The Poisonwood Bible

Use these activities to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity. 

The Poisonwood Bible from Reverend Price’s Perspective

Kingsolver used the Price women’s perspectives to share the story of The Poisonwood Bible. Imagine that Kingsolver wanted to include a chapter in each of the ‘books’ from the perspective of Reverend Price. Based on what the reader knows, what would his opinion most likely be?

• Working in groups, select one of the seven books of the novel. Re-read the book with your group and identify the different moments in which the Reverend is highlighted. For example, if your group’s book is “Book 1: Genesis,” then the chapter that you write from the Reverend’s perspective will only focus on this book.
• Together, draft an outline with your group of the major plot points for the chapter. While the chapter should include similar events to the book’s plot, feel free to include your own creative storylines in the chapter.

Teaching Suggestion: This activity encourages students to write creatively from the perspective of one of the main characters without a voice. When the students are finished writing in their groups, have them take turns reading their stories to the class.