Unoka, Okonkwo's father, died ten years ago. He was "lazy and improvident and was quite incapable of thinking about tomorrow" (4). Anytime he came into money, he would spend it on palm-wine. He frequently owed people money and his family rarely had anything to eat. He was a talented flute player, and his happiest moments were when he played the flute with the village musicians.
Okeye visits Unoka. The two men share a kola nut, drink palm-wine, and talk rain, feasts, and war. After the pleasantries had been exchanged, Okeye spoke to Unoka about the real reason for his visit--collection of a debt. (5-7)
Twenty years ago, at the age of eighteen, Okonkwo gained great after "throwing Amalinze the Cat" (1). Amalinze was the wrestling champion seven years running when Okonkwo defeated him. Amalinze was called Amalinze the Cat because "his back would never touched the Earth" (1),
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