Does It Matter?
Why do you suppose that Reverend Nathan Price is not given a voice of his own? Do we learn from his wife and daughters enough information to formulate an adequate explanation for his beliefs and behavior? Does such an explanation matter?
Nathan's less than than progressive attitude provides a stark, non-changing aspect of The Poisonwood Bible that contrasts with the transformations other characters go through. Even Rachel, who at heart retains her white supremacist beliefs, has realized the romanticized view of marriage she has always had is, in reality, an oppressive relationship that perpetuates the sexist society and unjust role of women during this time period. Nathan's constant degradation of the people around him, his superiority complex, his racist and sexist beliefs, and his aggressive way of preaching his own interpretation of Christianity make him the main antagonist of the book. The Poisonwood Bible's main focus is the redemption arc of Orleanna, Rachel, Adah, and Leah. Nathan is the antagonist that is needed to show the contrast between the Price's old ideas, represented in Nathan's unchanging state of mind, and the new, accepting attitude, seen in Leah most specifically. By not giving Nathan a voice of his own, he becomes a silent, almost inhuman antagonist that the reader his/herself opposes. Not giving Nathan any chance to speak for himself, the author has made him as inhuman as possible, convincing the reader to side with Orleanna, Adah, and Leah. If the author gave a voice to Nathan, the reader may gain sympathy for him; this would reverse the main purpose of his character: being the antagonist of the story. His silence is intentionally part of the author's storytelling technique, providing the singular, symbolic evil that the women in The Poisonwood Bible fight against. As we are able to see into each character, sans Nathan, we are able to learn part of the reason for his extremist beliefs. While Orleanna explains her past life with Nathan, we learn that he feels the guilt for his entire squad except for him dying. Feeling that he can redeem his sin through preaching, Nathan dedicates his life to spreading Christianity. It is not out of the goodness of his heart that he spreads the word of god; rather, he selfishly is trying to erase the guilt he feels because of his past actions. Though his past in the war is not a complete explanation for his sexist and racist beliefs, it can explain his dedication as a missionary. It is important to know the entirety of each character, no matter how despicable his or her personality. Knowing and hearing Nathan's backstory does not in any way excuse his actions or beliefs, but a history of his character is essential in understanding his transition through life, and how he has become the primary antagonist.
Nathan's less than than progressive attitude provides a stark, non-changing aspect of The Poisonwood Bible that contrasts with the transformations other characters go through. Even Rachel, who at heart retains her white supremacist beliefs, has realized the romanticized view of marriage she has always had is, in reality, an oppressive relationship that perpetuates the sexist society and unjust role of women during this time period. Nathan's constant degradation of the people around him, his superiority complex, his racist and sexist beliefs, and his aggressive way of preaching his own interpretation of Christianity make him the main antagonist of the book. The Poisonwood Bible's main focus is the redemption arc of Orleanna, Rachel, Adah, and Leah. Nathan is the antagonist that is needed to show the contrast between the Price's old ideas, represented in Nathan's unchanging state of mind, and the new, accepting attitude, seen in Leah most specifically. By not giving Nathan a voice of his own, he becomes a silent, almost inhuman antagonist that the reader his/herself opposes. Not giving Nathan any chance to speak for himself, the author has made him as inhuman as possible, convincing the reader to side with Orleanna, Adah, and Leah. If the author gave a voice to Nathan, the reader may gain sympathy for him; this would reverse the main purpose of his character: being the antagonist of the story. His silence is intentionally part of the author's storytelling technique, providing the singular, symbolic evil that the women in The Poisonwood Bible fight against. As we are able to see into each character, sans Nathan, we are able to learn part of the reason for his extremist beliefs. While Orleanna explains her past life with Nathan, we learn that he feels the guilt for his entire squad except for him dying. Feeling that he can redeem his sin through preaching, Nathan dedicates his life to spreading Christianity. It is not out of the goodness of his heart that he spreads the word of god; rather, he selfishly is trying to erase the guilt he feels because of his past actions. Though his past in the war is not a complete explanation for his sexist and racist beliefs, it can explain his dedication as a missionary. It is important to know the entirety of each character, no matter how despicable his or her personality. Knowing and hearing Nathan's backstory does not in any way excuse his actions or beliefs, but a history of his character is essential in understanding his transition through life, and how he has become the primary antagonist.
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