A Comparative Study of How the Mothers are presented in The Poisonwood Bible and The Mosquito Coast Essay

In The Poisonwood Bible and The Mosquito Coast, the mothers play very of the essence(predicate) roles. In my study I will explore the authors purposes in presenting the mothers the way they have, and what techniques and imagery they physical exertion to show certain themes about women passim the fabrication.Within both novels, the commentator witnesses the mothers changing lawsuits. As Allie and Nathans cease s lightnessly tiring and increasingly maddening outlook progresses, the mothers begin to change. Orleanna no longer cowers in Nathans sorry demands and authority, stating that her first job was to take c atomic number 18 of her own and if he was any kind of father he would do the same. This contrasts greatly with the Orleanna we meet at the beginning who describes herself as Nathans instrument, his animal.Contrasting to this, buzz off is presented so that the reader is not really aware of her the entire way through Theroux does not express her character into the fore ground of the novel until near the end. She is described by her end as a stupefy and wife. However, her role is stronger than that of Orleannas she can speak out to Allie in a passive, gentle way vocalizing Allie, Dont pretend to be rectify than you are. This shows how suffer does seem to have a more than outspoken independent side outside of her family, and which Theroux reveals as the novel progresses. The circumstance that puzzle is inclined no other name than suffer, also signifies her status within the family. This shows how she has no personality, no independence and is only thither for motherly purposesIn terms of narrating style, Theroux uses Charlie as an unreliable narrator. Through his eyes we meet contract Charlie describes buzz off as an angel, painting a positive picture of drive. When Charlie talks about set out, the reader is presented with a person, the complete opposite of Allie, he is a wild man and Mother an angel This foreshadows the end of the nov el as well as revealing Charlies perception of his parents. He compares them when discussing Mothers lessons on the b from each one(prenominal) they were like play. Charlie then continues to say she was not like Father, Father lectured us, but she never made speeches. This shows the differences in Allies and Mothers parenting roles, Charlie seems to appreciate Mother more, even though he seeks Allies approval and this shows in his narration.In comparison to The Mosquito Coast, Kingsolvers choice of narrative style differs greatly. The reader gets a broader perspective from each character, hearing each womans opinion of Orleanna. This choice of narration, leaves less room for bias, Ruth- may states how in their family mama comes last. W here(predicate)as, Leah talks about looking after Orleanna, how once in a great while we just have to protect her, this makes Orleanna seem bewildered and does not show Orleanna in a particularly positive light, suggesting that Orleanna is weak, and the girls seem more independent than the kidskinren in The Mosquito Coast. However, this does reveal that Kingsolver is sensitive to how other than children and mothers can relate to each other depending on age, personality and perception.However, unlike The Mosquito Coast, in The Poisonwood Bible, the reader has air narrative from Orleanna. Kingsolver presents Orleannas character as one that retrospectively has a clear view of herself and her children. She describes herself as Nathans instrument, his animal. Nothing more. This reveals Kingsolvers ideas about women in that era, how they were only there to fulfil their husbands wishes. It also emphasises Orleannas vision of herself, connoting herself as a passive and obedient object in her family. Furthermore, Orleannas character, describes herself as a pale rat of a cowering mistress, Kingsolvers depiction of Orleanna fork outs the reader a pathetic perception of her, this generates sympathy for her character.In The Mosquito Coa st, Theroux presents Mother as a character only with the function of being a mother and a wife. Similar to Orleanna, Mothers first priority is her family and her husband. Her character is controlled by Allie and she willingly goes along with his dreams and ambitions as it makes him happy. Mothers compliant attitude to Allie is seen throughout the beginning of the novel when Charlie is Climbing the shrouds-on my Allies ordersMother looked helplessly at Father and with real agony, masking how even though she disapproves and is seemingly hurt by Allies test of Charlies courage and character, she nonetheless says nothing emphasising Mothers submissive nature. In contrast, toward the end of the novel, Mother declares, I dont take no as an answer, Therouxs choice of assertive language here, shows Mothers progression as an independent character.However in The Poisonwood Bible, Orleanna is conveyed as a quite weak character at the beginning of the novel, whereas Mother is not so much weak , just less noticeable. Orleanna is presented by Kingsolver as quite secretive, guiding her children mutely. By the end of the novel Orleanna is described using metaphor, her profile in the window turned to salt crystal, reflecting all light. this imagery paints a hopeful picture, suggesting Mother as the childrens saviour. This contrasts greatly with the Orleanna at the beginning of the novel, she seems lost while all the sparkle drained out of her faceher light blue eyes had gone blank, like shallow pans of water, Kingsolvers use of imagery here