Premium Essay

Whale Rider Themes

Submitted By
Words 1742
Pages 7
Whale Rider Themes
In the film the Whale Rider, the once complimentary narratives that governed the Maori culture: Gender, Identity, and Traditions are competing against one another. The fundamental elements of these narrative has stayed unchanged; However, some characters are interpreting these liturgies to their own personal narratives, causing conflict within the Maori Culture.
Synopsis of film
During a time of modernization, poverty, and the decentralization of the role the Maori culture play in the people lives, one local leader (Koro) looked upon Hope in a form of a prophet. According to the Maori's traditions, the ancient ancestor Paikea descendants: the eldest son are the rightful tribe leader and will centralize the community again …show more content…
The narrative conflict is like when the two boys were fighting over the whale tooth that Koro threw into the water. The old traditions were not working and neither was the narratives that shaped the Maori people. Who is to blame, was a verse the grandfather echoed in the film as viewers witness the Maori culture on the verge of dying. At this moment, Pai goes into sea with the whales and Koro narrative of traditions and gender are brought into question. "People have hard time trying to convince each other of the truth of their positions. You can show them a better narrative that fits their argument" (89). Pai's identity narrative and triumph as the true descendant of Paikea, caused Koro to revise his own views because of rival's challenges and embrace new the beliefs (89). The film ends with the community brought together thru the metanarrative: tradition. "My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all the way back to the Whale Rider. I'm not a prophet, but I know that our people will keep going forward, all together, with all our

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Whale Rider

...Empathic Response – Whale Rider – Kahu In this empathic response, I will be giving an insight into one of the main characters’ feelings in the book “The Whale Rider” by Witi Ihimaera. This character is Kahu, Koro Apirana’s great-granddaughter. I will be responding to the part in the book, when Kahu rides the whale. “Why? Kahu asked Koro Apirana. ‘Our ancestor wants to die.’ ‘ But why?’ ‘There is no place for it here in this world. The people who commanded it are no longer here.’ He paused. ‘When it dies, we die, I die.’ ‘No, Paka. And if it lives?’ ‘Then we live also.’ I plunged into the frigid waters with only one thought in my mind. I have to take action. If the ancient one dies, every single one of us will disappear. That’s what Paka said. I really don’t know what to think. I can’t bear the thought that my dear Paka and my family would cease to exist. I don’t even care about my own fate, as long as they are safe, I’ll be happy. Everything that has happened so far, the two hundred sacred whales dying has led to this, the very whale that our ancestor rode thousands of years ago has decided to wash up on our shores. This time, he has the intention of self-slaughter, which basically means it’s a sign that we humans are all going to die. Right now, nobody is even trying to do something about it. Every now and then, I had to take a deep breath because the waves were like dumpers, slamming me down to the sandy bottom. The lights from the beach were dazzling my eyes, making...

Words: 507 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

English Empathic Response Whale Rider

...the main characters’ feelings in the book “The Whale Rider” by Witi Ihimaera. This character is Kahu, Koro Apirana’s great-granddaughter. A deep emotional understanding of the text pages 100-102 shall be demonstrated in this text through her perspective. I must save the whale, my sacred ancestor; otherwise everyone that I love will perish. Daddy, Ana, Nani, Rawiri, Paka. Paka. Oh, Paka. I plunged into the agitated, frigid waters with only one thought in my mind. I have to take action. If the ancient one dies, every single one of us will disappear. That’s what Paka said. I really don’t know what to think. I can’t bear the thought that my dear Paka and my family would cease to exist. I don’t even care about my own fate – as long as they are safe, I’ll be happy. Everything that has happened so far, the two hundred sacred whales dying has led to this – the very whale that our ancestor rode thousands of years ago has decided to wash up on our shores. This time, he has the intention of self-slaughter, which basically means it’s a sign that we humans are all going to die. Right now, nobody is even trying to do something about it. Except for me. I, Kahutia Te Rangi, direct descendant of Paikea, won’t let this happen to my loved ones. I’m going to have to try and save Whangara by sacrificing myself to the whale. If the whale lives, we live. My line of vision narrowed down to only the distance between the whale and myself. The whale was all I could see. He was so beautiful. My...

