The Poisonwood Bible Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. In The Poisonwood Bible, Orleanna's narrative looks back in time, while the other characters narrate from the present.

1) Why do you think Kingsolver included one narrative that looks back in time?
2) What does this type of narration add to the novel?
3) Why do you think Orleanna's character is the one looking back?

2. The Prices change during their time in the Congo. Discuss how the changes affect the family, including:

1) Which character do you think changed the most? How did this character change?
2) Which character changed the least? In...
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