allows the reader to empathise with Orleanna, trying to get the reader to understand Orleannas position in the family.In both texts, each family coming from the western world, are thrust into a poverty stricken community, each community with different values and outlooks on western husbandry. Both mothers react differently to the new enculturation and traditions, highlighting the authors ideas of the differences and acceptance of cultu re other than our own.In The Mosquito Coast, the community the Foxs are introduced to are at first wary of the new comers, as is Mother of them. However, as they learn to live together, Mother embraces their way of life. Charlies narrative describes mother learning the local way of doing something, revealing how accepting Mother is of the Zambus customs, she does not take charge supporting Therouxs presentation of Mother as a subordinate character in the novel. This exposes Therouxs acceptance of other cultures, and the expectations of women.On the other hand, in The Poisonwood Bible, Orleanna seems to cling on to what she has left of western society, finding it hard to mould herself to the traditions of the people of Kilanga. Orleanna is lost in her life in Kilanga, asking herself How in the world did a person get to be where I was? Kingsolvers use of rhetoric here, presents Orleanna as a resentful and self-pitying character, and it could be said to reveal Kingsolvers ideas of how the western culture takes for granted the electric range and precious Clorox bleach, that we have grown so accustomed to. some other aspect of both novels, which greatly affects the mothers, is their familys with the male dominant character, the Fathers. Both fathers are similar in their determination to reach and accomplish their dreams, or calling. In The Mosquito Coast, Theroux presents Allie in a negative way the reader is introduced to Allies ideas and theories through Charlies narration. The first time we hear Allie talk, he is talking to himself, I dont know, He said, replying to himself. this creates the idea that Allie has self-importance and does not listen to anyone else and this reflects in his relationship with Mother. Allie refers to Mother, as Mother, suggesting a lack of respect for women.Mother knows that they are going to the Honduras, however when Allie reveals he is taking them to Mosquitia Mother just stared at him, it was news to her. Theroux shows Mothers ch aracter here, as she does not complain, in fact she goes on to help Allie made uncomfortable by Reverend Spellgood, this reveals her submissive nature to Allie and gives the reader incursion in to Allie and Mothers relationship. Mother may seem subservient to Allie, although she does have some former in the relationship, most direct speech is to Allie in gentle warning or commenting on Allies actions passively.She advises him to not do anything I wouldnt do and to not make himself out to be better than you are, this highlights that Mother knows how to communicate with Allie and even know they do not seem intimate, they know each other intimately. This is clear when Mother comments I love him when hes happy.However, most of Mothers comments Allie brushes aside, which may show why Mother doesnt say much, as when she does Allie takes no heed. It seems that Theroux practice Mother in the novel as a device to counterbalance Allies character, they are opposites, Allie a wild man, mothe r an angel, and as Theroux reveals Allies character very forcefully from the beginning, Mothers true character and strength, is revealed slowly throughout. This could be because of Therouxs choice narrative strategy, we learn as Charlie learns, so as Charlie finds out more about his mother, the reader does also. By having Mother in the novel, Theroux has given the reader a more sympathetic, contrasting character to Allie, and this causes the reader to dislike Allie more.In contrast, Orleannas relationship with Nathan seems entirely unhappy. Orleanna is left entirely alone as Nathan wrapped himself up in the salvation of Kilanga whereas in The Mosquito Coast, Mother and Allie seem more of a team. Nathans behaviour towards Orleanna creates a negative response to his character.Orleanna is presented as bitter towards Nathan, saying a wife may revile a man with every silent curse, this use of hateful language, conveys to the reader the state of Nathan and Orleannas relationship. Theroux uses a retrospective narrative to give the reader insight to how Nathan and Orleanna became so unhappy. Orleanna describes Nathan as a tyrant before menand a child before Goda petulant one this show of Nathans character emphasises and explains Orleannas entryway to his beatings and weakness in his presence and ends up swallowed by Nathans mission, body and soul. reinforcing the view that women of that era were to do their husbands magnificent will.The theme of death is apparent in both texts, in The Poisonwood Bible, when Ruth May is bitten by the snake, the way in which Orleanna reaction is very surprising, she behaved as though someone else had already told her, Orleannas calmness could be misinterpreted for not caring, but as we heard from Orleannas narrative, she cannot get away from the adventure she knows is coming this prolepsis to the end of the novel, seems to be reflected in Orleannas reaction, Kingsolver uses this to demonstrate how powerless Orleanna is, she knows disa ster is coming, and yet she is helpless and so inhumanely alone here Kingsolver uses the character of Orleanna to reflect the women of the 1960s, who felt trapped in their roles as good wives and mothers.