CHAPTER TWENTY
Seven years was a long time to be away from one's clan. A man's place was not always
there, waiting for him. As soon as he left, someone else rose and filled it. The clan was
like a lizard, if it lost its tail it soon grew another.
Okonkwo knew these things. He knew that he had lost his place among the nine
masked spirits who administered justice in the clan. He had lost the chance to lead his
warlike clan against the new religion, which, he was told, had gained ground. He had
lost the years in which he might have taken the highest titles in the clan. But some of
these losses were not irreparable. He was determined that his return should be marked
by his people. He would return with a flourish, and regain the seven wasted years.
Even in his first year in exile he had begun to plan for his return. The first thing
he would do would be to rebuild his compound on a more magnificent scale. He would
build a bigger barn than he had had before and he would build huts for two new wives.
Then he would show his wealth by initiating his sons into the ozo society. Only the
really great men in the clan were able to do this. Okonkwo saw clearly the high esteem
in which he would be held, and he saw himself taking the highest title in the land.
As the years of exile passed one by one it seemed to him that his chi might now
be making amends for the past disaster. His yams grew abundantly, not only in his
motherland but also in Umuofia, where his friend gave them out year by year to
sharecroppers.
Then the tragedy of his first son had occurred. At first it appeared as if it might
prove too great for his spirit. But it was a resilient spirit, and in the end Okonkwo
overcame his sorrow. He had five other sons and he would bring them up in the way of
the clan.
He sent for the five sons and they came and sat in his obi. The youngest of them
was four years old.