After reading the piece on Gender Studies and Queer Theory, it is clear that The Poisonwood Bible contains many passages that allow for this type of criticism. For example, the mother of the Price family is described in a manner that makes her seem as if her only purpose is to run the home and that is all she is good for. When Anatole comes to dine, the mother is ovewhelmed because she tries to make everything perfect.
Another, more clear example is how the father will not let the girls continue with schooling because he fears it will ruin them. They are not valued for their intelligence despite the fact that they have great potential, especially Adah.
Beyond the daughters, the other girls in Kolunga and the surrounding villages are not allowed to go to school at all, whereas the boys go until about the age of twelve.
There is an extreme difference between what is expected of women and men both in the Price family and in the village. Despite all of the differences between the daughters and the women in the villages, they are still treated and viewed in the same manner.
I'd say I disagree that Oreleanna is seen only has a homemaker. Perhaps in Nathan's eyes but in the novel, especially with her narration, it is clear that she is more than this and to say she is just a homemaker trivializes her presence. Perhaps by societal expectations she expected to be the dutiful wife and mother but I don't see the book as portraying her as such. She often disagrees with Nathan and expresses her view, however politely.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I agree that the women of the villages are similarly oppressed though their lack of educational opportunity extends to the men as well, for example Nelson. There are also distinct differences in the gender binary between the two cultures. In Western cultures, women cover their chests and keep their hair long but are allowed to wear pants while in Congolese culture, women have exposed chests and short hair but do not wear pants.