Looking for a Rain God - by Bessie Head

Bessie Head (1937-1986) I Image Source: Reading Pleasure

Central Idea

"Looking for a Rain God" by Bessie (Amelia Emery) Head is a story about an African family's struggle against a seven-year drought that results in tragic outcomes. The central character, Mokgobja, does everything to survive and fight against natural disasters like drought by hook or crook. He is ready to sacrifice his son's daughters to make rain. The story presents the theme of human survival instinct, struggle against nature, hope in life, and acceptance. The villagers, who are mainly farmers, suffer from starvation as they are dependent on the rain to grow their crops. The rain finally comes, and many families rush out to resume farming. Mokgobja and his family are one of the first to clear and plough their land. Their hopes are dashed when the rain only lasts for two weeks. The story highlights the desperation and criminal outcomes of the villagers' frustration, and only the charlatans, incanters, and witch doctors were able to make money during this time.

Summary

Looking for a Rain God is a tragic story of a family who lived off crops and suffered the fear of strain and starvation which is destined to follow in the days to come. This story has brought the pathetic condition of the people to the surface. They suffered the problem of drought for seven years which caused the death of the two little girls.

The seven-year drought fell upon the land and all the sources of underground water where people used to make rest camps and dig shallow wells to quench their thrust while they were going to their own lands had completely dried up or began to look dismal. Green leaves of trees curled and withered; the moss became dry and hard; the ground turned a powdery black and white since there had been no single drop of rain in the last seven years. Gradually, the condition had become worse than ever towards the beginning of the seventh year of drought. The air was so dry that it burned the skin. This summer had been a great tragedy and misfortune for the people. A number of people went out of their homes and hung themselves to death from trees because the majority of them survived on crops. On the other hand, this tragedy proved so fruitful for charlatans, incanters and witch doctors who were continuously visited by the people in desperation for little talismans and herbs to rub on the plough for the crops to grow and the rain to fall. Because of this, if there was anybody in good condition, it was none other than charlatans, incanters and witch doctors who were earning very handsome money due to the frequent and futile visits of the villagers.

Though late, rains came in early November but it was thin, scanty, misty rain. It only softened the earth and a rich growth of green things around for animals to eat. With this, people were called to the centre of the village to hear the proclamation of the beginning of the ploughing season; they all moved off to the lands to plough.

Characters:

Mokgobja: an old man of over seventy

Neo and Boseyong: two little girls

Tiro: mother of Neo and Boseyong

Ramadi: father and supporter of the family and drives the donkey cart

Nesta: an unmarried sister

This proclamation was a ray of hope for rain ahead. The family of Mokgobja was the first to rush to their land. Ramadi, Tiro and Nesta cleared their lands of thorn bushes and then fenced their vast ploughing area with the same thorn bush to protect their future crops from goats and other animals. They cleared out and deepened the old wells. As the thin, scanty, misty rain sparked the ray of hope for rain, Ramadi yoked two oxen and turned the earth over with a hand plough.

Unfortunately, the time again tricked them by mid-November. Whereas his lands were ready and ploughed, waiting for the crops, the rain clouds fled away and left the sky bare. The sun danced dizzily in the sky, with a strange cruelty. The sun sucked every drop of water out of the earth and left his family in despair. Their dream of eating porridge with goat milk had fed away. It was impossible to sow seeds of corn, maize, pumpkin, watermelon, etc. While the whole family was suffering hardship, the two little girls - Neo and Boseyong - were quite happy in their world. They were enjoying their game of making a house like their mother. They were making children out of scattered little sticks and rags; and ordering, shouting, and scolding them all day long with an exact imitation of their own mother. They were heard all day scolding the rag dolls "You stupid thing, when I send you to draw water, why do you spill half of out of the bucket!" and the like. They used to beat the rag dolls on their bottoms with severe expressions. The funny chatter of the girls was left unnoticed by the adults because they were impatiently waiting for rain. Except for two goats, this family had sold all their animals to manage food to survive.

Although everybody's nerve was breaking down and hunted by the starvation of the coming year, the men remained calm and self-controlled as they are always expected to maintain their self-control at all times. The two women of the family had almost broken down under the strain of waiting for rain. Each night they started a weird, high-pitched wailing that began on a low, mournful note. It was really the two women who caused the death of the little girls.

