For our last discussion we talked about all the metaphors that each daughter mentions throughout this book. These nature types of metaphors relates to each of characters in the book. For instance, there is a tree which we thought represented the Congolese people and how there’s so many of them that there’s not enough resources for each individual. Relating to how trees can become so massive that they have to grow taller and taller if they want to receive the most sunlight because if they’re small then the larger trees would absorb most of it. We related the light to the independence of the Congo because just like light sometimes independence became very scarce. Another thought was that Adah could have been a tree because sometimes trees can become overlooked and not really noticed in the background. Just like Adah who at times is overlooked in a situation and because she’s so quiet and observant people may forget she’s even there. As for Orleanna we thought she could be a tree as well because she’s the whole that holds everything together like the family. Another object we looked at was the vines. We thought they might refer to the character Mobutu because like vines Mobutu was very constricting of the wealth of Africa and didn’t really help Africa out like he was suppose to. Instead he used the wealth for his own personal benefit and leached off like a parasite to Africa. Just like vines sort of absorb the sunlight, water, and nutrients of a tree. Another man that acted like vines was Nathan. Referring to the same notion of constricting, Nathan much rather constricted the lives of his family. He had a lot of control and was the main influence on their lives during their youth, when the children were just seedlings. Together we decided that Adah was just like a spider, squashed and trampled on when it was weak. She was overlooked and because of her disabilities she was trampled on and called names like crooked. Just like happened with the okapi and the spider in the second paragraph of page 538, as the result of a shriek the okapi ran away while the spider was killed. This story also relates to Adah’s philosophy of balance. How after one dies, in result another lives. In Adah’s perfect world she has balance and everything corrects itself. The main passage that Mrs. Watson wanted us to see was the line, “Every life is different because you passed this way and touched history,” (Kingsolver 538). As well like Lumumba who touched the history of Africa and was bound to make a difference, but since he was assassinated, like the spider his life was left in vain. His ideas sort of withered and the strength of Mobutu took over. A unique object that we discussed was a rotten tree stump which we believed represented Nathan because a rotten tree stump once a mighty strong tree contained a lot of strength and authority over the land, but has now become rotten and useless. We thought this paralleled perfectly to Nathan because he was a strong influence in his family’s life and now that the family has moved on; Nathan is of no importance and has no more control. Finally the last object we talked about was a snake. Like a snake weaving in and becoming camouflaged not knowing it’s there sort of represented the mysterious bond and a common thread that everyone had that weaved them all together.
Another theme in the discussion was religion and we tried to identify each and every religion that each daughter worshiped. First we looked at Rachel and we decided that from what we observed that Rachel didn’t really have a religion because the main thing she ever cared about was money, success and herself. Adah worshiped science and sort of starts out not really into Christianity sort of the anti-Christ but in the end she depends more on Christ to help her overcome obstacles that she faces. Orleanna had her own unique religion where she has her own personal garden where she can plant seeds of “sorrow” and is able to plant new life. What I mean by sorrow is that Orleanna is a little depressed about the whole Ruth May death situation and how she puts all the guilt on herself, but now she’s come to find that Ruth May has in a sense forgiven her Orleanna can now do whatever she pleases and find happiness in life once again. There is also a metaphor behind the garden because during the beginning of the story we find that Nathan is the gardener of the family which might have represented who has all the power and control. Although later on after the family moves away from Nathan Orleanna plants her own garden because she’s now in control of what she wants to do and has her own dominance of her life. Another metaphor of the garden theme is that it signifies a new beginning for people such as when the Price’s first moved to the Congo, Nathan immediately starts planting his demonstration garden.
There was also another metaphor that we looked upon, the lock, stock, and barrel. On page 531 it first mentions the lock stock and barrel which are all parts of a gun. Adah represented the stock because she’s more known as the observant type that waits on the side. Although it doesn’t relate to a gun, the work that people do by taking stock of inventory is often overlooked because it’s an important job that the store relies upon but sometimes people don’t notice them because they’re often times in the back of the store. Leah acts like the barrel because she wants to make a difference and create change in everything that she does such as political events and taking charge of the family. Rachel represents the lock because she often times holds onto her emotions and acts conservative in many moments of the book. Like a gun when you put all these parts together it is complete and is only used for death, but without each specific part the gun can’t function, so each girl needs one another to function properly.
