The Poisonwood Bible

Several characters claim that Africa has taken ownership of the souls of all the members of the Price family. Do you agree or disagree? Why not?

Nathan Price’s mission was ultimately a failure. Was there any point in the story where you feel the outcome could have been recoverable if he had made a different choice? If so, where and why? If not, why not?

Many important decisions in this story were motivated by guilt. Does that make the decisions inherently faulty? Why or why not?

Leah comes to believe in a cultural and moral relativism, declaring that what is right in some places can be wrong elsewhere. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Leah’s relationship with Anatole is profoundly impactful to her life. However, it brings with it many hardships including hunger, disease, and imprisonment. Was staying with Anatole the best decision for Leah? Why or why not?

Ultimately, Rachel’s character is predominantly unchanged by her traumatic experiences in the Congo. Why do you believe she has failed to grow as a person? Was there anything that could have forced her to grow? If so, what?

In their adulthood, each of the remaining Price daughters acknowledge that part of their father’s personality and teachings have remained with them. For which character was this most detrimental? Most beneficial?

Orleanna frequently draws comparisons between herself and Congo. Is this an apt comparison? Why or why not?