Allusion
Treaty of Appomattox
Page #
383
“We whistle while Rome is
burning”
383
“Washington crossing the
Delaware”
384
“The Capture of Okinawa”
384
“Johannesburg, South Africa”
402
“Mendelian Genetics”
408
American LP's
427
Meaning
The Treaty of Appomattox was the
unconditional surrender of Robert
E. Lee's army to Ulysses S. Grant.
This allusion hankers back to the
story of the Roman Emperor Nero.
He loved to play his violin and
completely shut out the outside
world. This would become a major
problem when a major fire breaks
out in Rome and starts to consume
the city. Nero is playing his violin,
completely oblivious to the inferno
raging around him, leading to his
and the cities demise
During the Revolutionary war,
George Washington led the
Continental Army across the
frozen Delaware river to get a
good foothold on fighting the
Hessian forces. This hazardous
crossing of the Delaware helped to
position the Revolution Army in a
position to defeat the British.
This was a major victory in the
Pacific theater for the Allies in
World War 2. This battle would
help to position the Allied forces
in control of much of the Pacific.
South Africa serves as a large
allusion and parallel to the African
Congo. Both South Africa and preindependence Congo suffer from
similar afflictions of inequality.
South Africa suffers from the
abusive system of apartheid which
empowers the white minority with
all the power, much like the
Belgians in the Congo.
A wave of genetic theory in which
alleles made up and determined
the traits of species.
Vinyl records of American music.
Popular during the 1950's and 60's.
Big Girl's Don't Cry by the Four
Seasons
Pag
e#
Pg.
430
427
Chapter
Allusion
Explanation
Leah
An eye for an eye
“An Eye for an Eye” is frequently quoted within the Old Testament of
the Bible. Meaning that one must compensate a wrongdoing by giving up
something of equal value, it signifies the nature of mercy within
mankind. (“Eye for an Eye” Wikipedia) Leah of The Poisonwood Bible
claims to have “[woken] up craving an eye for an eye” when she kills a
snake on the anniversary of Ruth May’s death. She seeks some
retribution from the world as she believes that killing the snake will not
be punishment enough (430).
Kwame Nkrumah was a supporter of the liberation of Africa and was
even the leader of Ghana. He strove for a free and democratic republic
through socialist policies within the continent of Africa as well as
promoting pan-Africanism. He even successfully made the country of
Ghana one of the most wealthy and socially advanced countries on the
continent. (“Kwame Nkrumah” Wikipedia) Leah reflects upon the
corruption of the Congolese government while Anatole spends time in
jail. She goes on to say how Anatole had “discovered the writings of the
great African nationalist” as proof of Anatole’s perseverance to help the
Congo from its current state (431).
Agostiho Neto was the first president of Angola and like Kwame
Nkrumah, he wanted to liberate and change his country for the better.
He received help from communist counties like Cuba and Russia after
being rejected by America, and managed to free Angola from
Portuguese control. (“Agostinho Neto” Wikipedia) Kingsolver uses this
allusion to further characterize Anatole’s passion to save the Congo
from its present state as he had “discovered… the poetry of a young
doctor in Angola… with whom he had started up a correspondence
(431).”
“God moves in mysterious ways” is one of the first lines of William
Cowper’s hymn of the same name. The lyric may have stemmed from
Isaiah 55:8-9 which states: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are
higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my
thoughts than your thoughts.” (“William Cowper” Wikipedia;
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_%27Go
d_moves_in_mysterious_ways%27_come_from_the_Bible) Kingsolver
relays this message from Leah’s point of view as the narrator comments
how “Justice moves in mysterious ways” after Anatole is release from
prison (434).
The saying stems from Psalm 25:18 of the Bible, which states “Look
upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.” The meaning
behind this quote comes from asking God for forgiveness and to pity the
mortal soul. (Biblos.com) Leah contemplates during the anniversary of
Ruth May’s death about the color of her skin and her role in Anatole’s
life. She wishes not to be “part of every mistake that’s led {them} there
to right now, January 17” and needs his reassurance that she’s “useful
and good (437).”
Physician heal thyself comes from a proverb within the book of Luke at
4:23, stating: “And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this
proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in
Capernaum, do also here in thy country.” This quote means that one
must look at oneself before criticizing others. (“Physician Heal Thyself,”
Pg.
431
Kwame Nkrumah
Pg.
431
Agostinho Neto
Pg.
434
“moves in
mysterious ways”
Pg.
437
“all its sins and
griefs to bear”
Pg.
440
A popular song by American group
“The Four Seasons”. This song,
released in 1962, would become
an international pop hit
Adah
Physician heal
thyself
Pg.
443
Three Blind Mice
Pg.
443
“This is my letter to
the world”
444
“Sleep, oh sleep,
thou certain knot of
peace”
Pg.
447
Leah
Mars Bars
Pg.
447
Saturday Evening
Post Feb. 18, 1961
Pg.
448
Job 34:13
Pg.
451
Muhammad Ali and
George foreman
Pg.
454
Pearl Harbor
Pg.
