Although I admit that I procrastinated a lot in reading this novel, I can definitely say that it will stay in my list of books to remember. The Poisonwood Bible reminded me of one of the lessons that is, for the most part, overlooked in today's fast-paced lifestyle: cherish what you have, work to keep it with you and be content, before it's too late and you lose it. From seeing others, and being an example myself, I can say that some (if not a lot of) people easily take the things they have for granted.
Sometimes, like Orleanna, they remain passive and act only once that object is compromised or gone. Ruth May's, or even any of the daughters' deaths, was already expected in her mind, but she really did nothing to prevent it until it was too late.
Or sometimes, we can be like Leah. Or in more extreme cases: Nathan. They become too idealistic and and become impatient or selfish when what they see isn't exactly what they envisioned it to be. They try to push it to what they want it to be, even though it is really difficult or sometimes even impossible, and they become blind.
Of course, I am not saying that everyone is like this. This is more of a warning and a chance for a little introspection for any reader. Do not make the same mistakes the characters in the novel made, for it can be extremely difficult to mend. Nevertheless, this is only one of the numerous insights the novel provided, and one that I will most likely carry on through the years.
~Lian C.
I think it is interesting how you say the book is about cherishing what you have before you lose it. I think to an extent this is true, such as how Orlenna should cherish the time with Ruth May before she dies. However I think think the remainder of the book is about overcoming adversity, obtaining one's voice, and utilizing their strength. If the story were about being content, then the girls would not have abadoned their passive way towards Nathan, and they most certainly would not have become as independent as they did. In my opinion, they are not taking things for granted, but instead overcome the obstacles that hinder their personal growth.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Kingsolver's use of characters and their viewpoint isn't just a representation of what people can be like as individuals, but rather what people can be like as groups. For instance, I feel that Rachel's character fits the classic ignorant American stereotype, and her individual character is created to make a statement about a group of people. I think it's interesting the way she can make one character represent a population in this way.
ReplyDelete- Geena