Finally the last line in the story, “Walk forward into the light,” (Kingsolver 543). We wondered what Orleanna could have been talking about and we came to the conclusion that she has finally got rid of her guilt for Ruth Mays death and has forgiven herself. It is also a metaphor of Adah’s which is balance and how there is light during the birth and as well there is light during death where people say they are moving to the light. Light represents balance everything is completed.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
“Song of the Three Children” and “Eyes in the Trees” Historian
Mobutu gained power as Lieutenant General in November 1965
Later was given the title as President of Zaire, also known as the (Democratic Republic of the Congo) for 32 years 1965-1997.
In the year of 1966 four cabinet members were arrested and publicly executed for complicity in an attempted coup.
There was an unsuccessful revolt led by white mercenaries in 1967.
By 1970 Mobutu made sure that all threats against him were annihilated and made harmless and ineffective. His army had tortured all those who posed potential threats to him and would make sure their death was brutal. The main members that Mobutu would kill were members who had associated with Patrice Lumumba and made sure his vision was a lost cause.
In 1968, a former Minister of Education, Pierre Mulele was captured by Mobutu’s forces and brutally beaten and painfully tortured. Besides using murder as a method to increase power Mobutu also used money to sway other rivals in his favor.
“Order” as Mobutu would say was brought to Africa and 1970 marked the peak of Mobutu’s stronghold, power and authority.
Mobutu made strong relations with Western countries gaining support from powerful countries he
Voting was useless because Mobutu raised elections in his favor as he said that voting was obligated and demanded although only he was the main candidate.
Mobutu had died in September 7, 1997 from prostate cancer which he’d been struggling with ever since 1962.
Later was given the title as President of Zaire, also known as the (Democratic Republic of the Congo) for 32 years 1965-1997.
In the year of 1966 four cabinet members were arrested and publicly executed for complicity in an attempted coup.
There was an unsuccessful revolt led by white mercenaries in 1967.
By 1970 Mobutu made sure that all threats against him were annihilated and made harmless and ineffective. His army had tortured all those who posed potential threats to him and would make sure their death was brutal. The main members that Mobutu would kill were members who had associated with Patrice Lumumba and made sure his vision was a lost cause.
In 1968, a former Minister of Education, Pierre Mulele was captured by Mobutu’s forces and brutally beaten and painfully tortured. Besides using murder as a method to increase power Mobutu also used money to sway other rivals in his favor.
“Order” as Mobutu would say was brought to Africa and 1970 marked the peak of Mobutu’s stronghold, power and authority.
Mobutu made strong relations with Western countries gaining support from powerful countries he
Voting was useless because Mobutu raised elections in his favor as he said that voting was obligated and demanded although only he was the main candidate.
Mobutu had died in September 7, 1997 from prostate cancer which he’d been struggling with ever since 1962.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
"Exodus" Reflection
Throughout this book of Exodus we’ve discussed mostly how everything has changed in the Congo. Mainly how the three sisters have changed. Everything that each girl does ever since they left the village has gone about the values of justice, forgiveness and redemption. Still each sister hasn’t ever really left the Congo. They’re business still relates to the struggles of what the Congo had to endure. Rachel we found hadn’t really changed at all. She felt guilty that she wasn’t really able to take charge when her sisters needed guidance the most she’s now become independent and very successful due to her wealthy ex-husbands. Rachel was able to manage a hotel and enjoys it very much there. Adah we’ve noticed has undergone a lot of change. She is now able to walk properly and express her ideas and thoughts through speaking instead of showing them. Adah has managed to make it in to medical school. Now even though she’s managed to fix her old childhood disabilities she’s now sort of lost her unique talent of poetry. Also since Ruth May died Adah’s been in search to regain a larger portion of her mothers love for her. Her need to be loved sort of appears desperate because that’s the only thing she really desires at the moment. Leah has become very love struck and is emotionally attached to Anatole and his mission to help save the Congo. We could relate the way she feels about Anatole to another relationship within her family which was between Orleanna and Nathan. More how the wife follows the husbands goals and desires except there is one difference how Leah loved the same goal that Anatole was trying to pursue. As for Orleanna she didn’t have her whole heart into Nathan’s purpose of spreading Christianity to the Kikogans. She also feels very guilty for Ruth May’s death and thinks it’s mostly her fault. If only she didn’t convince the others to come with her to help Nelson then maybe she’d still be alive. Another person she feels guilty for is Father, Nathan. Leah’s been getting information from Brother Fowles about her father’s condition without his family and judging by reports he sounds terrible. Even though Leah heard all these things about her father she just acted as if nothing happened and went along with her life. By not doing anything Father was run out of the village and was burned on building and died. His death feels awful in Leah’s mind, but sort of relieving as well. The death of Father also represents what appears to look like the same way Jesus Christ had died for our sins, although for Nathan he died for his own sins.
