The significance of a title is often hidden within the pages of a novel. The true meaning of the title: The Poisonwood Bible, is not revealed until further inspection into the novel. The reader learns that the translation of the word “bangala”, often used by Nathan Price to describe Jesus, can be used to mean “precious,” but also translates to the name for a dangerous plant in the Congo, poisonwood. The author reveals this truth throughout the novel by using contrast and point of view. The author utilizes contrast to present differences between the beliefs of Nathan Price and the locals of the Congo quite often. Nathan Price enters the Congo with a drive to present Christianity to the locals as a need rather than a want. With stubborn and demanding behavior, Reverend Price attempts to manipulate the Congolese into …show more content…
All of the Price family goes into the Congo believing they are doing good, but as differences arise and plans fail, some of the family strays from Nathan Price's beliefs. A prime example of this is the character development through the eyes of Leah Price. At the beginning of the book, she is her fathers prodigy, following everything he does and respecting and agreeing with everything he says, but as the novel continues, the reader watches a shift in her character. By the end of the novel, Leah almost despises her father for what he had done in the Congo, and adapts to many of the characteristics of the local Congolese people. She then realizes that the mission of her father was more poison to the Congo than it was holy. Although the reader is never shown the story through Nathan's eyes, they can assume that he actually believes he is doing what is best for the Congo, but because the reader sees the story more through the children and Orleanna’s eyes, they are more inclined to side with the idea that Westerners poisoned the Congo with Christian