Essay #1

Enrichment through Exile

When one severs the ties between themselves and the place which they call home, their life is completely altered. They are thrust into experiences which change their very ideas, perspectives, and outlook on life. It can be both a very enriching and estranging exposure. In the case of Leah Price, one of the five narrators of The Poisonwood Bible, it was a combination of both. Although Leah was at first perplexed by the traditions and way of life of the Congolese people she attempted to expose her mind to their thoughts and beliefs. Leah began to see truth and light where she couldn't before and soon grew to love the simplicity of their lifestyles. Her rift from the United States served its purpose of enlightening Leah in unfathomable ways, however she also faced the struggle of being accepted in a country where her people had inflicted much damage. Because of the whiteness of her skin she was constantly avoided, feared, and despised.

 Although living in the Congo differed extremely from living in the United States, Leah managed to open her heart, eyes, and mind to the beauty of Africa. With the help of Anatole and other kind villagers Leah grew to love the traditions and simple ways of the natives, realizing that her manner of living in the United States was utterly ludicrous. Leah came to find comfort in the simple action of collecting wood from the forest and being able to survive through her own means. She was also able to make pivotal discoveries about her religion and its role in Africa, realizing that God can be found in His Creation and is not simply one being to be adored and obeyed. This realization helped snatch the blindfold that had been over her eyes and thus enabled her to be led by her curiosity and question everything. Her discoveries were the source of light that revealed the truth of what was currently happening to the people of Congo and their precious land. This provoked much indignation in her which kindled a burning desire for justice, and together with Anatole attempted to repair the damage that had been inflicted.

Despite the love Leah grew to have for Africa and for its people, guilt constantly overcame her. Guilt for what her own “people” had done, for how they had led the country into its impoverished state. The color of her skin branded her as the one responsible for their despair and prevented her from feeling safe in these times of tumult. Time and time again she observed how her own neighbors were wary when conversing with her and would occasionally evade her altogether. And although she would interact with the villagers in their language they would nevertheless answer back in French. Leah felt as if she would never come to be accepted in Africa, she could not call this her true home. She battled with this feeling of alienation regularly while Anatole was in imprisonment and was forced to take precautions each time she stepped outside, for most whites were then being targeted in riots and demonstrations. The only people whom made her feel safe and loved where her very own family. However over time Leah overcomes this alienation and closes the book by stating that “time erases whiteness altogether.”

Leah was immersed in a beautifully diverse culture which allowed her to discover many things about herself and the world. She learned what was truly important in life and experienced love on many different levels. Through her exile and isolation she gained much knowledge and depth which she otherwise wouldn't have been able to. Through her alienation she gained the strength to survive in our cruel yet enthralling world. One cannot have bliss without first experiencing desolation, and just because exile can bring suffering does not mean that it cannot also provide enrichment.