THE POISONWOOD BIBLE

The Marxist Theory-
The political, economic, and social theories of Karl Marx... that the struggle between social classes is a major force in history and that there should eventually be a society in which there are no classes.

ECONOMIC
- Africans excluded from global economy.
- Local economy is left alone.
- Belgium has economic control.

ECONOMIC (ctd.)
- housing
- location
- social status

ECONOMIC (ctd.)
The economic structure favors the success of the white population, putting them in the upper class. This racial class divide causes the tension that causes the majority of the black population to favor communism, if a modern political system must be chosen.

Political
"Father quoted a bible verse about the only thing we had to fear was fear itself." -pg 357
-...Not actually a Bible verse!
-Nathan's real perspective?

POLITICAL

• Congo dives into communism
• Classes divided, aggression on both sides
• Marx's social conflict at work.

POLITICAL

• Congo is now split, and ideology lines between masses are highlighted.
• Father isn't actually a bible thumper...
• Eventually learns of the inabilities of coercion

COMMUNIST LEADER MODEL

• Begin with little to no power.
• Gain support from community.
• Use support to achieve goals.

LUMUMBA

• started as postal worker.
• Became leader of MNC.
• Won election to become prime minister.

LENIN

• Exiled.
• Gained support from world leaders.
• Began giving military orders.

WHY WAS LUMUMBA DIFFERENT?

• He didn't conform.
• He demanded help from the un, but they refused.
• He has continued to influence politics in the Congo even today.

WORKS CITED

• Kingsolver, Barbara. The Poisonwood Bible. Harper, 1998.
• "Marxism theory". http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Marxist+Theory. Thefreedictionary.com. 1991-2016. Sept. 29, 2016.

WORKS CITED (CTD.)

• "Lenin Timeline". http://historyofrussia.org/lenin-timeline/. History of Russia. Sept. 29, 2016.