Nathan. On the other hand, they have freedom from their cruel ruler. In short, Nathan and Belgium represent the theme Captivity vs. Freedom in both the Poisonwood Bible and in Congo’s reality.
When regarding love with betrayal, its logical opponent, there was no sign of love in Nathan up to now, and (at least I predict) love will never appear in his eyes.
When Ruth May got bitten by a snake, which represented Patrice Lumumba as Congo’s hope, she was sealed in an inevitable death, just like how Lumumba was assassinated by American-Belgian special agents.
In another perspective (which is totally different than the previous two paragraphs) is that Nathan represents Belgium and the other four women represent Congo after its independence. If Nathan is to leave the rest of the Price family, just like how Belgium left Congo, the other four women would have a really hard time to survive without their “leader”, Nathan. On the other hand, they have freedom from their cruel ruler. In short, Nathan and Belgium represent the theme Captivity vs. Freedom in both the Poisonwood Bible and in Congo’s reality.
When regarding love with betrayal, its logical opponent, there was no sign of love in Nathan up to now, and (at least I predict) love will never appear in his eyes.