quotes Flashcards
Effect of “Old Koro was like an old whale stuck in an alien present” quote
Explicitly establishes the comparison between Koro and the old whale. this is a motif in the book. It is a stepping stone for drawing the symbolic connection between the whale herd and the Maori people of Whangara. Their stories run along parallel to each other.
Effect of “Oh my goodness, how am I going to explain this to the ladies at the Bridge Club?” quote
In the mind of Jeff’s mum, a reputation is much more important than an open mind. Her stubborn resistance to change is also seen in Koro Apirana. Growing up in the all Maori tribe, Rawiri might have originally been sheltered from racism, but he soon comes into contact with reality. Jeff’s mum fits the stereotype of ignorant white people.
“Man might carve his mark on the earth, but unless he’s vigilant, nature will take it all back”. analysis
It’s used to describe Rawiri’s experience after attempting to cultivate the plantation in Papua New Guinea. It is important because it expresses the dynamic between man and nature as one of struggle and conquest. This is a stark contrast to the past, according to the story, where man and nature worked together to thrive.
Birth chord quote
“Your birth cord is here. No matter where you may go, you will always return. You will never be lost to us”.
“Your birth cord is here. No matter where you may go, you will always return. You will never be lost to us”. analysis
Idea that Kahu’s physical and spiritual connection is to Whangara. Not only is this the land of her father’s people, but also her own land. Ties into cultural history as well.
“It’s only a native” analysis
Said by Jeff’s mum. She doesn’t see native people as on her level and this highlights racism in Australia.
Nanny Flowers ““Rules are meant to be broken” quote analysis
Glimpse into the central tension of the story: Koro’s inability to be flexible in certain rules actually harms his people instead of helping them. He continually rejects Kahu as a successor because his interpretation of the core cultural values is that women cannot lead.
This quote suggests that Nanny flowers and Kahu have been right the whole time about needing to be lenient.
“It’s not Koro’s fault, Nanny… that I’m a girl.” analysis
Giving voice to one of her deepest fears. She is expressing two things; recognition that her great-grandfather disdains her because she is a girl. She is also expressing a mental tendency to not blame her grandfather.
This is positive because it reflects how Kahu doesn’t have hatred in her own heart, but negative because it shows how continuous hatred can wear someone down.
“Boy or girl, it doesn’t matter… I love you” Koro
He realises his mistake. It comes very late in the book and provides closure.
“When it dies, we die, I die”
Koro fears for the future and the loss of unity with nature.
