Chinua Achebe introduces the ideas of reputation, respect and communication as Umuofian cultural values. The success of its citizens in terms of social standing depends on their ability to display all three of these traits. The greatest example, Okonkwo, describes how he exemplified 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 substantial role in society. Since social position is earned and not inherited, the need to display these traits becomes increasingly apparent. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Achievements of strength and power are essential to show maturity for the hierarchical structure of Umuofian society. An example of this is when the men refer to Okonkwo, they use the proverb “If a child washes his hands he can eat with kings” (5). This proverb relates to Okonkwo in an undeniable way, the stigma of his father's unruly life is not something the members of the Umuofia clan hold against him. Instead, he is treated to manifestations of his ability to be a hard worker and have the maturity to achieve greatness even against all odds. His drive is what leads the villagers to think that he deserves a place in one of the highest positions in this society. Manifestations of hyper-masculine achievement (for example: winning a wrestling match) are related in Umuofia society to a man being mature enough to eat with the elderly. This rather easy rise to the top of the social ladder is one reason why the fall and decline of Okonkwo's reputation was so rapid. The moment he was unable to show maturity and rationality and was questioned and ignored for his inability to show respect. Respect is another factor that plays a vital role in the social standing of Umuofian society. For this reason, when Okonkwo addresses Nwakibie, he states that "a man who respects the great paves the way for his own greatness." Okonkwo went to Nwakibie to ask for yam seeds so that he could earn a living and change the fortune left to him by his father. His actions and the proverb used express how citizens were aware that their social position is aided by their ability to respect others. When Okonkwo goes to Nwakibie, he is not simply asking for a favor, he is instead acknowledging Nwakibie's success and asking to entrust him with the same sweet potatoes that brought him fruitfulness. Okonkwo, whose life begins as a debtor's son, understands that in order to create his own achievements, he must be able to respect and learn from other men of great power. His use of the proverb during the meeting with Nwakibie shows how much respect and communication are valued when attempting to climb the social ranks of the Umuofia clan. Communication is expected in Umuofian society where social position plays an important role in their way of life. In the first chapter Unoka addresses Okoye, saying: "Among the Ibo the art of conversation is held in high esteem and proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten" (4). Okoye appears in Unoka's hut demanding the cowry he owes him, but since the situation is different Unoka begins to explain to Okoye why he cannot pay him the money he owes. Unoka creates symbolism by using a wall to represent her debts to men. Unoka turns to Okoye saying that he will pay off the biggest debt first before starting to.