However, the fact of their death was the customs of the ancestors relating to a rain-making ceremony. The old man - Mokgobja - was stirred up by an ancient memory which he had been witness to a rain-making ceremony when he was very young. He was struggling to recall it in detail that had been buried for a long time. He talked about this with his youngest son, Ramadi. According to the old man, there was a certain rain god who accepted only the bodies of children. Then the rain would fall; then the crops would grow. Mokgobja talked about this ritual with an unshakeable authority. The nighty wailing of the two women was continuously smashing the patience of Ramadi. Soon the two men began talking with the two women about this ritual. What was going on in the family was quite unknown to the little girls; so, they continued their games.

The ritual was too cruel. The bodies of the two little girls had been spread across the land but the rain did not fall. Instead, there was a deathly silence at night and the devouring heat of the sun by day. A terror, extreme and deep, overwhelmed the whole family, and they fled back to their home with their blanket, pots, etc. Soon the villagers noticed the absence of the two little girls. On the enquiry of the villagers about their absence, the family lied that they died and were buried there in the field. Their pale, terror-stricken faces were noted. Because of a feeling of great unease, the villagers doubted how the two deaths had occurred at the same time. Soon the police came around. The family told the same story that they had told the villagers to the police as well. Then the police asked to see the graves. At this, the mother of the two children broke down, told everything and confessed everything.

A dark cloud of a great bereavement hung over the village and the sorrow was assuaged only when the old man and Ramadi were sentenced to death for ritual murder. The ritual murder of any kind and in any form was unacceptable evidence in court and it was against the law and must be stopped with the death penalty.

Understanding

1. Why is it significant that the events in this brief story actually occurred over a period of seven years? What are the progressive effects of the drought over this period?

In the brief story "Looking for a Rain God", the fact that the events occurred over a period of seven years is significant because it shows the progressive effects of the drought on the African village where the story is set. The villagers, who are mainly farmers, suffer from starvation as they are dependent on the rain to grow their crops. The drought lasts for seven years, and during this time, the villagers face increasing hardship and desperation. The effects of the drought are devastating, and many villagers are forced to make difficult decisions in order to survive. The progressive effects of the drought over this period include:

Starvation: The villagers suffer from starvation as they are dependent on the rain to grow their crops.

Desperation: The villagers become increasingly desperate as the drought continues.

Sacrifice: Some villagers are forced to make devastating decisions, such as sacrificing their children to a rain god, in order to survive.

Charlatans and witch-doctors: Only the charlatans, incanters, and witch-doctors are able to make money during this time because people are always looking for a way to end the drought.

Tragic outcome: The story ends tragically, with the family of the main character, Mokgobja, facing a devastating loss.

2. When the options and talismans were brought as offerings for the gods, in exchange for rainfall, why is it significant that some of the men in the village hang themselves? What insight does this give you into the depths of desperation and despair that have befallen everyone in the village?

The act of some men in the village hanging themselves is significant because it shows the depths of desperation and despair that have befallen everyone in the village. The villagers are suffering from a severe drought that has been going on for seven years, and they have lost all hope of it ending anytime soon. They have tried everything to bring rain, including bringing offerings and talismans to the gods, but nothing has worked.

The hanging of the men shows that they have reached a point of desperation where they are willing to do anything to end their suffering, even if it means sacrificing their own lives. Their suicides also suggest that they see no other way out of their predicament and that the idea of living in a drought-stricken and impoverished village has become unbearable for them. This is a tragic outcome that highlights the loss of humanity that occurs when people are pushed to their limits. The fear of death and suffering brings out a type of survival instinct in man which transcends the limits of sanity and rationality. Consequently, what is considered unnatural (the ancient custom of sacrificing children to a Rain God) becomes natural and acceptable. The hanging of the men is a symbol of the villagers' desperation and the tragic outcome of their struggle against the drought.

Thus, the suicides in the story serve as a powerful portrayal of the profound despair and desperation that have gripped the village. They convey the devastating impact of the drought on the community, highlighting the magnitude of their suffering and the absence of any apparent relief or escape from their dire circumstances.

