Examples Of Rebellion In The Poisonwood Bible

Rebellion is Power
Rebellion is a source of self-expression. Those who choose to act upon that rebellion will face consequential actions. However, rebellion is not always dangerous and should be present in order to have a healthy balance between obedience and disobedience. Barabara Kingsolvers’ The Poisonwood Bible and George Orwell’s 1984, both touch upon class divisions and power. The upper class will always have authority whether an individual agrees with it or not. Those who disagree are likely to rebel against authority. Conforming to society’s norms allows individuals to feel safe. However, an individual will rebel when they face inequality, making them an outcast. In The Poisonwood Bible, Ruth May sees all the discrimination against

The ruling class will face downfall, as a result, the lower class will regain their power and equality. Since Nathan Price is the only man in the Price family, he often uses that power to force the Price women to comply with his demands and needs. The women have no choice but to comply, as the consequences will be inhumane. Rachel Price notices that “Father would sooner watch us perish one by one than listen to anybody but himself” (Kingsolver 169). Nathan fails to see that he is in the wrong and has little to no character development. Many people in the village have previously made attempts to teach Nathan their ways, despite that, he remains ignorant towards them. Nathan is constantly preaching to God, however, he uses bible verses to punish his daughters, therefore abusing his power. Even after Ruth May’s death, Nathan fails to learn the small details of each of his daughters. Nathan’s neglect displays itself when Leah speaks about Ruth May’s loyal friend named Bwanga. During the “time of loss and salvation, Bwanga had remained Ruth May’s most loyal playmate. Even that my father wouldn’t have known…He knew nothing about the children” (Kingsolver 374). Leah is mourning the family’s loss while Nathan runs around attempting to baptise every child in the village during the downpour. After facing Nathan’s abuse, the Price women choose to abandon Nathan. Nathan further proves only the women are the logical ones despite them having no power. Leah finally realises that her father has continuously put the Price family in danger with his misguidance and poor decisions. Leah decides “right then to stop pretending I knew more than I did…Watching my father, I’ve seen how you can’t learn anything when you're trying to look like the smartest person in the room” (Kingsolver 229). After the Price women leave, Nathan becomes delirious without