Good versus evil; this is an archetypal struggle that everyone is aware of. In this battle, righteousness or a righteous character must conquer a form of malevolence in order to maintain virtue. But while this theme forms the basis for many novels and stories, real life does not have the luxury of having sides so clearly cut. In The Poisonwood Bible, Nathan Price takes his family on a religious mission to Congo. As the situation becomes increasingly dire, Orleanna is caught between her husband's questionable motives and her maternal duty to protect her children. She vowed at marriage to remain faithful to her husband in times of struggle, yet with the birth of her children she accepted responsibility for their health.

The word evil is defined as anything causing ruin, injury, pain or harm. Orleanna fails to uphold her obligation as a mother to keep her children safe...