Kingsolver’s Portrayal of Christianity in The Poisonwood...

Kingsolver’s Portrayal of Christianity in The Poisonwood Bible Kingsolver’s concern with Christianity is evident in the very title of The Poisonwood Bible. She uses ‘books’ to divide the novel into sections, which, with names like Genesis and The Revelation, reflect the books of the Bible. As the novel progresses, the structure deviates from that of its biblical namesakes: there is a shift in order - Exodus is placed centrally - and new books with titles such as The Eyes in the Trees are introduced (Kingsolver’s own appellations). These names present the reader with the idea that Kingsolver is rewriting the central Christian text, adapting it for her own story. Thus religion is heralded as a significant presence in the book, not just†¦show more content†¦Her language sounds homiletic and parroted, which shows us she has been thoroughly indoctrinated. She is passive in the face of her father’s domination - ‘She wouldn’t go against him, of course’ - providing evidence that religion can be used as a tool to wield power. Ruth May, although only five, clearly understands Nathan’s expectations of submission, ‘He doesn’t approve talking back’ – a telling point when we consider how semi-developed her understanding of life can be. She names her toy monkey-sock ‘St Matthew’ – this shows how thoroughly a system of beliefs can penetrate the minds of children, and the fanatical madness it instils in otherwise rational human beings – ‘how fiercely he felt the eye of God upon him.’ Orleanna, who could never have known what her husband would become, claims she was ‘swallowed by Nathan’s body, mission and soul.’ Both use very physical terms – ‘felt’ and ‘swallowed’ – which present religion as something so powerful it is tangible. Through her portrayal of the family, Kingsolver explores how easily Chrisitanity can be abused. Nathan is obsessed with the traditional Judeo-Christian God, who he perceives as wrathful and judgmental: ‘If we suffered†¦it was proof that one of us had committed a failure of virtue.’ The emotive word ‘suffered’ shows the bitterness Christianity can cause, and the absolute word ‘proof’, the single-mindedness it can instil. Nathan has faith, but of the wrong sort – Kingsolver paints his religion as one based on