Why did Lencho say the raindrops were like 'new coins'?
Lencho said the raindrops were like 'new coins' because the rain was extremely valuable and useful for his crops. He looked at his field of ripe corn draped in a curtain of rain with a satisfied expression, knowing it would ensure a good harvest.
For a farmer, rain directly translates to a good yield, which means money and prosperity. He specifically called the big drops ten cent pieces and the little ones fives. This comparison emphasises that the raindrops were as precious as actual money, as they would bring financial security and save his family from going hungry.
Explanation
The textbook explicitly states that Lencho regarded his field of ripe corn with a satisfied expression during the rain. By calling the drops 'new coins' (big drops as ten cent pieces, little ones as fives), he highlights the direct link between rain and a farmer's income. The grammar section of the chapter also notes that this contradiction (saying they aren't raindrops but coins) serves to emphasise the value or usefulness of the rain to the farmer.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify Lencho's reaction to the rain (satisfied expression, field of ripe corn).
Step 2: Note the specific comparison he makes (big drops = ten cent pieces, little ones = fives).
Step 3: Connect the rain to the farmer's livelihood (rain means a good harvest, which equals money/prosperity).