Chaos Regime
...in the heat of Africa. Also it is clear that Nathan's methods of gardening, although perfected in America, have little use in the tropical forest. 'Methods of gardening' is synonymous with 'methods of religion.' Even the four sisters of the story symbolize various different things. Ruth May, the youngest of the four sisters, symbolizes innocence and youth. Rachel, the oldest, is a spoilt brat, she symbolizes American expectations and the ways of the aristocratic American South, she also represents arrogance and self-centeredness. Leah’s loss of faith symbolizes the adaptations that take place in new environments and the adventurous side within all of us. And Adah, the handicapped sister, symbolizes the silent genius side within all of us. Another powerful symbol is the parrot, that the Price’s own in Kilanga. The parrot symbolizes the mistake many missionaries have made when they have taught Africans to "copy" Christian ways rather than leading them to experience Christianity for themselves. When the parrot is f...