AP exam essay #2

1987 AP exam

Question 2 Prompt: Some novels and plays seem to advocate change in social or political attitudes or in traditions. Choose such a novel or play and note briefly the particular attitudes or traditions that that author apparently wishes to modify. Then analyze the techniques the author uses to influence the reader's or audience's views. Avoid plot summary.

In The poisonwood bible, Kingsolver notes the injustices in the Congo during that time. Showing how ignorance and intrusion can bring about negative responses. The influence of Nathan and his family's views did not sit well with the villagers and they were angry. Nathan's extreme actions and erratic behavior shows how unstable he was and how the Congo affected the whole family.

This novel shows how different traditions and cultures do not always mix and should remain separate. Nathan's superior attitude greatly contributed to the negative attitudes of the villagers. The villagers felt as though they needed the Prices' god to give them good fortune, but with Nathan's continuous nagging about baptism and no good things happening, they went back to their old traditions and their own god. Nathan's attitude influences the reader's views on the good of the mission. It makes the reader realize that you should not try to change tradition or tell someone that their tradition is wrong.

Kingsolver uses the children to show Nathan's radical behavior in their perspective. Showing how Leah looked up to her father and his beliefs in the beginning and then by the end she did not have any respect for him.

The author uses many different characters to show the attitudes regarding Nathan and his extreme actions that attempt to change traditions in the Congo.