The Poisonwood Bible and Heart of Darkness

"We aimed for no more than to have dominion over every creature that moved upon the earth. And so it came to pass that we stepped down there on a place we believed unformed, where only darkness moved on the face of the waters." Orleanna, pg 10.
How does Orleanna's statement echo the story of European colonialism in Heart of Darkness?  Why is it vital that the story be told by the "beautiful women"?  Should they be kept out of it?

"Jesus is Bangala."  This mis-statement on the part of the missionaries in PB indicate that the precious becomes Poisonwood.  Compare the way Conrad and Kingsolver deliver the message of serpent, poison, whiteness and darkness.

Axel Ebenroot, Nathan Price and Orleanna.  Do you see parallels between these characters and characters in H of D?

Compare the historic-political contexts of both works: The Eisenhower mission versus King Leopold's.  Is it significant that Orleanna had a portrait of Eisenhower with her?



Finally, does the snake charm?  Is it evil? or is it sacred?
“There’s not a thing in this world that hides as good as a green mamba snake.” (Kingsolver, 119)