Rawiri, also known as Pai, is the protagonist of the novel "Whale Rider" by Witi Ihimaera and the film adaptation of the same name. The story follows Pai's journey as she fights to prove herself as a worthy leader of her Maori tribe, the Whangara, despite the strict adherence to tradition and the belief that leadership can only be passed down through male descendants.
Pai is a strong and determined young girl who refuses to let the expectations of her community hold her back. She is fiercely loyal to her culture and traditions, and is deeply connected to the spiritual world of her ancestors. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Pai never gives up on her dream of becoming the leader of her tribe and fulfilling the prophecy of the whale rider.
One of the most significant challenges Pai faces is the resistance of her grandfather, Koro, who is the current leader of the Whangara and deeply invested in the tradition of male leadership. Koro is unable to see Pai's potential and repeatedly dismisses her as a viable leader, causing a rift between the two. However, Pai remains determined and continues to prove herself through her actions and dedication to her culture.
In the end, Pai's persistence and belief in herself pay off when she successfully rides a whale, fulfilling the prophecy of the whale rider and proving to her community that she is a worthy leader. This moment is a turning point for Pai and the Whangara, as it marks the beginning of a new era in which traditional gender roles are challenged and ultimately broken.
Overall, Rawiri is a dynamic and inspiring character whose journey serves as a powerful reminder to never give up on our dreams and to always believe in ourselves. Her story speaks to the importance of challenging traditional expectations and breaking down barriers, and serves as a reminder that leadership and strength can come from anyone, regardless of their gender.
Examine the Role of Rawiri in the Whale Rider
Editorial Reviews Add this uplifting triumph to the shortlist of films that arrive from overseas -- in this case, New Zealand -- take audiences by surprise, and upend conventional Hollywood wisdom in the process. GradeSaver, 6 April 2015 Web. Billy Billy is a close friend of Rawiri's and a member of the same biker gang. Nanny does not think Koro is ready to accept this and does not tell him. Lastly, he also provides comic relief which help to lighten the mood of the novel, especially during times of tension.
Depiction Of Modern Maori Culture In The Whale Rider: [Essay Example], 1497 words GradesFixer
A young man who lives in the present but maintains a deep connection to his past heritage, Rawiri is both an active member of a biker gang and a devoted student of Maori language and culture. Also, the largest whale traditionally belongs to the legendary Paikea. This shows the extent of his guardianship of Kahu as he takes pains to protect this mentally strong yet fragile girl of eight. Though set in present day, Hughes exudes a timeless quality with both the powers of a mystic and the devotion of a little girl. While she does love him, she is not blind to his faults, and recognizes that his nostalgia can lead the herd into trouble and can lead him to commit significant mistakes.
Whale Rider by Niki Caro, Keisha Castle
The community reunited back together just how they were in the past. Caro effectively uses the different generations starting with the eldest, that of Koro and other traditional leaders, to the youngest generation of Paikea through a complex story that shows traditional change. Retrieved 4 July 2010. Asbjørn Jøn,' Australian Folklore: A Yearly Journal in Folklore Studies, 29 2014 , pp. He needs to find individuals who will be able to carry the burden of leadership and navigate the Maori people through the chaotic waters of modernity. Bernard Rawiri's cousin living in Papua New Guinea. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
Whale Rider
The characters in Whale Talk are believable, and realistic which helps the reader to connect their knowledge to the story, and to comprehend the story better. Through his insights, we get to know the harsh reality of class distinctions that is existent among different races, leading to ostracism. Each plays its own role and together they are strong. The little girl, Pai Keisha Castle-Hughes , is brought up by stubborn grandfather Koro Rawiri Paratene and gentle grandmother Nanny Vicky Haughton. The tribal group has since granted leadership positions to the first-born males, believing them to be descendants of Paikea.
Examine the Role of Rawiri in the Whale Rider Free Essay Example
Despite being small, Whangara is home to the Maori, a very tight knit community that pride respect, passion and believe strongly in their ancestral ways. This combination of mysterious music and the concentration on the ocean shows the audience the strong spiritual connection Paikea has with Taniwah, the mythological whale which the ancestral Paikea rode to Whangara over a thousand years ago. Jeff's father Astraightforward man who seems to have acquired his wealth through hard work and determination. On behalf of Koro, his son Rawiri commanded the village to get Taniwah back into the water. Rawiri plays an important role in the novel which helped unfolding the events, ranging from minor to significant ones. Porourangi was heartbroken by his loss and leaves his daughter to be brought up by her grandparents.
