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The Whale Rider: the story and characters
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Witi Ihimaera's 1987 novel is set in the Maori community of Whangara, on the east coast of New Zealand. A girl must prove she is the leader her people need.
Kahu and Koro
Kahu is born into the chiefly line descended from Paikea, the ancestor who, according to tradition, arrived at Whangara on the back of a whale.
Her great-grandfather Koro Apirana, the chief, wanted a boy to inherit leadership and rejects her, though she loves him.
Nanny Flowers, Koro's wife, is strong and supports Kahu. The story is narrated by Rawiri, Kahu's uncle.
Her great-grandfather Koro Apirana, the chief, wanted a boy to inherit leadership and rejects her, though she loves him.
Nanny Flowers, Koro's wife, is strong and supports Kahu. The story is narrated by Rawiri, Kahu's uncle.
The test
Koro trains the village boys in traditional knowledge. He throws a carved stone into the sea as a test of leadership; none of the boys can find it.
Kahu dives and retrieves it, but this is kept from Koro for a time.
Kahu dives and retrieves it, but this is kept from Koro for a time.
The whales
A herd of whales becomes stranded on the beach, led by an ancient bull whale with markings that link it to Paikea.
Kahu climbs onto the bull whale and rides it back out to sea, leading the herd to safety.
She returns alive, and Koro finally accepts her as the leader. Some chapters are told from the whales' point of view.
Kahu climbs onto the bull whale and rides it back out to sea, leading the herd to safety.
She returns alive, and Koro finally accepts her as the leader. Some chapters are told from the whales' point of view.
Why is it significant that a girl becomes the whale rider?
- Koro believes only a male can lead.
- Kahu proves herself through courage and her bond with the whales.
- The novel suggests tradition can adapt and that leadership is about ability, not gender.
Answer: It challenges the idea that only men can lead, showing that tradition can change and still stay strong.
Kahu, descendant of Paikea, is rejected by Koro, retrieves the stone, rides the bull whale to save the stranded herd and is accepted as leader. Narrated by Rawiri, with whale chapters.
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