As for the rest of the members of the village they lived in. Pascal, Leah’s well valued friend had been murdered by Mobutu’s army since Pascal was associated with Lumumba. Tata Kuvundu had been hunted down by the village that had lost all respect for him because he killed Ruth May with the Green Mamba snake. Nelson they’ve discovered had become a married man and was well off with his kids. Tata Ndu, the leader and head chief of the village was now dead because of a disease and the next heir to the thrown was not the first born son but instead the second born son Kenge because Gbente was disliked by the village.
Next in our discussion we talked about all the significant quotes starting on page 444, which talks about Adah’s emotional wreck and unbelievable desire to be the most loved my mother. Adah was so afraid that after Ruth May died that Mother would want Leah the most because Leah was perfect compared to Adah who wasn’t anything, but instead mother chooses Adah because she’s the next youngest daughter after Ruth May. Next there’s the quote from Orleanna, “If you are the eyes in the trees, watching us as we walk away from kilanga, how will you make your judgment? Lord knows after thirty years I still crave your forgiveness, but who are you?” (Kingsolver 385). The question that Orleanna’s trying to find the answer to, who are you? Probably might have to relate to the reader. Orleanna has unraveled this whole story to us about her life in the Congo and she knows she’s made some mistakes along the way, but all she desires now is for forgiveness from everyone, the reader, her daughters, her friends, anyone. A quote that had to deal with our Sophmore essential question was, “But we’ve all ended up giving up body and soul to Africa, one way or another. Even Adah who’s becoming an expert in tropical epidemiology and strange new viruses. Each of us got our heart buried in six feet of African dirt; we are all co-conspirators here. I mean, all of us, not just my family” (Kingsolver 474). This quote relates to the Singer Solution to Poverty when you’re given a situation with a problem and what you plan to do to solve that problem. The Prices were all exposed to the horrible problem in Africa were the village was suffering without the need of modern day technology that we have access to. The village was dieing from disease that they weren’t capable of receiving because of lack of money. The Prices saw all this and the question really is, how will they react to it?
Finally there was also a big event that was talked about which was the boxing fight between Mohammad Ali and George Foreman. We looked at this fight in a metaphorical way which was that Ali represented Patrice Lumumba because when he was in the Congo he was really getting into the people and the culture and tried to help the cause he was boxing for. Instead of George Foreman we really was there to get money and media attention which really represented the American side, selfish.
As for the rest of the members of the village they lived in. Pascal, Leah’s well valued friend had been murdered by Mobutu’s army since Pascal was associated with Lumumba. Tata Kuvundu had been hunted down by the village that had lost all respect for him because he killed Ruth May with the Green Mamba snake. Nelson they’ve discovered had become a married man and was well off with his kids. Tata Ndu, the leader and head chief of the village was now dead because of a disease and the next heir to the thrown was not the first born son but instead the second born son Kenge because Gbente was disliked by the village.
