The Poisonwood Bible

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. A biblical allusion is a literary device that indirectly references a verse and/or story from the Bible. While an allusion is generally used to allow the audience to imagine and/or make links to the outside world, allusions to the Bible usually reference well-known events, such as the Garden of Eden or the crucifixion of Christ, to those outside the Christian faith. Using the following questions, analyze the use of biblical allusions in the novel.

• Which of the Price family members uses biblical allusions the most in their narratives?
• Identify three uses of a biblical allusion by this character and explain their meanings.
• What is the effect of biblical allusions in this particular novel? Do they enhance the theme of religion in the story? Why or why not?

2. While Adah and Leah are similar in that they are twins, their personalities and mannerisms are different. Compare and contrast the differences between Adah and Leah.

• Would you say that Adah and Leah have more differences or similarities?
• Using textual evidence, identify three similarities or differences, depending on your opinion, to support your argument.
• Do the similarities and differences change at any point during the course of the novel? Why or why not?

3. The end of Book 4: “The Serpent and the Bell,” is a pivotal turning point in the lives of the Price family. Describe the events of the chapter and analyze the effect of the events on the Price family.

• Why is the end of this book important for the rest of the novel?
• Using the remaining chapters in this novel (i.e., Books 5-7), select three decisions made by the Price characters as a direct result of the events in this book.
• Based on your knowledge of the novel, what impact does the end of this book have on the characters? Who in the Price family is most impacted?

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. The novel is told from the perspective of each of the Price women. Although Reverend Price is a main character, none of the first-person narrative is told from his perspective. In a well-written essay, explain whether or not you think a narrative segment from the perspective of Reverend Price would enhance the story. Why do you think Kingsolver chose not to include his perspective in the narration? Be sure to use and cite textual evidence.

2. “‘Sending a girl to college is like pouring water in your shoes,’ [Reverend Price] loves to say, as often as possible. ‘It’s hard to say which is worse, seeing it run out and waste the water, or seeing it hold in and wreck the shoes’” (65). Write an essay in which you consider the importance of this Reverend Price quote in relation to each of the Price women, as well as the role of women in general in supporting their families and men throughout the novel. Do you think this statement affected the Price women's future decisions in education? Why or why not? Be sure to use and cite textual evidence in your response.

3. While the Price family publicly presents themselves as Baptist Christian missionaries, many of the family members grapple with their faith throughout the novel. Select one of the Price family members and examine their relationship with their faith. Does this character experience a loss or gain of religion due to their time in the Congo? If so, why? Be sure to use and cite textual evidence.