475
Rachel
“Land Rover”
Wikipedia) Kingsolver uses this allusion to address the irony of the
cripple Adah giving advice to hurt or ill children when she, herself, has
her own medical problems (440).
“Three Blind Mice” refers to an old nursery rhyme said to be about
Queen Mary and the three protestant bishops she had executed. (“Three
Blind Mice” Wikipedia) Kingsolver uses this nursery rhyme to draw
parallels between the death of a young mother’s triplets that Adah had
delivered (443).
“Letter to the world” refers to a dance by Martha Graham in which she
only allowed herself to be photographed, but never recorded as she
believed that her dances should only exist on stage. (“Martha Graham”
Wikipedia) Kingsolver uses this allusion through Adah’s eyes as she
begins to feel afraid and about losing herself to the changes in her life
and feels that she will not be the same “Ada” and want others to “judge
tenderly of [her] (443).”
The allusion is the first line of a poem by Sir Philip Sydney of the same
name. The meaning the poem is subject to interpretation but it belongs
to a series of sonnets entitled “Astrophel and Stella” that tells the tale of
a star lover and his beloved star. (“Astrophel and Stella” Wikipedia)
Kingsolver uses this allusion to explain Adah’s self comforting words as
she fall asleep. (444)
A type of chocolate candy bar that was popular due to its being a sweeter
version of a Milky Way. (“Mars Bars” Wikipedia) Kingsolver uses this
allusion to prove the significance of Leah’s children’s excitement as they
show off their “precious” confectionary treats to others. (447)
As a longtime bimonthly American magazine, the Saturday Evening
Post archived news around the world as well as within the country. The
edition shown in the book refers to the conflict during the 1960’s as the
Cold War affected the judgement of the American public in regards to
Africa pleading help to the Communists. (“Saturday Evening Post”
Wikipedia) Kingsolver uses this allusion to bring some historical
reference to the type of conflict that the Congo is going through in order
to shed some light as to what is exactly happening the Leah and
Anatole’s country (447).
“Who gave him government over the earth, or who else set all the land in
its place” is Job 34:13. It refers to how Elihu condemns the workings of
Job and tries to make others see how God is the only king. (New
American Bible) Through Leah’s bold opinions, Kingsolver uses a
variation of this verse in order to show how Leah hates the current
corrupt Congolese government.
Known as the Rumble in the Jungle, the heavy weight boozing match
between these two men on Oct. 30, 1974 brought much profit to the
boxing world as it was one of Don King’s firsts as a professional boxing
promoter. The Congolese cheered as Ali stood out on top and actually
brought some excitement during this tough time. (“Rumble In the
Jungle” Wikipedia) Kingsolver uses this allusion to juxtapose the current
predicament Leah is going through as she feels anger toward America for
the ignorance it shows to their suffering. (451)
On December 7, 1941, the Hawaiian naval port known as Pearl Harbor
was attacked by Japanese airforce. The ambush led to the loss of many
lives and the USS Pennsylvania. This attack later started the internment
camps holding the Japanese in the US as well as convincing the nation to
join WWII. (“Attack on Pearl Harbor” Wikipedia) Kingsolver uses this
allusion as a metaphor to describe how “[Leah believes] Pearl Harbor
itself would have passed by them tonight” as she describes the
excitement Anatole shares with his family about the strike.
A Land Rover is an all terrain vehicle that is one the cheaper cars to
purchase.
“purpose of getting a Land Rover”(475). Kingsolver uses the allusion to
show that in Africa you need an all terrain vehicle to travel around that is
Pg.
478
“Dr. Henry
Kissinger”
Pg.
478
“Karl Marx”
Pg.
479
“CIA”
Pg.
479
“Fourth of July”
Pg.
480
“Abomey”
Pg.
483
“Maidenform Bra”
Pg.
484
“Lucky Stricks”
Pg.
484
“Black Hat and Mr.
Bones”
Pg.
487
“Elephant beers”
Pg.
“Typhus”
easy to afford.
A diplomat whose opinion was highly regarded.
“Well, for your information, Dr. Henry Kissinger himself says that Neto
and them are followers of Karl Marx, and the other ones are pro-United
States” (478). Kingsolver uses this allusion to show how Rachael knows
nothing about politics.
was a German philosopher, political economist, historian, political
theorist, sociologist, communist, and revolutionary, whose ideas are
credited as the foundation of modern communism.
“Well, for your information, Dr. Henry Kissinger himself says that Neto
and them are followers of Karl Marx, and the other ones are pro-United
States” (478). Kingsolver uses this allusion to show Rachael’s lack of
knowledge of politics.
Is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government that’s
responsible for providing national security intelligence to the high ranked
United States policymakers. The CIA also engages in covert operations at
the request of the President of the United States.
“Then he was murdered, and the CIA replaced him with Mobutu” (479).
Kingsolver uses this allusion to show how the United States has power
over the control of Africa.
the celebration day of the independence of the United States.
“I still put up the American flag in the bar and celebrate every single
Fourth of July” (479). Kingsolver uses this allusion to show Rachael’s
ignorance because she believes that by celebrating the Fourth of July
people can retain their citizenship. Also, Kingsolver uses it as an analogy
to represent how different the three sisters are.
