In The Poisonwood Bible, Kingsolver centers on the experiences of a missionary family in the Belgian Congo (now Zaire), during the period when the country was gaining independence from colonial rule, and how these experiences influenced their lives.

1. Compare Anatole Ngemba with Loyd Peregrina in Animal Dreams and Estevan in The Bean Trees. How does each character function within their respective narratives? Is Anatole portrayed as an idealized character? Why or why not?

2. What does Methuselah, the parrot, represent? What is the significance, if any, of his biblical name?

3. Compare the missionary methods of Nathan Price, the Underdowns, and Brother Fowles. What are their attitudes toward the African people? How does this impact their effectiveness as missionaries?

4. Discuss Nathan's challenges in cultivating a garden in Kilanga. How does this mirror the Prices' overall experiences in Africa?

5. Explain the cultural importance of the hunt for the people of Kilanga. What causes the hunt to fail, and how does this tie into the broader themes of the book?

6. Where did Rachel learn to "stick out [her] elbows and hold [her]self up?" How does she implement this philosophy in her life, both literally and metaphorically?

7. Compare and contrast Leah and Adah. How do their characters relate to Jacob and Esau in the Bible? Both are considered "gifted"—what "gifts" do they exhibit throughout the novel? How do the Congolese perceive twins?

8. Why is Orleanna more emotionally connected to Ruth May than to her other daughters? Describe the development of Orleanna and Adah's relationship.

9. Describe Anatole and his sons' reactions to America. How does this compare to the Price family's initial reactions to Africa?