It has been said that what we value can be determined only by what we sacrifice. This applies to several characters in Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible, especially
Orleanna, Nathan, and their daughters. Through their sacrifices, characteristics and values become evident in these characters that would not be understood otherwise. The sacrifices made by these characters contribute to the novel as a whole by giving it depth and greater meaning, just as these sacrifices make each character’s intentions clear and presence throughout the novel more relevant.
Orleanna made countless sacrifices throughout the novel for her husband. She sacrificed her livelihood and many things she considered valuable. This did not happen simply because of
Nathan’s desire to …show more content…
On more than one occasion, the daughters reminisce on a time when Nathan was either physically or verbally abusive. According to Elaine R. Ognibene’s work, “not only does
Nathan silence his family, but he also insults them and has since the time of the twins’ birth.”
From this it is clear to see how harshly Nathan treats his family and how it is an ongoing event.
According to Ognibene’s work, Nathan is notorious for “denying responsibility for his own foolish acts” and as a result, he “screams out his rage at his family.” Most importantly, the daughters sacrifice their father figure. As any child would, these girls desired a loving, caring, competent father figure in their lives. When it comes to the role of father, Nathan is nowhere near competent. According to Ognibene’s work, the main thing Leah notices about her father is his “arrogance and abuse.” It is obvious that Nathan is by no means a good role model for parenthood. As a result, the daughters are sacrificing because they are still doing their best to stand by Nathan even though he has failed them as a father. Due to their sacrifices, it is clear
Orleanna, Nathan, and their daughters. Through their sacrifices, characteristics and values become evident in these characters that would not be understood otherwise. The sacrifices made by these characters contribute to the novel as a whole by giving it depth and greater meaning, just as these sacrifices make each character’s intentions clear and presence throughout the novel more relevant.
Orleanna made countless sacrifices throughout the novel for her husband. She sacrificed her livelihood and many things she considered valuable. This did not happen simply because of
Nathan’s desire to …show more content…
On more than one occasion, the daughters reminisce on a time when Nathan was either physically or verbally abusive. According to Elaine R. Ognibene’s work, “not only does
Nathan silence his family, but he also insults them and has since the time of the twins’ birth.”
From this it is clear to see how harshly Nathan treats his family and how it is an ongoing event.
According to Ognibene’s work, Nathan is notorious for “denying responsibility for his own foolish acts” and as a result, he “screams out his rage at his family.” Most importantly, the daughters sacrifice their father figure. As any child would, these girls desired a loving, caring, competent father figure in their lives. When it comes to the role of father, Nathan is nowhere near competent. According to Ognibene’s work, the main thing Leah notices about her father is his “arrogance and abuse.” It is obvious that Nathan is by no means a good role model for parenthood. As a result, the daughters are sacrificing because they are still doing their best to stand by Nathan even though he has failed them as a father. Due to their sacrifices, it is clear