Next in our discussion we talked about all the significant quotes starting on page 444, which talks about Adah’s emotional wreck and unbelievable desire to be the most loved my mother. Adah was so afraid that after Ruth May died that Mother would want Leah the most because Leah was perfect compared to Adah who wasn’t anything, but instead mother chooses Adah because she’s the next youngest daughter after Ruth May. Next there’s the quote from Orleanna, “If you are the eyes in the trees, watching us as we walk away from kilanga, how will you make your judgment? Lord knows after thirty years I still crave your forgiveness, but who are you?” (Kingsolver 385). The question that Orleanna’s trying to find the answer to, who are you? Probably might have to relate to the reader. Orleanna has unraveled this whole story to us about her life in the Congo and she knows she’s made some mistakes along the way, but all she desires now is for forgiveness from everyone, the reader, her daughters, her friends, anyone. A quote that had to deal with our Sophmore essential question was, “But we’ve all ended up giving up body and soul to Africa, one way or another. Even Adah who’s becoming an expert in tropical epidemiology and strange new viruses. Each of us got our heart buried in six feet of African dirt; we are all co-conspirators here. I mean, all of us, not just my family” (Kingsolver 474). This quote relates to the Singer Solution to Poverty when you’re given a situation with a problem and what you plan to do to solve that problem. The Prices were all exposed to the horrible problem in Africa were the village was suffering without the need of modern day technology that we have access to. The village was dieing from disease that they weren’t capable of receiving because of lack of money. The Prices saw all this and the question really is, how will they react to it?
Finally there was also a big event that was talked about which was the boxing fight between Mohammad Ali and George Foreman. We looked at this fight in a metaphorical way which was that Ali represented Patrice Lumumba because when he was in the Congo he was really getting into the people and the culture and tried to help the cause he was boxing for. Instead of George Foreman we really was there to get money and media attention which really represented the American side, selfish.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Moderator “Exodus”
During the first chapter of this book, “Exodus” what specifically was she trying to explain to the reader?
Pg. 392 Mama Boanda had given the Prices’ an egg what could have been the significance of that?
Pg. 393 As the family realizes that they’ve lost basically Nathan and Ruth May do they have any sympathy for the loss of their father and husband Nathan?
Pg. 394 Why does Leah always contradict herself? She talks about leaving the Congo for good, but what guilt does she have that the Congo reminds her of that makes her stay?
Why do you think this particular book was named Exodus? The following words I found in the thesaurus were mass departure, migration, emigration, flight and evacuation. What does moving have to do with the Price’s?
Why does Leah on pages 399-400 all of a sudden have very deep poetry when before we’ve noticed that Leah wasn’t a very poetic person, but now she kind of acts like Adah?
How come all of a sudden Kingsolver decides to make such a shift in time? The chapter being told on page 402 begins with Rachel Price Axelroot? Along with a place and date beneath it. Why does Kingsolver change her format of the titling of her chapters?
What significance is there for the saying that repeats, “Tell all the truth but tell it slant?” (Kingsolver 407&412).
When mother talks about Ruth May’s death does she in-turn choose another daughter to favor above the rest? Adah mentions that she might be that daughter on page 413 1st paragraph. Any thoughts?
The meaning of Exodus becomes clearer when referring back to the passage on page 414 2nd paragraph when Adah says, “Carry us, marry us, ferry us, bury us: those are our four ways to exodus, for now” (Kingsolver 414).
Adah brings up some important points on page 442. She discuses the religion of her family. “It crosses my mind that I may need a religion … her own brand of goddess” (Kingsolver 442). The main phrase I want to point out is really the statement, “Leah has one: her religion is the suffering” (Kingsolver 442).
Throughout the whole chapter of when the three sisters reunite do you think there is an alliance forming between the Leah and Adah against Rachel or has there always been that type of team? How have the sisters changed mentally and physically since the last time they’ve met?
Adah makes a sly remark what is the significance of the phrase, “Jesus is poisonwood…Here’s to the Minister of Poisonwood. And here’s to his five wives! … I don’t even try to understand” (Kingsolver 490). What specifically does Adah mean here’s to his five wives?
Why does Adah have a need to be “crooked again” like she was before? (Page 493)
What do you think about the italicized quotes that mother makes on page 495? To live is to be marked … You aren’t, he wasn’t” (Kingsolver 495).
What do you think about the metaphor also on page 495? “I know she is right … All the old injuries have been renamed…” (Kingsolver 495).
Pg. 392 Mama Boanda had given the Prices’ an egg what could have been the significance of that?
Pg. 393 As the family realizes that they’ve lost basically Nathan and Ruth May do they have any sympathy for the loss of their father and husband Nathan?
Pg. 394 Why does Leah always contradict herself? She talks about leaving the Congo for good, but what guilt does she have that the Congo reminds her of that makes her stay?
Why do you think this particular book was named Exodus? The following words I found in the thesaurus were mass departure, migration, emigration, flight and evacuation. What does moving have to do with the Price’s?
