Whale Rider Quotes

Written by: Peter Yu

Director: Ms.Chan

Class: ESL EO

Date: 2023/6/13

Destiny

At some time in our life, we will have a target that must be achieved, which is

destiny. Going against society to fulfill destiny is impossible for a little girl but with the

the help of another character, they can make the impossible possible. In the book

Whale Rider written by Witi Ihimaera, we will see how a girl goes against traditional

thinking and achieving her destiny.

A person’s success could never leave the support of a companion and the

strong determination of herself. In the book, Nanny Flower takes the role of

Kahu’s Grandmother encourage and seek help for Kahu if Nanny Flower didn’t help

Kahu, she will

If a person does not work hard to fulfill his fate, it will be useless no matter how

others help her. Kahu’s success could never leave her determination and effort.

In the first half part of Whale Rider, Kahu displays great determination and

desperately hopes that Koro could recognize her. Her determination shows on the page

36:“Kahu bit on Koro’s big toe and made a small snorkeling sound as she played with it.”

As a woman that shouldn’t perform this ritual, Kahu bit on Koro’s toe to show him that

She could also do the things boys can.

As the story continued, Kahu began to feel confused about her destiny, she start

to wonder if women should not be leaders in the first place. At this point Kahu’s mind

is already affected by Koro, she thought that this might be her fault for being a girl. Kahu

Put her face against Nanny Flower’s cheek and said it’s not Paka’s fault that she’s a

Girl on page 87. Kahu gave voice to one of her deepest fear, which develops her

Characterization.

After many hardships and throughout her unremitting efforts, she finally became

the chief and recognized by Koro and other people. On page 149 which is the

It is hard for a little girl to change tribal stereotypes about women by herself, she

will need help from an elder, which is Nanny Flower at this point. An elder has more

experience and more steady than a girl, so an elder’s help is always very helpful.

As early as Kahu was born, Nanny Flower shows protection and love to Kahu, she

believed that Kahu is innocent and Kahu should have the right to live like a normal girl.

On page 29, Nanny Flower told to baby Kahu:“Never mind girl, your birth card is here,

No matter where you may go, you will always return. You will never be lost to us.”

This also foreshadows that Kahu will be an important character of the tribe.

Nanny Flower has always been dissatisfied with the traditional idea of patriarchy, so

she support Kahu to break the traditional idea of patriarchy, so she supported Kahu

to break the traditional idea and gain respect.“I know, but rules are made to be

breaken.” This is what Nanny Flower said on page 41, Nanny flower wanted to