Changing Weather

The unpredictable weather in the novel is symbolic of climate change, and thus the damage that modern society has done to the earth. It is perhaps the worst side effect of the industrial world, and is caused solely by the English. Climate change affects everyone, however, not just those who made it come about. This is illustrated by its effect on Jacob's farm. Jacob notes the weather at the start of most of his journal entries, and is always remarking on how its unpredictability and frequent changes make it hard to grow crops.

The Hurricane

The hurricane that barely damages the Amish settlement but destroys large parts of Lancaster marks the point where the violence of the English begins to infiltrate the lives of the Amish. The hurricane forces people in Lancaster to have to leave their homes, and also leads to more food scarcity...