The royal palaces of Abomey are a group of structures built by the Fon
people between the mid-17th and late 19th Centuries.
“So we ended up going to the ancient palace of Abomey, instead, which
was the only tourist attraction for hundreds of miles around” (480).
Kingsolver uses this allusion to tell of the places the three sisters are
visiting together.
Is a brand of under garments that was made in 1922 so that they will
shape and define the body of a woman.
“I dreamed I toured the Ancient Palace of Abomey in my Madienform
Bra” (483). Kingsolver uses this allusion to show how Rachael is
comfortable in her body and wished to be wild and show it off.
A famous brand of American cigarettes.
“I had exactly two cartons of Lucky Strikes to last me the whole trip, but,
boy, what with all that nervous tension those suckers were gone” (484).
Kingsolver uses this allusion to show how Rachael is so materialistic that
she purchases American brand cigarettes and how when she has tension
she uses cigarettes to coop. with it.
are brands of cigarettes
“Here on the street there were plenty og grimy little boys who’d sell you
cigarettes one at a time with brand names like Black Hat and Mr. Bones,
just to remind you they had no filter tips and tasted like burning tar and
was going to kill you in a jiffy” (484). Kingsolver uses this allusion to
show how Rachael is materialistic and must have a certain brand of
items.
A type of beer made in 1955 by the Carlsberg family breweries in
Copenhagen.
“I ordered another round of Elephant beers and we sat pondering our
different thoughts” (487). Kingsolver uses the allusion to show the kind of
beer imported into Africa.
a disease that is caused by a parasite
“That he didn’t die fifteen years ago of typhus of sleeping sickness or
488
“Malaria”
Pg.
488
Pg.
492
Adah
“Mr. Hyde” and
“Jekyll”
Pg.
494
“Pansies”
Pg.
494
“Honeysuckle”
Pg.
504
Leah
“Caspian Sea”
Pg.
504
“Urals”
Pg.
504
“Balkans”
Pg.
504
“Pyrenees”
malaria or the combination” (488). Kingsolver uses this allusion to show
what kind of disease that Nathan could have died of and the diseases that
can be contracted in Africa.
a disease catchable throw mosquitoes
“That he didn’t die fifteen years ago of typhus of sleeping sickness or
malaria or the combination” (488). Kingsolver uses this allusion to show
what kind of disease that Nathan could have died of and the diseases that
can be contracted in Africa.
are two different personalities, one good and one evil, portrayed in the
book Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
“…, like Mr. Hyde, trying to recover my old ways of seeing and thinking.
Like Jekyll I crave that particular darkness curled up within me” (492).
Kingsolver uses these allusions to show how Adah has changed by the
situation of learning how to stand properly without a limp. She wishes to
bring back her old self and once again be able to “see and think” like she
once did.
are a large group of hybrid plants.
“’I have some pansies I need to set out,’ she said then, and let the screen
door bang as she walked out of the back porch” (494). Kingsolver uses
this allusion to show how Orleanna was trying to ignore and leave the
converstation of Nathan Price being dead even though she still had
feelings for him and was angered to her about him after all these years.
a kind of vine.
“She ducked under the tangled honeysuckle toward the garden path,
using a towel like a machete to hack through some overgrown vines that
crowded her jungly little porch” (494). Kingsolver uses this allusion to
show how much free time Orleanna has because her plants are in
abundance.
the largest sea in the world and it borders Europe and Asia.
“But when I see it on his table I’m taken back aback by what I
overlooked at the age eighteen: the Caspian Sea for example. The Urals,
Balkans, Pyrenees---whole mountain ranges vanished under my
negligence” (504). Kingsolver uses this allusion to show how Leah forgot
such large pieces of land but got the exact size and shape of the Congo
correct.
A vast mountain range that goes from north to south in Russia and some
believe it’s the boundary between Europe and Asia.
“But when I see it on his table I’m taken back aback by what I
overlooked at the age eighteen: the Caspian Sea for example. The Urals,
Balkans, Pyrenees---whole mountain ranges vanished under my
negligence” (504). Kingsolver uses this allusion to show how Leah forgot
such large pieces of land but got the exact size and shape of the Congo
correct.
a mountain range that runs through the centre of Bulgaria into eastern
Serbia
“But when I see it on his table I’m taken back aback by what I
overlooked at the age eighteen: the Caspian Sea for example. The Urals,
Balkans, Pyrenees---whole mountain ranges vanished under my
negligence” (504). Kingsolver uses this allusion to show how Leah forgot
such large pieces of land but got the exact size and shape of the Congo
correct.
a mountain range in southwest Europe that form a natural boundary
between France and Spain, and they separate the Iberian Peninsula from
Europe.
“But when I see it on his table I’m taken back aback by what I
overlooked at the age eighteen: the Caspian Sea for example. The Urals,
Balkans, Pyrenees---whole mountain ranges vanished under my
negligence” (504). Kingsolver uses this allusion to show how Leah forgot
such large pieces of land but got the exact size and shape of the Congo
correct.