Since its publication in 1998, the Poisonwood Bible has been seen primarily as a statement against American exceptionalism. Analyzing the novel it is obvious that topics such as imperialism, religion, the burden of guilt, and the use or lack of voices contribute to multiple points and themes present in the novel. In Susan Strehle's current article on American exceptionalism explicitly related to the Poisonwood Bible, she manipulates the arguments and themes present in the novel to support her opinion. Unlike Strehle's one-sided vision, multiple themes and motifs in the Poisonwood Bible combine to form a complex and involved plot, further developed by the use of symbolism and the internal and external conflicts of the characters. In his article, “Chosen People: American Exceptionalism in Kingsolver's Poisonwood Bible,” Strehle argues, “The Poisonwood Bible shows the historical impact of U.S. intervention in the Congo largely through Orleanna's retrospective narrative” (Strehle 415 ) other words, Strehle believes that Orleanna's voice is the symbol of the voice of the Congo. Just like the Congolese inhabitants, Orleanna is not in control of her own destiny, being such a free spirit in her youth; this limited control manifests itself within internal conflicts. After marrying Nathan, a Southern Baptist minister, she thus soon loses her voice and power of choice powerless against his conquests, as the country is forced to shape and define itself by the new laws and restrictions in place. In Orleanna's opening story she states: "Perhaps I will also confess the truth, that I came with the knights and saw the apocalypse,... in the middle to paper... contradictions within Strehle's article and the The novel leaves gaps that need to be filled. Readers may indeed say that American exceptionalism is a dominant theme in the Poisonwood Bible, yet themes such as guilt, imperialism, homeland comfort, and family issues lead the reader to believe that the novel cannot be summarized. in the narrow theme of American exceptionalism as Strehle suggests. Works Cited "Altruism". Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2008. Merriam-Webster Online.27. March 2011. Kingsolver, Barbara. The Poisonwood Bible: A Novel. New York: Harper Flamingo, 1998. 18+. Print.Strehle, Susan. "Chosen People: American Exceptionalism in Kingsolver's Poisonwood Bible." Criticism: Studies in Contemporary Fiction 49.4 (2008): 413-428. MLA international bibliography. EBSCO. Network. March 27. 2011.