Why does Leah on pages 399-400 all of a sudden have very deep poetry when before we’ve noticed that Leah wasn’t a very poetic person, but now she kind of acts like Adah?
How come all of a sudden Kingsolver decides to make such a shift in time? The chapter being told on page 402 begins with Rachel Price Axelroot? Along with a place and date beneath it. Why does Kingsolver change her format of the titling of her chapters?
What significance is there for the saying that repeats, “Tell all the truth but tell it slant?” (Kingsolver 407&412).
When mother talks about Ruth May’s death does she in-turn choose another daughter to favor above the rest? Adah mentions that she might be that daughter on page 413 1st paragraph. Any thoughts?
The meaning of Exodus becomes clearer when referring back to the passage on page 414 2nd paragraph when Adah says, “Carry us, marry us, ferry us, bury us: those are our four ways to exodus, for now” (Kingsolver 414).
Adah brings up some important points on page 442. She discuses the religion of her family. “It crosses my mind that I may need a religion … her own brand of goddess” (Kingsolver 442). The main phrase I want to point out is really the statement, “Leah has one: her religion is the suffering” (Kingsolver 442).
Throughout the whole chapter of when the three sisters reunite do you think there is an alliance forming between the Leah and Adah against Rachel or has there always been that type of team? How have the sisters changed mentally and physically since the last time they’ve met?
Adah makes a sly remark what is the significance of the phrase, “Jesus is poisonwood…Here’s to the Minister of Poisonwood. And here’s to his five wives! … I don’t even try to understand” (Kingsolver 490). What specifically does Adah mean here’s to his five wives?
Why does Adah have a need to be “crooked again” like she was before? (Page 493)
What do you think about the italicized quotes that mother makes on page 495? To live is to be marked … You aren’t, he wasn’t” (Kingsolver 495).
What do you think about the metaphor also on page 495? “I know she is right … All the old injuries have been renamed…” (Kingsolver 495).
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Remember Me
Throughout life we wonder how we will leave our mark on this school, in my home, in my family, in this world. We wonder that after we die and our bodies are long diseased how our names, pictures, images, and personality will be kept on living. In the movie Troy a warrior asked for advice, if he should proceed and fight for his country or stay back. He got the response that you always have the choice, if you stay and live at home, build a family, raise a son and limit yourself bound to your family that’s the only place you’ll be remembered. That if your son kept the family line moving on and on that eventually your name would be lost among the generations. That he’d be forgotten forever. While on the other hand if he were to fight and partake in the greatest battle well known to man that people will speak the name of the valiant soldier who lead and conquered his army past the impenetrable walls of Troy. That his name will forever be spoken by story tellers and his name will remain legend until the ends of the earth.
This movie made me wonder what way I could be remembered because I’d hate for my life to pass without there ever being significance, to be valued is remembrance. Sure it sounds like an impossible task, but it’s worked for some men and women who we learn about in school. Intelligent and significant idols in history that have helped build the foundation of the earth we’re free to walk on today. As much as we all die to be valued we still must take into account how we’re so fortunate in life to be blessed with a chance that not too many people have. There’s always one thing that you have which separates you from another person. There are always those who are less fortunate who didn’t have all there life to find a way to be remembered. There’s this one song of which reminds me of someone who couldn’t make use of a full life. The song title is called “Swept Under” it’s about a girl who had a lung condition and the doctors didn’t know if she would have long to live, but life wasn’t what scarred the girl. It was really the fear of not leaving anything behind in this world, the fear that no one would remember she existed was the main factor.
I know that all my life I shouldn’t be worried about living my life, but instead just live it. Not by each day but by each second. Making memories with your friends and the people you love and hold dear to you is the most important thing. Life should be valued and not wasted. A friend once told me that each day he does nothing but spread love rather than hate. He tells people he cares about them and reminds them how much they mean to him because he’s never sure when the last day is when there will be no tomorrow. Where the moment he says “I love you” is his last. He takes each day and every moment so preciously that he wants to leave this world with a good last thought in everyone’s mind that he really cared about them and held no harsh feelings toward them. I guess that’s really how I’d like to leave this world with the impression rather than just the name. I mean what’s the use of having someone know your name and your great accomplishments if they never had the chance to meet you in the flesh.
