Symbolism
What do the whales symbolize?
The Maori people and their connection with the sea
Why was it a sad moment when they saw all of those whales dying on the beach
This is because whales are the connection between the earth/sea and the Maori people. Therefore, Maori culture and this mutual trust are fading away, making it a very tragic moment.
What character traits does Kahu use to save the whales and Maori culture?
Courage and determination
What tradition is required in Maouri culture when a baby is born?
The tradition is the burial of the birth cord.
What are Koro Apirana's highest priorities/values?
To carry on the Maouri culture for further generations
What does the birth cord symbolize?
The everlasting connection between Kahu and her family.
Why was koro so upset about the whales dying?
This is because he was trying to keep their culture alive to carry it on to the next generation. This power of communicating with the whales was fading away, so with the whales also dying, a major part of Maori culture was disappearing.
What is Koro Apirana's main character trait that restricts Kahu from becoming a leader?
stubbornness
What is the tradition that makes a boy worthy of becoming chief?
A boy must bravely compete with other contestants to retrieve the carved stone. If he retrieves the stone successfully, it shows he is suitable for becoming chief of the Maouri people.
What makes Paikea important to the Maouri culture?
Paikea is the creator of Earth and life itself
What does Muriwai Blood symbolize?
Endurance and defying expectations
why was Koro upset that Kahu was next in line to become chief
Koro Apirana is reluctant to let Kahu become chief because the tradition is that the chief has to be a man. Maori society is dominated by males and has been that way for many years, so breaking this tradition would result in their culture to further disappear.
What two character traits do Nanny Flowers use to stand up against Koro for mistreating Kahu?
Why was Koro Apirana upset when the newborn was a girl
Because Koro Apirana needed a male heir to become chief, a leader who must pass on Maouri culture.
How does the Muriwai culture affect the beliefs and values of Nanny Flowers?
Nanny Flowers's courage and independent nature are derived from Muriwai culture, allowing her to defy the rules/expectations of Koro Apirana with ease.
What does Koro Apirana's necklace represent?
It represents that he's the chief of the Maori people.
Why did the whales negatively perceive humans as not mindful and selfish?
Because humans became hungry for power, they broke the connection between them and nature. Humans hurt many whales for their own technological advancements.
What character traits help Koro Apirana to be the strong leader he is?
Koro Apirana uses compassion, strength, and persistence
Why is it important to respect the whales?
they are the base of the Maouri culture
Why are the whales so important to the Maouri people?
The whales are very important to the Maouri people because they represent the Maouri culture, their ancestors, and the gods.
What do the ancient bull whale and his wife represent?
It is Maori culture and its ancestors. It also represents Koro's situation with Kahu and how Nanny Flowers is so clever as the wife.
Why was Koro Apirana disappointed when Kahu was born?
He was upset because she was a girl and next in line for being chief, but normally it is a man who is chief.
What character trait makes Rawiri want to go to Papua New Guinea?
Curiosity
What restricts Kahu from becoming a leader/chief in Maori society?
Being a chief is a very sacred event in Maori culture. Furthermore, only men are able to do these sacred actions or else she would be "offending" the gods.
What are the gender roles the Maouri society?
Men have more power in the Maouri society than women do, especially in the political aspects of Maouri culture; men are chosen as chiefs instead of women. Usually, men are in charge of the house hold