Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Whale Rider, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Humans and Nature
Maori Identity
Gender and Power
Familial Love
Summary
Analysis
The herd of whales from Chapter 2 follows its leader across the Pacific. During their migration, the young males watch out for humans, whales’ main predator. The ancient chief whale solemnly remembers his human master, who learned to ride him. The guards notice humans nearby, and the herd goes into hiding.
The ancient whale’s efforts to protect his herd parallel Koro Apirana’s fight to save his people and culture. Both are wise, aging leaders who feel that changing social and environmental conditions put their communities at risk. Yet it’s also telling that the whales view humans as a threat, even though they once worked together in Kahutia Te Rangi’s time. This change suggests that, over the centuries, people have lost track of their fundamental connection to the natural world. Koro Apirana will further elaborate on this idea in later chapters.
Themes
