Independence In The Congo Essay

(E) Orleanna’s use of a simile works to compare herself to a bird, Methuselah, because just like the bird she will never truly be free. She expresses her feelings of being trapped by using imagery of a caged bird. In the Congo, she felt trapped by Nathan and even in the aftermath of the Congo she will never be free from the past that haunts her by. (CL) All along, Methuselah symbolized Orleanna’s lack of incapability to stand up to Nathan even though she knew her daughters needed her to be stronger. I wonder if this is what she wants to be forgiven for. I am beginning to notice that guilt is a major theme in this novel. (E) I think this is when things start to change for Leah in terms of her questioning her father and what he stands for. This

(Q) Will Leah begin to think of religion just like Adah does? How will Nathan Price react to Leah’s changing perspective? (C) Politics seems to be another important theme in this novel. Leah uses analogy between the effects of the Independence in the Congo and a story in the Bible to suggest that the Independence may or may not be work in favor of the Congolese citizens. Although the Congolese deserve justice, many people may only want independence for personal gain. Of course, one of those people is not Patrice Lumumba, but still many people of higher status do not want him to succeed. (Q) If the United States or any other countries hadn't interfered, how would the Congo look like today? Would the people suffer as much as they do now? (E) I think Anatole means that Leah is and will always be the same person, as she stays true to her morals, or at least her beliefs in the clear distinction between good and bad have persisted throughout the time that he has known her. She is always devoted to a cause, which at first is to please her father through religion but she later manifests her energy and life into seeing justice for all Congolese