Poisonwood Bible Q2
Barbara Kingsolver is an expert at using language to create a powerful impression on the
mind of the reader. In, The Poisonwood Bible Kingsolver effectively utilizes diction, imagery,
and literary devices to take control the mind of the reader, and make it work as she wishes.
A very powerful use of diction occurs in the specific description of the mothers necklace
and handkerchief: Large false pearl earrings, and her ragged handkerchief. The very specific
use of the words false and ragged make the reader feel as though there is more to the story of the
mother, and perhaps she has something to hide with her ragged, yet manufactured appearance.
Additionally, the word ragged used to describe her handkerchief creates an interest contrast from
her description; the mothers appearance seems to be that of a high-class woman, along with the
four girls that stood, as tight as bowstrings. while the mother appears to be conducting a
symphony. This image of a symphony being conducted by the mother mirrors the idea of their
likely elegant, wealthy lifestyle. Another key use of suction comes with the initial description of
the family. They are described as, pale, doomed blossoms,. Kingsolvers choice to describe
them as doomed makes the reader believe that there may not be any escape for this family and
describing them as, bound to appeal to your sympathy. makes the reader wary of their
intentions, and actions.
Vivid imagery is also a massive aid to Kingsolvers masterful conduction of language.
The imagery of the four daughters and their march through the forest leaves more questions than
answers; leaving the reader wondering what caused one of the brunette daughters limp, and why
they are in the forest to begin with. They were obviously not prepared for any roaming of the
forest, based on their descriptions(Dresses, lace handkerchief, pearl earrings). The oddity of this
scene creates ominous feeling - perfection enveloped in rugged wilderness. Another great use of
imagery comes from the description of, the mother leads the way, parting spiderwebs.,
which partially undermines the previously ominous feeling prior, with a moderately humorous
scene of a woman whacking spider webs out her face as if she were, conducting a symphony.
Finally, comes Kingsolvers use of literary devices. Life, quite frankly, is the antithesis of
death., and the description of a choir of seedlings arching their necks out of rotted tree stumps
is an example of such antithesis. This juxtaposition of life and death creates a morbid balance to
the text. From death, comes life, and from life, comes, well, not immortality. This life-death
antithesis is utilized again with pale, doomed blossoms. Paleness can be attributed to death, as
well as doom, while blossoms are at the pique of life, and fertility.
Overall, Kingsolvers contrast between life and death and wild and tame are what drives
this piece into the readers mind, and make the reader understand Kingsolvers prevailing idea:
Death paradoxically, and infinitesimally creates and supports life. Life and death exist in a
revolving manner, that will never stop, and has no pinpointed beginning.
