Differences Between Heart Of Darkness And The Poisonwood...

Imagine a man suddenly cast into a world he never could have dreamed of. He would be shocked by the unfamiliarity all around him, from the people to the plants, and confused of what to do. A man cut off from what he knows is only left with two options, either to reject his new circumstances, or find a way to assimilate to his new society. This man will either try to find a way to return back to his world, or find a way to adjust his life to his surroundings. Throughout history separate cultures have collided, and with each collision they have either melded together or rejected each other.The Heart of Darkness and The Poisonwood Bible both portray how although every individual can react differently, when faced with the collision of two†¦show more content†¦In contrast Marlow only goes as far to recognize a â€Å"kinship† with the natives, yet states the thought of this was â€Å"ugly† to recognize it (Conrad 62). Although both Marlow and Ruth May initially share their racist beliefs, they end up choosing different ways to fit into Congolese life. Marlow rejects adaptation because he beliefs it will take him away from being civilized, and Ruth May attempts to fit in. Their difference portrays how the choice to accept a new culture or deny it, does not come from societal beliefs, but rather how each choice contributes to the individual’s needs and wants. Although both novels portray individuals learning to assimilate into Congolese society, they way they conduct their fusion of cultures are vastly different. Although individuals may choose to adapt to their surroundings, rather than to reject them, there are various degrees to their change. Leah, upon exposure to the Congolese, the racism in Leopold, and Lumumba trying to make the Congo â€Å"the heart of light†, she began to respect and view the Congo as a place where individuals fought for their freedoms (Kingsolver 184). She took her place in Congolese culture, as she wished to support Anatole on his endeavors to help the Congolese come closer to freedom. In stark contrast, Kurtz found his way to assimilate into Congolese society by taking on the role of a â€Å"deity† where his words were the law (Conrad 88). Both charactersShow MoreRelatedChristian Missionaries Essay1240 Words   |  5 Pagesdoes in The Poisonwood Bible, was and is not possible. With a conversion of faith comes an adoption of customs, morals, lifestyles, and even political views. Even though young Leah Price says that the Word of God weighed nothing, it was actually the heaviest burden the Price family carried with them on their journey. Every missionary who has brought the Word of God to the Congo region has been faced with many more challenges than they could have ever imagined. The Poisonwood Bible provides aRead More The Poisonwood Bible as a Catalog of Romanticism Essay3776 Words   |  16 PagesThe Poisonwood Bible as a Catalog of Romanticism      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver, the romantic standards that are associated with literature during the American Renaissance are evident. This popular novel, a New York Times Bestseller, embodies the concept of Romanticism with its gothic darkness, themes of loss and nostalgia, and a strong captivity narrative. The presence of a wise child and recurring double language are essential to the plot of the story. Nathan Prices