3. Why is starvation predicted for the coming year?

Starvation is predicted for the coming year because the villagers have been suffering from a severe drought for seven years. It is a consequence of the prolonged drought that has afflicted the village. The villagers are mainly farmers, and they depend on the rain to grow their crops. The absence of rain disrupts agricultural production and depletes water resources, leaving the villagers without enough food to sustain themselves, resulting in a scarcity of food and resources necessary for survival. The villagers have tried everything to bring rain, including bringing offerings to the gods, but nothing has worked. They have reached a point of desperation where they are willing to do anything to end their suffering, even if it means sacrificing their own children to a rain god.

4. Do you think the ritual sacrifice is similar to putting faith in charlatans, sorcerers, and witch doctors?

The ritual sacrifice depicted in the story can be seen as a manifestation of the villagers' desperation and their search for a solution to the drought. In this sense, the ritual sacrifice of children to the rain god is not similar to putting faith in charlatans, sorcerers, and witch doctors. The villagers are not turning to false prophets or quacks for help, but rather to their traditional beliefs and customs. The villagers are mainly farmers, and they depend on the rain to grow their crops. The drought has caused crops to fail, and the villagers have lost all hope of it ending anytime soon. As a result, they are faced with the possibility of starvation in the coming year. Fearing the starvation they are faced with, Mokogobja recalls a memory of a rain-making ceremony involving a ritual sacrifice of young children to the rain. The villagers believe that this sacrifice will appease the gods and bring rain. The sacrifice is not a result of desperation or a lack of faith in modern medicine or science, but rather a result of their cultural beliefs and traditions. The villagers are willing to do anything to end their suffering, even if it means sacrificing their own children to a rain god. The story highlights the tragic consequences of drought and the lengths that people will go to in order to survive.

5. How does the story involve a conflict between the two opposite value systems of latent tribal beliefs and a superficial adherence to Christian religious practice?

There is indeed a conflict portrayed between the two opposite value systems of latent tribal beliefs and a superficial adherence to Christian religious practice. This conflict is presented through the clash of different belief systems and the tensions that arise within the village community.

The story is set in rural Botswana, Africa, where the people basically farm off the vast bushland. The villagers are mainly farmers, and they depend on the rain to grow their crops. The drought has caused crops to fail, and the villagers have lost all hope of it ending anytime soon. As a result, they are faced with the possibility of starvation in the coming year. The villagers turn to their traditional beliefs and customs, which involve sacrificing children to the rain god in the hope of bringing rain. This is in conflict with the Christian religious practice that has been introduced to the village. The Christian religion does not condone the sacrifice of children, and the villagers who have converted to Christianity are torn between their new faith and their traditional beliefs. The conflict between the two value systems is evident in the story, and it highlights the clash between modernity and tradition. The story shows how cultural beliefs and traditions can be deeply ingrained in people and how difficult it can be to reconcile them with modern beliefs and practices.

Rhetorical/Language/Writing

1. Why does Head withhold knowledge of the ending in telling the story? How does knowing what happened shift the focus of the story into an attempt to try to understand how it happened?

The author withholds knowledge of the ending to shift the focus of the story into an attempt to try to understand how it happened. The story is about an African village's desperate struggle against a drought that results in a tragic outcome. The villagers are mainly farmers, and they depend on the rain to grow their crops. The drought has hit them hard, and the villagers have lost all hope. As a result, they are faced with the possibility of starvation in the coming year. The villagers turn to their traditional beliefs and customs, which involve sacrificing children to the rain god in the hope of bringing rain. The story ends without revealing whether the sacrifice worked or not. By withholding knowledge of the ending, the author shifts the focus of the story from the outcome to the process. The story becomes an attempt to understand how the villagers could have reached a point where they were willing to sacrifice their own children. The story highlights the tragic consequences of drought and the lengths that people will go to in order to survive. The author's decision to withhold knowledge of the ending allows the reader to focus on the themes of desperation, hope, and sacrifice that are present throughout the story.

2. How does the author lay the psychological groundwork for what otherwise would come as a shock to the choice of the two young girls in the family as sacrificial victims?

The author lays the psychological groundwork for what otherwise would come as a shock to the choice of the two young girls in the family as sacrificial victims. The story has portrayed the villagers' desperate struggle against a drought that results in a tragic outcome. As a result, they are faced with the possibility of starvation in the coming year. The villagers turn to their traditional beliefs and customs, which involve sacrificing children to the rain god in the hope of bringing rain. The author lays the psychological groundwork for this sacrifice in several ways:

• The villagers are shown to be desperate and hopeless due to the drought, which makes them more susceptible to the idea of sacrificing their children.
• The villagers' traditional beliefs and customs are deeply ingrained in them, and they believe that sacrificing children is the only way to bring rain.
• The sacrifice is presented as a last resort after all other attempts to bring rain have failed.
• The sacrifice is not presented as a shocking or surprising event, but rather as a tragic outcome that is the result of the villagers' desperation and hopelessness.