Words: 1044 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Whale Rider

...The Whale Rider This movie really grabbed me right from the beginning of the story. The story begins with the birth of fraternal twins, with the grandfather patiently awaiting the birth of the son. Right away I felt sadness when the mother and one of the twins die. The boy dies and the girl survives. The grandpa seems to not care about the girl who survived . He was longing for his grandson because he is from the Maori tribe and the tribe is waiting for the sign of a new chief to be born . The chief would lead the village and its community to greatness. Many elders have been born but none with the strength to be the next chief. The little girl was named Pai. The grandma of Pai took her home to raise her along with the grandfather. The grandfather showed right away that women or girls where less than a man. He longed for a new chief. This was grandpa’s goal in life right now. He could see that their tribe was going down hill. He had hoped one of his son’s would become the chief but neither one did. So grandpa was set on his grandson becoming the next Chief.                                              It was no secret that he blamed Pia for the death of his grandson. He felt by her birth she gave a curse to the tribe. He couldn’t see any truth or purpose in her having life over the grandson. He showed resentment toward her. As time went on , Pia seemed to be this stubborn, curious, and smart little tomboy. The grandfather...

Words: 1170 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Whale Rider Essay

...own environment. This saying is evident for Paikea in Whale Rider, as she is the only survivor during a birth difficulty and she has to live knowing her loving grandfather is upset that the boy hadn’t survived. Environment for individuals are unique and diverse just like snowflakes, there will never be one the same as the other. In Whale Rider, environments that are evident in the film were when Paikea rode the whale, only a baby girl was born, and when Koro believed there was no hope for the Apriana family’s continuity. In the whale rider, Paikea was about to leave her hometown until she felt as if the whales were calling back. Spiritually, she felt destined to stay to live her legacy. When the Apriana family noticed various beached whales washed up on the shore, they all made an extensive effort to try and drag them back to the water, but all attempts failed. Later, Paikea came and tried to help but Koro told her not to because he thought even her presence was not helping. After Koro and the rest of the family left the detrimental scene, Paikea stayed and mounted the largest whale. She tried talking to the whale and it started to breath and eventually made its way back in the ocean with Paikea, leading the other beached whales. A spiritual environment is happening while she is riding the whale in the sea. “My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all the way back to the whale rider. I'm not a prophet, but I know that our people will keep...

Words: 1041 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Paikea's Journey

...and destiny. This whole concept of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey is what many authors use to write stories for books and movies. This path is what keeps the readers or audiences entertained. Without this intriguing structure, the story may not be successful, especially in movies. However, in the film Whale Rider, the story of the main character, Paikea, goes through three different phases, separation, initiation, and return. When these phases are put together, they form the structure of the Hero’s Journey. Therefore, Paikea’s story follows the structure of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. The Hero’s Journey is evident throughout the beginning of this movie as Paikea goes through a separation phase. This separation phase begins with Paikea’s birth. Since she is born into a long line of male chiefs, the death of her twin brother and mother makes her birth exceptional. The birth of a new leader is shown when a Maori woman is smoking and Paikea gets upset and says, “We’ve got to protect our childbearing properties.” The protective instinct and sense of responsibility for others are leadership qualities that she possesses. The call of adventure for Paikea occurs when the whale calls her to return home. She then makes her own choice to go back home to try to become a leader. The mentor early on in the film is her grandfather, Koro. The knowledge and wisdom given to Paikea is by accident. Koro does not provide her with assistance intentionally, but she finds a way to learn from...

