Chinua Achebe introduces the ideas of reputation, respect, and communication as Umuofian cultural values. The success of its citizens regarding their social status depends on their ability to display these three traits. The greatest example, Okonkwo, describes how he illustrated the proverbs and how they functioned as stepping stones in his success as a powerful leader with many titles in the clan. Through maturity you learn respect, through respect you learn the value of communication and its important role in society. Since social status is earned rather than inherited, the need to display these traits becomes increasingly evident. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Achievements of strength and power are essential in order to demonstrate maturity for the hierarchical structure of Umuofian society. An example of this is that when men refer to Okonkwo, they use the proverb “If a child washes his hands, he can eat with kings” (5). This proverb concerns Okonkwo in an undeniable way, the stigma of his father's undisciplined life is not something the members of the Umuofia clan will hold against him. Instead, he is treated to manifestations of his ability to work hard and have the maturity to achieve greatness, even against all odds. His drive is what leads the villagers to think he deserves a place in one of the highest positions in this society. Displays of hyper-masculine achievement (i.e. winning a wrestling match) are correlated in Umuofia society with a man being mature enough to eat with elders. This relatively easy rise to the top of the social hierarchy is one of the reasons why Okonkwo's fall and decline in his reputation was so rapid. The moment he was unable to demonstrate maturity and rationality, he was questioned and ignored for his inability to show respect. Respect is another factor that plays a vital role in the social status of Umuofian society. Thus, when Okonkwo addresses Nwakibie, he declares that “a man who respects the great opens the way to his own greatness.” Okonkwo went to Nwakibie to ask for yam seeds so that he could earn a living and change the fortune his father had left him. His actions and the proverb used express the extent to which citizens were aware that their social status depends on their ability to respect others. When Okonkwo goes to Nwakibie, he does not simply ask for a favor, rather he recognizes Nwakibie's success and asks to be entrusted with the same yams that brought him fertility. Okonkwo, whose life begins as the son of a debtor, understands that in order to create his own achievements, he must be able to give respect and learn from other men of great power. His use of the proverb during his meeting with Nwakibie shows how respect and communication are valued when trying to climb the social ladder of the Umuofia clan. Communication is expected in Umuofian society where social status plays an important role in their lifestyle. In the first chapter, Unoka addresses Okoye and says: “Among the Igbo, the art of conversation is highly valued and proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten” (4). Okoye appears at Unoka's hut to ask for the cowries he owes him, but as the situation differs, Unoka begins to explain to Okoye why he cannot pay him the money he owes. Unoka creates symbolism by using a wall to represent his.