Knowing what happened shifts the focus of the story into an attempt to try to understand how it happened because the sacrifice is not presented as a sudden or irrational decision, but rather as a tragic outcome that is the result of the villagers' cultural beliefs and traditions. The story highlights the tragic consequences of drought and the lengths that people will go to in order to survive. The author's decision to withhold knowledge of the ending allows the reader to focus on the themes of desperation, hope, and sacrifice that are present throughout the story.

3. Look carefully at how the girls must appear to everyone else in the family, especially in a culture where everyone, in order to survive, must contribute to the welfare of all.

Bessie Head portrays the two young girls in the family as innocent and cheerful. They imitate the adult world when they play with each other. Their innocent and untainted nature results in them being considered appropriate sacrifices to appease the Rain, God. In the context of the village's culture, where collective survival is paramount, every member is expected to contribute in some way to the well-being of the community. The girls, being part of the family, are not exempt from this expectation and are likely seen as necessary participants in the family's efforts to overcome the challenges they face.

The girls' sacrifice is a tragic outcome that highlights the desperation and hopelessness of the villagers. The author lays the psychological groundwork for the sacrifice by showing the villagers' desperation and their traditional beliefs and customs. The villagers believe that sacrificing children is the only way to bring rain, and they are willing to do anything to end their suffering. The sacrifice is presented as a last resort after all other attempts to bring rain have failed. The sacrifice is not presented as a shocking or surprising event, but rather as a tragic outcome that is the result of the villagers' desperation and hopelessness. The story highlights the tragic consequences of drought and the lengths that people will go to in order to survive.

4. How do details such as the girls' sloppiness (spilling food or water) and disobedience contribute to the family's decision to kill them in exchange for rain?

The family's decision to kill their baby girls in exchange for rain is influenced by their desperation and belief in the ancient custom of sacrificing children to a Rain God. The girls' sloppiness and disobedience are used as justifications for their sacrifice, as they are seen as a source of temptation and evil. The family believes that by sacrificing their most precious possession, they can appease the Rain God and bring rain to their village. However, the sacrifice ultimately does not bring the desired outcome, and the family is left with a tragic outcome. The story highlights the loss of humanity that can occur when fear of death and suffering brings out a type of survival instinct in man which transcends the limits of sanity and rationality.

5. How did the games Neo and Boseyong play provide further insight into how they were already being treated by the adults?

The games Neo and Boseyong play provide further insights into how they were already being treated by the adults in their community. Neo and Boseyong's games reflect the harsh reality of their lives and the discrimination they face. In their game, they mimic the traditional ritual of calling upon the rain god, which is a function traditionally performed by the village elders. The fact that they are playing this game suggests that they are not being included in important village events and rituals and that they feel the need to create their own rituals. Similarly, in their game, they also act out the violence and conflict that surrounds them in their community. This suggests that they are already being exposed to violence and that they may be at risk of experiencing it themselves.

Overall, the games that Neo and Boseyong play highlight their exclusion from the adult world and the harsh realities of their lives. They reveal the children's need to create their own rituals and coping mechanisms in response to the oppression and violence they face.

6. Why do you think the author gave so many details about the games of the children?

The author may have given so many details about the games of the children to provide a contrast between the innocence and happiness of the children and the dystopian world they live in. The children's games may also serve as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the beauty of childhood in a world that is otherwise bleak and oppressive. Additionally, the games may provide insight into the children's characters and personalities, highlighting their innocence, naivety, playfulness, and obedience. By emphasizing these traits, the author may be trying to evoke empathy and sympathy from the readers towards the children, who are ultimately victims of their circumstances. The games may also serve as a plot device, driving the story forward and providing a means for the children to achieve their goal of bringing rain to the village.