Words: 766 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Whale Rider

...Whale Rider In the novel The Whale Rider, by Witi Ihimaera, we learn about the Maori tribe from Whangara of New Zealand. They believe that the first person to come to their land was brought by a whale. They believe that this man was the Whale Rider. Being the Whale Rider is the passing of the tribal torch of leadership. When a girl is born, the first grandchild of that generation, her great-grandfather Koro is terribly disappointed. He doesn't acknowledge the possibility that she could be the one to take over leadership. However, even though Kahu is a girl, she was born with the gifts known to tribal heritage, such as being able to talk to the whales. Kahu is the eldest great-grandchild of Koro. Unfortunately, because Kahu is a female her great-grandfather has no interest in her because he is only focused on finding the next leader of the tribe. Kahu showers Koro with love, but does so continuously dismissing her abilities. Kori stays focused on continuing his classes for the males in the tribe and searches for “the one”. Spirited, young spirited Kahu, is also a member of the Maori tribe of Whangara but is not eligible for head role. Although being the great-grandchild of Koro means she should be able to overtake the leadership of the tribe, but unfortunately the tradition imagines a boy for this position. Therefore, she is not allowed to follow her determination or display her gifts. This situation leads to constant conflict with Koro who would surely have preferred a boy...

Words: 622 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Whale Rider Study Questions

...HRS 151: World Mythology Study guide, Whale Rider 1. Who is Paikea (Pai), and what is the significance of her name? What are the circumstances of her birth? What is her lineage? If she’d been a boy, what role would she have been expected to play in the life of her tribe? 2. Who is Koro? What is his role in the tribe? How does that role affect the way he lives his life, especially his relationships with other members of his family? 3. Who is Porourangi? What choices has he made about how to live his life? Do any of his choices reflect a desire to honor Maori traditions? 4. Who is Rawiri? How does his life symbolize the situation of many modern Maori people? What other characters symbolize this situation? 5. Discuss the symbolism of: a. the scene with the boat motor b. Porourangi’s waka c. Koro’s reiputa d. the final scene 6. Discuss how this passage from Pai’s speech embodies the themes of Whale Rider: “I broke the line back to the ancient ones. It wasn't anybody's fault, it just happened. But we can learn. And if knowledge is given to everyone, we can have lots of leaders. And soon everyone will be strong, not just the ones that have been chosen. Because sometimes, even if you're the leader and you need to be strong, you can get tired like our ancestor Paikea when he was lost at sea and he couldn't find the land and he probably wanted to die. But he knew the ancient ones were there for him so he called out to them to lift him up and give...

Words: 297 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Magical Realism

...Magical Realism Granville Scott Nelson Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Abstract Magical realism is a Latin American genre in which the author takes an ordinary storyline and inserts an unnatural character or sense of being. This paper will show the difference between magical realism and fantasy or science fiction. Magical Realism From my reading I now understand that magical realism is adding an unrealistic feature or character to an otherwise ordinary story. Magic realism is a term used to describe a mingling of the mundane with the fantastic. “Magical realism is not speculative and does not conduct thought experiments. Instead, it tells its stories from the perspective of people who live in our world and experience a different reality from the one we call objective.” (Rogers, 2002) If an author is telling a familiar story and he adds a twist such as a winged horse or an individual who has been alive for two hundred years, that is an example of magical realism. The difference in magical realism and fantasy is that the story is very natural and true with a surreal object and fantasy is just that, fantasy. The term is best described by Baker in her 1997 writing: While realism itself is a chronically unstable term, realist writing is usually understood to be that which draws on a set of narrative conventions designed to create the illusion that the story on the page is real or true and corresponds in some direct way to the ordinary world of day-to-day life...

Words: 922 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Breath

...LAS 45012 Global Issues in the Liberal Arts Video, Observation, And Interview Sources For Breadth Area Essays Films with Global/Multicultural Themes Many of the films listed below can apply to more breadth areas than those noted. Also note that many of the following films are available through rental, and many, including documentaries, may be offered free of charge through your local community library system. Prior to selection, students are encouraged to “google-check” films for interest, suitability, ratings, awards, and for foreign language/subtitle information. Please do not re-view films that you have already seen. Use this opportunity to expand your worldview. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (social/civic or value/meaning) The Way (value/meaning or social/civic) The Help (social/civic or art/expression) Contagion (science/description) The Last Lions (science/description) The Iron Lady (social/civic) Midnight in Paris (art/expression) Inside Job (social/civic) Gasland (science/description) The Ides of March (social/civic or value/meaning) The King’s Speech (social/civic) Invictus (social/civic) Creation (social/civic or value/meaning) Eat, Pray, Love (value/meaning) The Cove (science/description or value/meaning) Moon (science/description or value/meaning) The Hurt Locker (social/civic or value/meaning) In the Valley of Elah (social/civic) Rivers and Tides (art/expression) The 11th Hour (science/description) The Reader (social/civic...