This movie made me wonder what way I could be remembered because I’d hate for my life to pass without there ever being significance, to be valued is remembrance. Sure it sounds like an impossible task, but it’s worked for some men and women who we learn about in school. Intelligent and significant idols in history that have helped build the foundation of the earth we’re free to walk on today. As much as we all die to be valued we still must take into account how we’re so fortunate in life to be blessed with a chance that not too many people have. There’s always one thing that you have which separates you from another person. There are always those who are less fortunate who didn’t have all there life to find a way to be remembered. There’s this one song of which reminds me of someone who couldn’t make use of a full life. The song title is called “Swept Under” it’s about a girl who had a lung condition and the doctors didn’t know if she would have long to live, but life wasn’t what scarred the girl. It was really the fear of not leaving anything behind in this world, the fear that no one would remember she existed was the main factor.
I know that all my life I shouldn’t be worried about living my life, but instead just live it. Not by each day but by each second. Making memories with your friends and the people you love and hold dear to you is the most important thing. Life should be valued and not wasted. A friend once told me that each day he does nothing but spread love rather than hate. He tells people he cares about them and reminds them how much they mean to him because he’s never sure when the last day is when there will be no tomorrow. Where the moment he says “I love you” is his last. He takes each day and every moment so preciously that he wants to leave this world with a good last thought in everyone’s mind that he really cared about them and held no harsh feelings toward them. I guess that’s really how I’d like to leave this world with the impression rather than just the name. I mean what’s the use of having someone know your name and your great accomplishments if they never had the chance to meet you in the flesh.
Superman
At one point in our lives I can guarantee that we all had our dreams of becoming a super hero. I had just finished watching an episode of the TV series, Smallville. In this particular episode it showed a brave soldier, Whitney who chose to work in the navy and risk his life on the line for his country in the heat of battle. This TV series, revolves not on this soldier, but instead on a character, Clark Kent who has the skills and abilities of Superman. Now this brave soldiers unit was ambushed and there were no survivors left. This soldier was a friend of Clark's. In this episode Clark battles a very dangerous enemy, Tina who has the ability to change her appearance and brute strength. In the end Clark puts up a magnificent fight and is victorious at the end of the battle. Contrasting to Whitney he notices that without his superpowers he would’ve been no match against Tina. Clark feels guilty because he sometimes wishes that other people could have his abilities of invulnerability. Whitney only had courage and was fearless as he put his life on the line to provide support and make a difference to better his country. It’s not that Clark doesn’t make a difference in the world because he still ensures the safety of Smallville, but he’s still thankful that he’s been given such a great responsibility and gift that sets him apart from everyone else. He reminds himself of how fortunate he is to be blessed with such a power because people not like him, people like Whitney aren’t bulletproof and don’t have talents that could save his life. Clark’s thankful and doesn’t take for granted what he’s been born with.
I take a step back from this movie and I analyze what’s happening. I get a lesson out of this episode that teaches me, you don’t have to have superpowers to be a hero. This relates to my personal question because in life we have so many opportunities so many things to be thankful for. You can think about it in two different ways that may to you share the same purpose, but to me they’re separate. Talents and abilities are what separate superheroes from humans or you could think of it in the opposite way. My opinion about this matter is that we’ve all been given skills and abilities, but the way you use them is what separates you from everyone else. Just like in the movie, Clark didn’t view himself any better or superior than Whitney. If anything Clark admired Whitney for his bravery and the thought that even though Whitney wasn’t bulletproof he still fought for what he believed was right regardless of the consequences. If I’m willing to be like Whitney or like Clark it’s up to me and my personal best to achieve any goal I set my mind to, because life could take a turn for the worst at anytime, so might as well live while we can.