7. How do the games play by Neo and Boseyong contrast with the behaviour of the adults in the play?

The games played by Neo and Boseyong contrast with the behaviour of the adults in the play in several ways:

• The children are innocent, naive, playful, childish, happy, and obedient, while the adults are not described in such terms.
• The children live in their own child world, while the adults live in a dystopian world where capital, body, and health transfer from one person to another.
• The children are asked to bring rain to their village, while the adults may have relied on the children to perform certain tasks.

These contrasts suggest that the children are more pure and innocent than the adults, who are corrupted by the oppressive world they live in. The games played by Neo and Boseyong may serve as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the beauty of childhood in a world that is otherwise bleak and oppressive. The games may also highlight the children's vulnerability and dependence on the adults, who may use them for their own purposes. Overall, the contrast between the games played by Neo and Boseyong and the behaviour of the adults in the play serves to emphasize the themes of innocence, corruption, and oppression.

8. How does the behaviour of the children reflect the society they live in?

The behaviour of the children in the play reflects the society they live in several ways:

• The children's innocence and naivety contrast with the oppressive and corrupt society they live in.
• The children's obedience and willingness to perform tasks for the adults may reflect the power dynamics of society, where children are expected to follow the orders of adults.
• The children's goal of bringing rain to their village may reflect the importance of natural resources in society, where access to resources is controlled by those in power.
• The children's vulnerability and dependence on the adults may reflect the ways in which the society exploits and controls its citizens, including children.

Overall, the behaviour of the children in the play serves to highlight the ways in which the dystopian society has corrupted and degraded human behaviour. The children's innocence and vulnerability may also serve to evoke empathy and sympathy from the readers towards the victims of the oppressive society portrayed in the play. The behaviour of the children may also reflect the power dynamics and resource distribution of the society, providing insight into the ways in which the society operates.

9. How does the author portray the desperation of the villagers?

The villagers in the story are living their life in greater desperation. As they live off of farming, they have been hard stricken by a seven-year drought. They are suffering from starvation due to no rainfall. They have lost hope and are willing to do anything to bring rain to their crops, including sacrificing their own family members. Furthermore, the villagers are exploited by charlatans, incanters, and witch doctors who make money by exploiting their desperation. They are willing to abandon their normal conceptions of what is right or wrong in order to survive.

These things create a psychological context where the desperation of the villagers is palpable. The extreme circumstances of the drought, the loss of hope, and the exploitation of the villagers all contribute to a situation where the sacrifice of innocent victims may be seen as a necessary means to an end. The story portrays the sacrifice as a tragic outcome of the desperation and hopelessness of the villagers, rather than a deliberate act of cruelty. Overall, the author portrays the desperation of the villagers in a way that makes the sacrifice of the two young girls a plausible and tragic outcome of the circumstances portrayed in the story.

Discussion

1. In centuries past, human sacrifices were universally characteristic of cults of worship in many societies. But ritual murder is against the law in the story. Discuss the power of law versus the power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors regarding such rituals.

In the story "Looking for a Rain God," the power of law is depicted as conflicting with the customs and ideas passed down from ancestors regarding ritual murder. The story explores the tension between traditional practices and societal norms that aim to protect human life.

In many societies throughout history, including some ancient civilizations, human sacrifice was indeed a characteristic of religious or cult practices. These rituals were deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric and belief systems of those societies, often seen as necessary for appeasing gods or bringing about specific outcomes such as rain, good harvests, or victory in battle. In this sense, it seems that the power of law is not enough to prevent the villagers from performing the ritual sacrifice, as they are driven by their desperation and their belief in the power of the ritual. The power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors is stronger than the power of law, as the villagers are willing to risk punishment to perform the ritual sacrifice.

The conflict between the power of law and the power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors is further highlighted by the conflict between latent tribal beliefs and a superficial adherence to Christian religious practices. The villagers are torn between their traditional beliefs and the Christian religious practices imposed on them by the colonizers. The conflict between these two opposing value systems creates a psychological context where the villagers are willing to abandon their normal conceptions of what is right or wrong in order to survive.

After all, the story provides insight into situations that are so extreme that the normal conceptions of what is right or wrong give way to the question of survival. While the power of law is important in preventing harmful practices such as human sacrifice, it is not enough to prevent people from performing such rituals when they are driven by desperation and a belief in the power of the ritual. The power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors can be stronger than the power of law, especially in extreme circumstances where people are willing to do anything to survive.

