The Poisonwood Bible

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. A biblical allusion is a literary device that indirectly references a verse and/or story from the Bible. While an allusion is generally used to allow the audience to imagine and/or make links to the outside world, allusions to the Bible usually reference well-known events, such as the Garden of Eden or the crucifixion of Christ, to those outside the Christian faith. Using the following questions, analyze the use of biblical allusions in the novel.

• Which of the Price family members uses biblical allusions the most in their narratives?
• Identify three uses of a biblical allusion by this character and explain their meanings.
• What is the effect of biblical allusions in this particular novel? Do they enhance the theme of religion in the story? Why or why not?

2. While Adah and Leah are similar in that they are twins, their personalities and mannerisms are different.