Postmodernism is often considered to be the style of writing that began after World War II. It is characterized by the use of rhetorical devices like fragmentation, untrustworthy (or biased) narrators and generally unconventional methods. Barbara Kingsolver's novel The Poisonwood Bible is relies heavily on many of these Postmodernistic devices.
The novel's very organization is fragmented. Each "Book" is divided into many sub-sections (chapters) which are narrated by one of five narrators. The mother, Orleanna, narrates the first section of each book and the four daughters narrate the proceeding chapters. Each section is relatively short and each narrator has an unique voice, giving the book a fragmented feel.
Furthermore, the use of a first person, unreliable narrator is characteristic of Postmodernism. Each narrator brings her own biases forward, many of which potentially cloud her judgement. The youngest narrator, Ruth May, is often simply naive, while the other narrators bring their own preconceived notions and judgements with them to Africa. The use of the unreliable narrator, as well as fragmentation, enhances The Poisonwood Bible and reflects the views many Americans and Europeans had on African society and culture.
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