2. To what extent does "Looking for a Rain god" give insight into situations that are so extreme that the normal conceptions of what is right or wrong give way to the question of survival?

The story provides insight into situations where people are willing to do anything to survive, even if it means abandoning their normal conceptions of what is right or wrong. The story highlights the power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors in shaping human behavior, and the clash between traditional and modern values in extreme circumstances.

The story "Looking for a Rain God" provides insight into situations that are so extreme that the normal conceptions of what is right or wrong give way to the question of survival. The story portrays a society where the villagers are suffering from starvation due to a seven-year drought, which has left them dependent on rain to grow their crops. The villagers have lost hope and are willing to do anything to bring rain to their crops, including sacrificing their own family members. The story highlights the conflict between latent tribal beliefs and a superficial adherence to Christian religious practices, which creates a psychological context where the villagers are torn between their traditional beliefs and the Christian religious practices imposed on them by the colonizers. The clash between traditional and modern values is further highlighted by the extreme circumstances of the drought, which have caused people to abandon their normal conceptions of what is right or wrong in order to survive. The power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors is stronger than the power of law, as the villagers are willing to risk punishment to perform the ritual sacrifice. The story portrays a situation where extreme circumstances have caused people to abandon their normal conceptions of what is right or wrong in order to survive, highlighting the power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors in shaping human behaviour.

3. To what extent does this story give insight into the lives of people who live in colonized nations where Western values are superimposed on tribal customs and beliefs?

The story "Looking for a Rain God" does not directly address the specific context of colonized nations where Western values are superimposed on tribal customs and beliefs. However, it indirectly touches upon themes that resonate with the experiences of people in such situations.

Colonization often brought about significant cultural, social, and political changes in colonized nations, including the imposition of Western values, institutions, and legal systems. The clash between traditional customs and beliefs and the dominant Western values can result in complex and sometimes turbulent dynamics within society.

In the story, the tension between the power of law and the customs passed down from ancestors highlights the broader theme of cultural conflict and assimilation. It offers some insight into the challenges faced by individuals and communities in reconciling traditional ways of life with the values and expectations imposed by the colonizers. The story suggests that the imposition of Western values, such as the rejection of ritual murder and the establishment of legal systems, can disrupt and challenge traditional cultural practices. It implies that the influence of Western values can create a sense of conflict, disconnection, and loss for communities whose customs and beliefs are marginalized or suppressed.

Furthermore, the story implies that the power dynamics between the colonizers and the colonized are often unequal, with the colonizers exerting influence and control over the cultural, social, and political spheres. This can result in the erasure or devaluation of indigenous knowledge, practices, and beliefs, causing a sense of disempowerment and a loss of cultural identity.

While "Looking for a Rain God" may not provide a direct exploration of the specific experiences of people in colonized nations, it resonates with the broader themes and dynamics that can arise when Western values are superimposed on tribal customs and beliefs. It offers a glimpse into the tensions, conflicts, and challenges that individuals and communities may face in navigating and preserving their cultural heritage in the face of colonization.

4. How does the law in "Looking for a Rain God" reflect the clash between traditional and modern values?

In "Looking for a Rain God," the clash between traditional and modern values is reflected in the power of law versus the power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors regarding such rituals. The story portrays a society where human sacrifice is against the law, but the villagers are willing to perform the ritual sacrifice of their own family members to bring rain to their crops. The conflict between latent tribal beliefs and a superficial adherence to Christian religious practices creates a psychological context where the villagers are torn between their traditional beliefs and the Christian religious practices imposed on them by the colonizers. The conflict between these two opposing value systems creates a situation where the power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors is stronger than the power of law.

The clash between traditional and modern values is further highlighted by the extreme circumstances of the drought, which have caused people to abandon their normal conceptions of what is right or wrong in order to survive. The story portrays a situation where extreme circumstances have caused people to abandon their normal conceptions of what is right or wrong in order to survive. The power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors can be stronger than the power of law, especially in extreme circumstances where people are willing to do anything to survive.

The clash between traditional and modern values in "Looking for a Rain God" is reflected in the conflict between the power of law and the power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors regarding such rituals. The story portrays a situation where extreme circumstances have caused people to abandon their normal conceptions of what is right or wrong in order to survive, highlighting the power of customs and ideas passed down from ancestors in shaping human behaviour.