The Poisonwood Bible Book 1, Chapter 3 Summary

How It All Goes Down

Rachel Price

  • Rachel hates how sweaty everyone is in the Congo, and that they don't have a flush toilet. She misses "other simple things in life [she has] took for granite [sic]" (1.3.3).
  • All right, Atlanta school system. Step it up.
  • The people of Kilanga greet the Prices with a feast. A topless feast. Rachel is aghast that all the women let their bosoms hang out and bounce all over the place. What is this, a National Geographic centerfold?
  • Her father, the Baptist preacher, bellows a big sermon about nudity and shame.
  • They don't understand English, but they know his tone isn't pleasant, so that really puts a damper on the celebration.