The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

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Description:

This multifaceted novel chronicles one family’s experience in the Congo as Belgian rule ends and the country tries to become a democracy. Parallel to the breakup of a nation and the destruction of its traditions is the disintegration of the Price family, who come to the Congo as missionaries with the goal of transplanting the American church into African soil. The story reveals the complexity of a people who are not easily understood by those from a different culture, but who manifest sensitivity, kindness, and concern. The longing for freedom and fulfillment is shown to be universal. Themes include national and familial disintegration, dysfunction in both macrocosm and microcosm, multiple views of various incidents, initiation into adult life and into a radically different culture, and a tyrannical patriarch’s influence on developing personalities.

Activities:

Students analyze the personalities of the characters and the family’s relationships. They interpret the meaning of passages from the text, write news stories, examine the Congo-Zaire political situation, and respond to the text in writing. Students also participate in groups, work to gather information, analyze, read for detail, role play, chart, and research.  

Supplementary materials include a review of the novel by a missionary as well as an objective test and answer key.

Ethical Values:

Compassion
Endurance
Faith
Family commitment
Respect
Responsibility
Self-actualization