Weather
is important primarily because the Igbo are an agrarian society. As such they are immediately
dependent on weather for their livelihood, and their religious beliefs are connected to the role
of the elements, with the rain-maker conducting rituals at particular times. Achebe likens
severe deviation from the expected conduct of the world to madness. In regard to the novels
plot, a bad year of drought alternating with excessive rain plays an important role. Despite s
tremendous work ethic, just putting in more time cannot save the yams ().
Okonkwo, determined to act on a large scale, obtains 800 additional seed-yams from
Nwakibie and 400 from his father. Initially, he sows his own plants. Unfortunately, this turns
out to be
the worst year in living memory. Nothing
happened at its proper time; it was either too early or too late. It seemed as if the world had
gone mad.
For two months, the people endure a drought,
watching...
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