Surrounded By Beauty.

"'I think the Congolese have a world of God's grace in  their lives, along with a dose of hardship that can kill a person entirely. I happen to think they already knew how to make a joyful noise unto the Lord a long time ago.'"
(Kingsolver 247.)

Towards the middle of the Third Book of The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, the Price family stumbles upon the visit of Brother Fowles, the missionary in charge before Nathan. The visit is narrated through Rachel's eyes, the diva, since now she has taken the new role of being the house's new Mama Tataba, or maid. She depicts him as a skinnier version of "Santa Claus" before he, along with his Congolese wife, was invited into their house to drink some orange juice. Brother Fowles points out the Congolese are very religious people who pray during every task at hand. Leah asks if they're praying to their pagan gods but Brother Fowles keeps the conversation with a peaceful tone and states this quote. I chose this quote because his words painted an open mind about the views of Congo and their natives. The fact that he didn't think they were some savages who are behind in the world's competition of knowledge was pleasant to read.

Analysis: Brother Fowles' compassionate point of view towards the Congolese is the exact opposite of Nathan's, which is the same as the USA view towards Africa, and show how Fowles has come to find a balance through the social barriers by the fact he is married to a Congolese woman. These words are significant because they tell the reader other countries and people should appreciate the aesthetics of the Republic of Congo.