I take a step back from this movie and I analyze what’s happening. I get a lesson out of this episode that teaches me, you don’t have to have superpowers to be a hero. This relates to my personal question because in life we have so many opportunities so many things to be thankful for. You can think about it in two different ways that may to you share the same purpose, but to me they’re separate. Talents and abilities are what separate superheroes from humans or you could think of it in the opposite way. My opinion about this matter is that we’ve all been given skills and abilities, but the way you use them is what separates you from everyone else. Just like in the movie, Clark didn’t view himself any better or superior than Whitney. If anything Clark admired Whitney for his bravery and the thought that even though Whitney wasn’t bulletproof he still fought for what he believed was right regardless of the consequences. If I’m willing to be like Whitney or like Clark it’s up to me and my personal best to achieve any goal I set my mind to, because life could take a turn for the worst at anytime, so might as well live while we can.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
“Bel and the Serpent” Reflection
There were many different events that occurred in this thrilling book of “Bel and the Serpent” that has changed the lives of the Price family forever. Since the Congo was going through a major drought and needed food desperately they hunted for as much animals as they could possibly find. The village was going through a horrible stage and couldn’t decide on many debates, so Nathan figures that he should introduce the American way of democracy. By voting he believes the whole village can all come to an understanding and choose an agreeable choice. The decisions they vote upon are opinions that deal with whether or not Leah should be allowed to hunt with the men or other decisions if the village should accept Jesus Christ as their savior. Leah having trained with her bow and arrow was ready to take on the challenge of hunting for her family and for the village and would be devastated if she was not permitted to hunt. This becomes a major turning point in Leah’s life because we notice changes in her personality the most among all the Price sisters. Leah used to be shy and timid before who hardly ever voiced her opinion, but now she makes her own decisions and is now becoming an older independent woman. As for the voting on Jesus Christ, Nathan finds that introducing democracy wasn’t the best idea because majority had voted against Jesus.
During the Orleanna chapter we notice that she doesn’t really focus her attention towards her life stories, but instead discusses politics and the background of what’s happening outside the Congo mainly focusing on Lumumba. The whole struggle that he had to undergo to try and escape those who wanted to assassinate him and destroy everything he’s worked for to benefit Africa. Also in the beginning of the book there was a whole section explaining the tale behind “Bel and the Serpent” which summarized how Bel was a false idol that was being worshiped and was given heavy loads of sacrifices. All the food that was being sacrificed was being consumed or taken somehow, so the character in the story Daniel puts ashes on the ground to attempt to uncover the people who are responsible for pilfering the sacrifices. It turns out it was actually the priests who were taking the sacrifices. This same event occurs exactly in the Poisonwood Bible. Tata Kuvudundu warns the village that if they proceed with this massive hunt then a deadly curse would be laid upon the village. Even though they heard his warning the village proceeds anyway with their hunt and end up with a wealthy load of game to eat. Lately there have been many reports of green mamba snakes that mysteriously appear within peoples households. The children are trying to catch the culprit(s) of whoever are mysteriously putting green mamba snakes into people’s houses. So it was Leah’s idea to put ashes on the ground and in the morning they discover that the footprint left in the ash was someone who had six toes which could only be one person in the Congo, Tata Kuvudundu. As the children were trying to apprehend the snake that was found in the chicken house they failed to protect Ruth May who ended up with a bite. The poison takes a hold of her life and she ends up dead.
Due to this major turning point in the whole Congo experience the author tries to express the emotions that each family member has of this horrifying event. Leah’s reaction was plain shock and just put in a state of awe because this was coming at her all too fast and she couldn’t really accept what was happening. All she ends up doing is reminiscing about memorable times they shared together. Rachel thought more about what Orleanna’s reaction might be when she wakes up to find out her youngest daughter had just died from a green mamba snake. Orleanna, we assumed had finally run out of guilt for knowing that Ruth May had died. All these years guilt has been building inside of Orleanna ranging from her daughters, Adah’s disabilities and Nathan’s aggression. She’s gotten to the point where she just can’t handle any more guilt, especially this new found guilt where she probably blames herself for Ruth May’s death. This could also be viewed as the last straw for Orleanna where Nathan has prolonged them to stay in the Congo for too long and now it’s time to head back to America where they were probably better off. As for Adah, her reaction is really in a metaphorical meaning also put in our discussion as “closing of the parenthesis” which meant that she experienced Ruth Mays birth and has witnessed her death, both beginning and ending in the same ways, by screaming. Finally, the reaction of Orleanna was very surprising. She wasn’t very shocked and angry or sad. She was very calm and speechless. All that Orleanna began to do was make a shroud for her and move all the furniture outside, so that the Kikongan people could just take what they wanted. As for the reaction of Nathan, all he did was say that it was a shame that Ruth May didn’t get baptized and that was probably why she died. The important Kikongan words in this book were probably Bantu and Muntu two similar yet very different words. Bantu, meaning the outside the external part of your body. Muntu, meaning the internal part which deals with the inside such as the soul and personality of a person. Muntu could also relate to the phrase “inside looking out.” Some examples of people would demonstrate Muntu are Adah and Ruth May. Adah being the silent sister is constantly noticing many things that happen and doesn’t have an opinion that’s being voiced. As for Ruth May, now that she’s dead she ends up being the observer from wherever she is now whether it’s in spirit or in another form of afterlife. She always talked about being a green mamba or a tree, if she ever died those objects were what she wanted to become.