Words: 1234 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Trip Advise

...Hollywood Bowl * Hollywood Boulevard / Hollywood Walk of Fame * TCL Chinese Theatre * Hollywood Sign 8/14/14-Thursday * Beverly Hills * China Town * Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels * Little Tokyo * Drop off Ting and Yuqing at hotel * Omni Los Angeles Hotel 251 South Olive St * Drop off rental car Other * Six Flags Magic Mountain * Outlet Mall * Beach * Buy drinks/water/milk for breakfast * Bring hat, swimsuit, and sunscreen Southern California CityPASS SeaWorld * General admission to the world-famous aquatic theme park including all rides and shows. * The voyage begins at SeaWorld. Connect with the sea like never before. Be awed by Shamu in the One Ocean show or laugh at the comical antics of Clyde and Seamore’s sea lion and otter show. Feed and touch dolphins and bat rays, and get up-close to beluga whales. Soar, dive, and twist like a ray on our Manta coaster or take a plunge on Journey to Atlantis. * 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA 92109 * 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. * Parking: $16/day San Diego Zoo * The San Diego...

Words: 3868 - Pages: 16

Free Essay

Trivia

...Which American state is nearest to the former Soviet Union? ALASKA On TV, who did the character Lurch work for? ADDAMS FAMILY How many tentacles does a squid have? TEN What is converted into alcohol during brewing? SUGAR Which river forms the eastern section of the border between England and Scotland? TWEED Name the two families in Romeo and Juliet? MONTAGUE & CAPULET If cats are feline, what are sheep? OVINE For which fruit is the US state of Georgia famous? PEACH In the 1963 film The Great Escape, what names were given to the three tunnels? TOM, DICK, HARRY Who captained Jules Verne's submarine Nautilus? CAPTAIN NEMO Which guitarist is known as Slowhand? ERIC CLAPTON What is infant whale commonly called? CALF In which film did Roger Moore first play James Bond? LIVE AND LET DIE (1973) What was the character name of TV's 'The Saint'? SIMON TEMPLAR Who composed The Wedding March? FELIX MENDELSSHON Which actor appeared in Papillion and The Great Escape and died in 1980? STEVE MCQUEEN In which bay is Alcatraz? SAN FRANCISCO BAY In which Dickens novel was Miss Havisham jilted on her wedding day? GREAT EXPECTATIONS Which mountain overlooks Rio De Janeiro and its harbour? SUGAR LOAF In Roman mythology, Neptune is the equivalent to which Greek god? POSEIDON Which TV character said, 'Live long and prosper'? MR SPOCK (Star Trek) What make of car was the time-machine in the film Back...

Words: 2852 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Horror Themes

...A famous scene from one of the first notable horror films, Nosferatu (1922) Horror is a film genre seeking to elicit a negative emotional reaction from viewers by playing on the audience's primal fears. Horror films often feature scenes that startle the viewer; the macabre and the supernatural are frequent themes. Thus they may overlap with the fantasy, supernatural, and thriller genres.[1] Horror films often deal with the viewer's nightmares, hidden fears, revulsions and terror of the unknown. Plots within the horror genre often involve the intrusion of an evil force, event, or personage, commonly of supernatural origin, into the everyday world. Prevalent elements include ghosts, aliens, vampires, werewolves, curses, satanism, demons, gore, torture, vicious animals, monsters, zombies, cannibals, and serial killers. Conversely, movies about the supernatural are not necessarily always horrific.[2] Contents [hide] 1 History 1.1 1890s–1920s 1.2 1930s–1940s 1.3 1950s–1960s 1.4 1970s–1980s 1.5 1990s 1.6 2000s 2 Sub-genres 3 Influences 3.1 Influences on society 3.2 Influences internationally 4 See also 5 References 6 Further reading 7 External links [edit]History [edit]1890s–1920s See also: List of horror films of the 1890s, List of horror films of the 1900s, List of horror films of the 1910s, and List of horror films of the 1920s Lon Chaney, Sr. in The Phantom of the Opera The first depictions of supernatural events appear in several of the silent shorts...

