The power and sheer beauty of Achebe’s prose. Is this prose or lyrical poetry? Ezeulu’s story of his confrontation with and triumph over the elements and the spirit world are presented in this racy and gripping narrative overflowing with imageries and symbols. The days of the week are protected by their powerful spirits but the priest of Ulu worsts them all and who emerges at the end a liberator and successful negotiator and one who also carries the weight of the failings of his people and buries these at Ulu’s shrine. In the engagement with the four market days and in his race through the town, the High Priest of Ulu is offering supplications for the wishes for the protection of the clan and prayers for their future. He is also carrying the weight of the needs of the clan and all their failings on his frame as he rushes into Ulu’s shrine where he drops these.
This encounter of expiation of sins and renewal for the future is told in a style that grips and awes. The Igbo world view presented here is deep and fascinating.
Reflections 