During the Orleanna chapter we notice that she doesn’t really focus her attention towards her life stories, but instead discusses politics and the background of what’s happening outside the Congo mainly focusing on Lumumba. The whole struggle that he had to undergo to try and escape those who wanted to assassinate him and destroy everything he’s worked for to benefit Africa. Also in the beginning of the book there was a whole section explaining the tale behind “Bel and the Serpent” which summarized how Bel was a false idol that was being worshiped and was given heavy loads of sacrifices. All the food that was being sacrificed was being consumed or taken somehow, so the character in the story Daniel puts ashes on the ground to attempt to uncover the people who are responsible for pilfering the sacrifices. It turns out it was actually the priests who were taking the sacrifices. This same event occurs exactly in the Poisonwood Bible. Tata Kuvudundu warns the village that if they proceed with this massive hunt then a deadly curse would be laid upon the village. Even though they heard his warning the village proceeds anyway with their hunt and end up with a wealthy load of game to eat. Lately there have been many reports of green mamba snakes that mysteriously appear within peoples households. The children are trying to catch the culprit(s) of whoever are mysteriously putting green mamba snakes into people’s houses. So it was Leah’s idea to put ashes on the ground and in the morning they discover that the footprint left in the ash was someone who had six toes which could only be one person in the Congo, Tata Kuvudundu. As the children were trying to apprehend the snake that was found in the chicken house they failed to protect Ruth May who ended up with a bite. The poison takes a hold of her life and she ends up dead.
Due to this major turning point in the whole Congo experience the author tries to express the emotions that each family member has of this horrifying event. Leah’s reaction was plain shock and just put in a state of awe because this was coming at her all too fast and she couldn’t really accept what was happening. All she ends up doing is reminiscing about memorable times they shared together. Rachel thought more about what Orleanna’s reaction might be when she wakes up to find out her youngest daughter had just died from a green mamba snake. Orleanna, we assumed had finally run out of guilt for knowing that Ruth May had died. All these years guilt has been building inside of Orleanna ranging from her daughters, Adah’s disabilities and Nathan’s aggression. She’s gotten to the point where she just can’t handle any more guilt, especially this new found guilt where she probably blames herself for Ruth May’s death. This could also be viewed as the last straw for Orleanna where Nathan has prolonged them to stay in the Congo for too long and now it’s time to head back to America where they were probably better off. As for Adah, her reaction is really in a metaphorical meaning also put in our discussion as “closing of the parenthesis” which meant that she experienced Ruth Mays birth and has witnessed her death, both beginning and ending in the same ways, by screaming. Finally, the reaction of Orleanna was very surprising. She wasn’t very shocked and angry or sad. She was very calm and speechless. All that Orleanna began to do was make a shroud for her and move all the furniture outside, so that the Kikongan people could just take what they wanted. As for the reaction of Nathan, all he did was say that it was a shame that Ruth May didn’t get baptized and that was probably why she died. The important Kikongan words in this book were probably Bantu and Muntu two similar yet very different words. Bantu, meaning the outside the external part of your body. Muntu, meaning the internal part which deals with the inside such as the soul and personality of a person. Muntu could also relate to the phrase “inside looking out.” Some examples of people would demonstrate Muntu are Adah and Ruth May. Adah being the silent sister is constantly noticing many things that happen and doesn’t have an opinion that’s being voiced. As for Ruth May, now that she’s dead she ends up being the observer from wherever she is now whether it’s in spirit or in another form of afterlife. She always talked about being a green mamba or a tree, if she ever died those objects were what she wanted to become.
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