In "The Poisonwood Bible," Barbara Kingsolver explores the varying depths of faith among different characters. Through the metaphor of clothing, she illustrates how her father's strong, warrior-like faith stands in stark contrast to her mother's more vulnerable and ill-fitting belief. This distinction highlights the complexities of adult experience and the impact of personal faith on one’s resilience to life's challenges.
The quote also implies that not all adults can withstand hardship equally, suggesting that one's beliefs might shape their ability to cope with adversity. The imagery of the breastplate versus the secondhand coat serves to convey the idea that faith can be protective or inadequately suited to the individual, influencing their life journey in profound ways.