Charles Darwin was both an esteemed scientist and one of
the leading philosophers of his time, applying his theory of evolution and
survival of the fittest to both the physical and social interactions between
people. Darwin upheld “that huge numbers were destined to succumb in the
struggle for existence. Those who survived to grow up-- and perpetuate the
race—would therefore be those who came out best in the struggle for survival”
(Gaarder 409). According to Darwin’s studies, those species with the greatest
capabilities to adapt to their physical environment would be the same species
that withstood the obstacles that would have otherwise obliterated their race.
Furthermore, Darwin extrapolated that the same principles of physical survival
could be applied to thriving within the society; people that could fit in to
the social customs of a society would be accepted while those who rejected the
customs would themselves be rejected.
In the case of the Price family in The Poisonwood Bible,
Darwin’s philosophy of survival of the fittest applies in both a physical and
social sense. Unlike the Kilanga villagers, the Price family were accustom to
the luxuries of the western world, therefore they were ill prepared for life in
the Congo where running water would have been a novelty. Additionally, the
Prices’ condition was worsened by Nathan’s stubbornness in upholding western
ideals and beliefs. In the physical world, Nathan refused to conform to the
villagers’ system of farming and as a result his garden could not sustain a
substantial number of crops. It was not until Nathan adapted his garden to fit
in with the Congo that his plants began to grow. Furthermore, the Price family
rejected the religious beliefs of the village and as a result they felt segregated
from the rest of the Congolese people. For example, Nathan’ death was due to
his disregard for the Congolese peoples’ beliefs as he attempted to forcibly
baptize a group of children in the river. In conclusion, Darwin’s philosophy of
survival of the fittest applies to the Poisonwood Bible in not only a physical
sense, but in a social sense also.
Works Cited
Gaarder,
Jostein. Sophie's World. New York: Berkley Books, 1991. Print.
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