The Poisonwood Bible

Orleanna says that the scent of Africa follows her around, appearing unexpectedly and reminding her of her failures—“it’s the scent of accusation” (87). She recalls coming to terms with the fact that she could never be considered “one of them” in Africa as long as she was married to her husband and under his control.

Orleanna describes the difficulties after Mama Tataba left. None of the other members of her family understood that each unimpressive meal came from hours of labor, which Orleanna was unprepared to do. They were also unaware that she was depressed, regularly considering suicide by the crocodile-infested river.

She recounts tensions increasing between her husband and the chief, Tata Ndu, resulting in the Kilanga natives’ refusal to attend church. Reverend Price met with him, offering to do a sprinkle-style baptism instead of insisting on submersion in the river. This concession was met well, but the chief contended that the reverend must not insist on monogamous marriages, which Tata Ndu found shameful. Unfortunately, Reverend Price viewed this unfruitful negotiation as proof that “God was testing him like Job” and, like Job, he had done nothing wrong. His will only hardened. Orleanna tried to send Leah away from him whenever possible as she follows him, desperately seeking his approval.