In Posionwood Bible, what does Leah mean by:
"Some people will send a bread-butter note after you have them over for dinner. Well, Anatole sent us a boy."
a "bread and butter note" is a THANK YOU note. "bread and butter" is a metaphor which means everyday ordinary, not special.... Sending a boy... would be extraordinary and very special.
A bread-and-butter note is a handwritten thank-you note.
In the novel "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver, the character Leah Price uses the phrase "Some people will send a bread-butter note after you have them over for dinner. Well, Anatole sent us a boy" to express the gratitude and generosity she and her family experienced from Anatole, a Congolese boy who becomes close to the Price family.
To understand Leah's meaning more thoroughly, it is important to consider the context of the story. The Price family, specifically her father Nathan, is a missionary family from the United States who moves to the village of Kilanga in the Congo. Throughout the novel, they encounter various cultural differences and struggles to adapt.
In this particular context, Leah's statement is a figurative expression. Sending a "bread-butter note" refers to sending a simple thank-you card or message after being invited to someone's home for a meal. It is a gesture of appreciation for the hospitality extended to them. In contrast, Anatole "sent us a boy," which means he gave them something of much greater value or significance.
Leah is comparing the traditional act of sending a polite note of thanks to the Price family receiving Anatole's assistance in the form of a Congolese boy. This implies that Anatole's gift is far more meaningful and substantial than a simple message. He is providing the Price family with practical support in the form of a young helper, someone who can assist with various tasks or offer companionship and insight into the local culture.
Through this comparison, Leah emphasizes the depth of Anatole's generosity and the personal connection he shares with the Price family. His gesture goes beyond simple manners, showing a genuine concern and desire to help the Prices adapt to their new surroundings.
Overall, Leah's statement highlights the cultural differences and the profound impact of Anatole's actions on the Price family. It conveys a sense of gratitude and the realization that his assistance means much more than a customary thank-you note.