Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Poisonwood Bible blog 3 - 3/1814

What becomes painfully clear in Rachel’s personality during the ant attack?
The ant attack is an event that specifically emphasizes each character and how they react in certain situations. In Rachel’s case, we as readers begin to realize how self-oriented Rachel truly is. Rachel has always been similar to her father with her arrogant personality and belief that she is superior over others.

Rachel appears to be focused on possessions and does not value family like other family members care for her. As the ant attack arrived, Rachel was “trying to think what to save.” Rachel told, “Not my clothes, there wasn’t time, and not the Bible- it didn’t seem worth saving at that moment, so help me God. It had to be my mirror.” This incident proves that Rachel is materialistic and self-centered. She does not care about the rest of her family running but rather stays behind to gather some possession. The fact that she did not grab her Bible either proves that she is not as superior and faithful as her father, Nathan, makes the family out to be.


Another portion of the ant attack that struck me about Rachel’s personality was the line, “Then I spotted Mama Kwanza being carried on her husband’s back toward the boats. They went right past me! She did deserve help, poor thing, but I personally have a delicate constitution.” Rachel had the opportunity to help Mama Kwanza but instead chose not to because of her own health. Instead of making a sacrifice and trying to help, Rachel only thought of herself in the situation. The different occurrences throughout the ant attack bring forth Rachel’s true character.

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