The Poisonwood Bible Narrative Paper - Brian Barnes

Narration affects the delivery of a story in a huge way and provide des details
that can only be given through a specific type of narration. Barbara Kingsolver's, The
Poisonwood Bible is told from the points of view of 5characters: Orleanna, Leah, Ruth
May, Adah, and Rachel. Kingsolver's is able to share multiple aspects that wouldn't be
given if The Poisonwood Bible was told by one person.
The use of multiple narrators enabled Kingsolver to not only tell the story from
different angles, but also from different time perspectives. Orleanna is tells her portion
of the story looking back upon what happened. Since she is recalling the past, the
reader is provided with the most significant things that happened in the Congo,
according to Orleanna. She shares her regrets and how guilty she feels openly to the
audience.
Orleanna's children - Leah, Ruth May, Adah, and Rachel - share their stories in
present time. Ruth May is able to elaborate on the beauty of the Congo because she is
innocent and views things as they are, not in comparison. Adah is able to tell us about
the people because she doesn't judge them for their physical imperfections because
she walks with a limp and has learned to not judge people on their appearance through
her own trial. Rachel is able to provide all the negative things of the Congo. She came
to the Congo with a hand mirror as her most prized possession. That mirror provides a
connection to the old world and how things used to be and Rachel bases her opinions
on the Congo in comparison with the United States.
The narrative technique Barbara Kingsolver used in The Poisonwood Bible gives
the reader a larger understanding of the story and what took place. Kingsolver's use of
5 narrators was a great choice because the reader can make his/her own decision on
what happened in the Congo and on other characters in the Congo.
Monica Barnes 5/3/14 11:45 AM
Comment [1]: provides
Monica Barnes 5/3/14 11:46 AM
Comment [2]: cut out
Monica Barnes 5/3/14 11:46 AM
Comment [3]: cut out
Monica Barnes 5/3/14 11:47 AM
Comment [4]: cut out
Monica Barnes 5/3/14 11:52 AM
Comment [5]: use - - instead of
commas
Monica Barnes 5/3/14 11:55 AM
Comment [6]: replace, i.e. greater/deeper
Monica Barnes 5/3/14 11:56 AM
Comment [7]: reader doesnt decide,
change to say the reader develops a greater
picture of what happened in the Congo.