Discuss the significance of social status on Things Fall Apart, and comment on its contribution to characterization.

In Igbo culture, personal achievement is emphasized. "Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered." (Ch. 1, pg. 6) Hereditary succession to titles contradicted their notions of leadership. A man gains titles through acquisition of wealth through hard work. This is usually achieved though his productivity of his yam fields, his bravery in war or/and his athletic skill as a wrestler. Marriage, wealth and the acquisition of titles enabled individuals to advance socially. Indirect characterization is achieved in Things Fall Apart through social status. 

Okonkwo "won fame as the greatest wrestler in the nine villages. He was a wealthy farmer and has two barns full of yams, and had just married his third wife. To crown it all he had taken two titles and had shown incredible prowess in two inter-tribal wars...He was already one of the greatest men of his time." (pg. 6, Ch. 1) He is proved to be both extremely hardworking and physically capable. These principal accomplishments establishes Okonkwo's important position in Igbo society. Through this, Achebe shows us that Okoknwo values achievement, power and recognition. "As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings. Okonkwo had clearly washed his hands and so he ate with kings and elders." (pg. 6, Ch. 1) Furthermore, Achebe sets up Okonkwo as man much respected for his considerable achievements and noble virtues-key qualities of Aristotle's tragic hero. Driving himself toward tribal success and recognition, he is trying to bury the unending shame that he feels regarding the faults of his late father, Unoka. Essentially, Okonkwo exhibits qualities of manhood in Igbo society. This gives us further insight into Okonkwo's perception of his culture and how this leads him to create his own social identity.