In Barbara Kingsolver’s the Poisonwood Bible, the Price family is headed by Nathan Price, a headstrong and deeply religious man. His views on evangelism and his views of his family seem to overlap, trying to rule over his domain with an iron fist. His deep desire to convert the Congo into a Christian society alienates his family, and leads to their youngest daughter’s death, triggering the remainder of the family’s exodus, in search for their freedom. The Poisonwood Bible illustrates the human drive for power, through the search of personal freedom. At the beginning of the novel, Mr. Price has absolute control over his family, however, as the plot progresses, his position begins to deteriorate. His children all feared and respected him, especially Leah, whom looks up to her father in an almost blind faith. Leah wishes to be like her father, shown by her constant yearning for her father’s approval. She exemplifies her need of approval when she thinks to herself “If only if I could ever bring forth all that I knew quickly enough to suit Father” and through her unquestioned faith in God…show more content… Orleanna started to openly speak her own mind against Nathan, determined to get her family out of the Congo, with or without the permission of her husband. This open opposition to Nathan’s plan affects the children’s view, Leah saying “I was shocked and frightened to see her flout Father’s authority, but truthfully, I could feel something similar moving around in my own heart” (Kingsolver 243). Orleanna’s defiance helped give her children the confidence to start trying to live for themselves, breaking away from the ties that previously held them down. This shows Orleanna’s progression towards self-reliance and independence from her husband, who had restricted her since the early years of their