Words: 4774 - Pages: 20

Premium Essay

English

...Ch r i s t i n e Ro e ll Intercultural Training with Films ilms are a great medium to use not only to practice English, but also to facilitate intercultural learning. Today English is a global language spoken by people from many countries and cultural backgrounds. Since culture greatly impacts communication, it is helpful for teachers to introduce lessons and activities that reveal how different dialects, forms of address, customs, taboos, and other cultural elements influence interaction among different groups. Numerous films contain excellent examples of intercultural communication and are highly useful resources for teachers. Additional reasons for teachers to incorporate films in class and encourage their students to watch movies in English include: • Films combine pleasure and learning by telling a story in a way that captures and holds the viewer’s interest. • Films simultaneously address different senses and cognitive channels. For example, spoken language is supported by visual elements that make it easier for students to understand the dialogues and the plot. • Students are exposed to the way people actually speak. 2 2010 N u m b e r F • Films involve the viewers, appeal to their feelings, and help them empathize with the protagonists. • DVDs usually come with subtitles in English, which facilitates understanding and improves reading skills. After discussing the importance of teaching intercultural communication and suggesting films that match specific cultural...

Words: 6086 - Pages: 25

Free Essay

Ghhg

...Дневник читателя READER’S JOURNAL Ernest Hemingway. The Old Man and the Sea (1952). Joseph Heller. Catch-22 (1961). Tennessee Williams. A Streetcar Named Desire (1959). Iris Murdoch. The Black Prince (1973). Jerome David Salinger. The Catcher in the Rye (1951). Michael Ondaatje. The English Patient (1992). Ray Bradbury. Fahrenheit 451 (1953). Ken Kesey. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1962). Edward Albee. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962). Arthur Miller. Death of a Salesman (1949). ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Ernest Hemingway. The Old Man and the Sea (1952). ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- FULL TITLE · The Old Man and the Sea ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- AUTHOR · Ernest Hemingway ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- TYPE OF WORK · Novella ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- GENRE · Parable; tragedy ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- LANGUAGE · English ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- TIME AND PLACE WRITTEN · 1951, Cuba ------------------------------------------------- ...

Words: 43588 - Pages: 175

Premium Essay

Prose Fiction

...SECOND DRAFT Contents Preamble Chapter 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Background Rationale Aims Interface with the Junior Secondary Curriculum Principles of Curriculum Design Chapter 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 1 Introduction Literature in English Curriculum Framework Strands and Learning Targets Learning Objectives Generic Skills Values and Attitudes Broad Learning Outcomes Chapter 3 5 7 9 10 11 11 13 Curriculum Planning 3.1 Planning a Balanced and Flexible Curriculum 3.2 Central Curriculum and School-based Curriculum Development 3.2.1 Integrating Classroom Learning and Independent Learning 3.2.2 Maximizing Learning Opportunities 3.2.3 Cross-curricular Planning 3.2.4 Building a Learning Community through Flexible Class Organization 3.3 Collaboration within the English Language Education KLA and Cross KLA Links 3.4 Time Allocation 3.5 Progression of Studies 3.6 Managing the Curriculum – Role of Curriculum Leaders Chapter 4 1 2 2 3 3 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 21 Learning and Teaching 4.1 Approaches to Learning and Teaching 4.1.1 Introductory Comments 4.1.2 Prose Fiction 4.1.3 Poetry i 21 21 23 32 SECOND DRAFT 4.1.4 Drama 4.1.5 Films 4.1.6 Literary Appreciation 4.1.7 Schools of Literary Criticism 4.2 Catering for Learner Diversity 4.3 Meaningful Homework 4.4 Role of Learners Chapter 5 41 45 52 69 71 72 73 74 Assessment 5.1 Guiding Principles 5.2 Internal Assessment 5.2.1 Formative Assessment 5.2.2 Summative Assessment 5.3 Public Assessment 5.3.1 Standards-referenced...

Words: 41988 - Pages: 168