How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
What is the conqueror's wife, if not a conquest herself? (1.Prologue.13)
The themes of marriage and conquest, particularly conquest of the Congo, are intertwined throughout The Poisonwood Bible. Pro tip, ladies: don't ever marry (or even date, honestly) someone who sees you as a conquest.
Quote #2
[The Kilanga girls' eyes] looks happy and sad at the same time. [...] Married eyes. (2.1.20)
What are the Kilanga girls sad about? What are they happy about? And can you have marriage without sorrow? A better question might be whether you can have adulthood without sorrow.
Quote #3
[Nathan] raised [the plate] over her head and slammed it down hard on the table, cracking it right in two. (2.3.52)
Just like the dish in Ethan Frome, or the bowl in The Golden Bowl, this plate is a big fat symbol for the Prices' marriage, and this action represents the breaking point of Orleanna and Nathan's union. Unlike in Ethan Frome, the Conogolese food is actually better. At least the Congolese don't eat donuts and pickles.