The Struggle In Kingsolver's The Geography Of The Congo

The geography of the Congo does not just play a role in the political aspect of life, it affects individual people and families that have knowledge of politics in their daily ways of living. Since Africa is close to Europe, the Western European countries want to take advantage of their resources, lack of power, and riches. Patrice Lumumba, an African leader strives for Africa to have their own freedoms and encourages democracy. President Eisenhower of the United States, orders the assassination of Lumumba. Countries like the United States did not want Africa to gain freedom because this means they would no longer have access to their wealth or be able to “civilize” them. Many people lost their lives during the political power struggle, including Leah’s friend …show more content…
Also, Anatole is imprisoned for his beliefs now that Mobutu is ruling the Congo. Kingsolver wants readers to understand through these events that Mobutu is not a good leader. Leah tries hard to psychologically understand the reasons behind these countries trying to take over the Congo and the different political standpoints happening between rulers. Her trait of always being quick to learn new things comes into play as she educates herself on the history of politics and people of power in Africa. She also has to deal with issues of Anatole going to prison for his political ideals, judgement for being not only white, but being mistaken as a westerner, and worries about events occurring like the assassination of white people in Stanleyville. If it were not for Anatole, Leah could possibly be in great danger for her skin color and she would not be welcome in certain areas. Leah makes it a moral trait of hers to stay committed to her family and Anatole despite the geographical occurrences going on around them. This showcases the trait of loyalty Leah carries throughout her entire life. Leah begins the novel with her loyalty to her father and later gives that loyalty to not only her