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The Poisonwood Bible Character Analysis

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Leah Price is a little girl who grows up in a strongly devout household that relocates to the Belgian Congo as missionaries in Barbara Kingsolver's novel The Poisonwood Bible. Leah's childhood in the Congo and exposure to African culture had a significant impact on how she developed psychologically and morally. Leah gains a strong sense of independence, a great affinity with the Congolese people and their difficulties, and a rejection of her father's fundamentalist religious beliefs as a result of her experiences. Leah's surroundings in the Congo physically influence her character by giving her a sense of independence, to start. She has no access to the comforts of her upbringing in the United States, so she must learn to adjust and become …show more content…

Leah forms a strong bond with the Congolese people and their culture, which stands in stark contrast to her father's limited perspectives on religion and civilization. Leah declares, "I love the people here. I love the way they act and think" (Kingsolver, 319). She becomes aware of the negative repercussions of her father's mission and Western influence on the African continent as a result of her empathy for the Congolese people. Last but not least, Leah's environment influences her morality by exposing her to the injustices and oppression experienced by the Congolese people. She personally witnesses the Belgian conquerors' exploitation of the Congolese people as well as the damaging effects of Western influence on the African continent. Leah's rejection of her father's fundamentalist religious views and his foolish attempts to force them on the Congolese people shapes her moral character. According to her, "he is incapable of seeing anything from any point of view but his own, and when challenged, he only becomes more stubborn and righteous" (Kingsolver, 391). Because Leah recognizes the value of cultural diversity and the necessity for acceptance and empathy for others, she rejects her father's

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