Bel & the Serpent Class discussion Reflection

In our small groups each group discussed how Orleanna's chapter began differently than in the other books. Also how she talked more about politics this time. Another thing each small group discussed was the different reactions to Ruth May's death that each of the girls, Orleanna, and Nathan had. We discussed how Rachel was more worried about how her mother, Orelanna, would react to Ruth May's death rather then actually worrying about the death of her "baby sister" herself. After this occurred Rachel realized that this was no longer a vacation to the Congo it was a reality and if or when they return to the United States the memories of "the Congo" will not just be something that can be forgotten. We discussed how Leah seemed to be in a state of shock rather than being sympathetic to the loss of her "baby sister." All Nathan Price really worried about was how his other daughters had not been baptized yet. Instead of morning over his youngest daughters death, his mentality of thinking is "Oh well". Ruth May's death came as something other than horrible to Adah. With Ruth May's death Adah came to realize that her and Ruth May are similar. They both seem to be "the eyes" now. Adah created her on palindrome, which is somewhat of a hymn, as a way of protecting herself and Ruth May from the spirits of the Congo. Adah's palindrome is one on the only ways Adah can truly express herself. We also discussed what Bel and the Serpent stand for or means. It was hard for our group to decide weather or not Bel was symbolic for Tata Kuvundundu or Nathan Price. We chose Tata Kuvundundu as a candidate to be Bel because in the Poisonwood Bible the villagers of the Congo falsely worship him. Yet, we also chose Nathan Price because he to in a way wants the Congolese people to worship him. Although he says he is preaching God's word, we, as a class, came to the conclusion that he seems to be doing "his job" for himself not others.