Post-Colonial Criticism and The Poisonwood Bible

Post-ColonialCriticism, from my understanding, analyzes how natives are affect by colonization. It also analyses power and hegemony (dominance), which are often the reasons between differences in culture.

Although the Poisonwood Bible is not written from a Native’s perspective, the effects of colonialism are still extremely evident. Throughout the text (or what we have read so far), Kingsolver makes references of the conditions and culture of the Congolese people. Nathan Price clearly demonstrates the effects of post-colonialism, even though he is not a narrator himself. For example, when planting the demonstration garden, Nathan disregards the advice of the natives completely. He often assumes power and knowledge over the natives and their differing culture. Nathan tries to teach the natives the “right way”, or what he considers to be correct. Each of Nathan’s daughters also portray these effects on the natives to some extent. Yet, one can argue that it seen more through the eyes of Ruth May. For example, while Rachel is concerned about her looks, Ruth May narrates everything she sees. The girls, Leah, Adah, Ruth May, and Rachel also demonstrate the effects of whites in Africa, but it is most clearly seen through Nathan Price. 

Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now

One of the most obvious changes between Apocalypse Now and Heart of Darkness is the change in setting. Although the setting is different, the central meaning is still the same. Many changes in Apocalypse Now are made in order to make the story more fitting to our time period. Heart of Darkness is set in the 1800s, whereas Apocalypse Now is set during the Vietnam War.

                Feelings toward the Vietnamese natives differ from those of the natives in Heart of Darkness. When reading the book, one becomes more fond of the natives. With previous knowledge of the tortures described in King Leopold’s Ghost and the descriptions in Heart of Darkness, the reader feels pity and sadness toward the Congolese natives. In Apocalypse now, it is more difficult to develop feelings for the Vietnamese natives. Killings of these innocent natives are done through bombings, making it impossible to learn of personal accounts. Despite the fact that the Congolese natives are often described merely as shapes, figures, and colors, the reader feels much more pity for them than the Vietnamese natives in Apocalypse Now. 

            The next obvious change is the ending and Kurtz’s death. The ending in Heart of Darkness was fitting to the book, because Kurtz is not as intense are the Kurtz in Apocalypse Now. The more dramatic ending in Apocalypse Now is also fitting to the movie because it adds to action and the impression that is initially given of Kurtz.