This quote shows another piece of symbolism portrayed throughout the story. This quote explains how yams are the valuable item that determines the level of respect given to a person from the community. Also, this shows yams are connected with being a man and that men are judged by how well they are able to provide for their families. This shows that the community judges others based on their accomplishments and not by who they are on the inside as a person. Yams are difficult to grow and take vigorous work to be able to maintain a constant production of them. Okonkwo shows the traits of being a hard worker and Okonkwo constantly tries to produce yams for his family. Okonkwo wants to be the exact opposite of his poor father and he works hard
