The Whale by Witi Ihimaera [Characters and Symbolism]

Who are the protagonists of "The Whale" by Witi Ihimaera?

• Koro

• Hera

• The Whale

• Hera's parents

What is Koro's role in the community?

• He is a fisherman.

• He is a chief/rangatira.

• He is a teacher at the local school.

• He is Hera's grandfather.

How does the granddaughter Hera, change throughout the story?

• She becomes more connected to her Māori heritage.

• She moves away to the city.

• She stops believing in the whale's significance.

• She starts disliking her culture and the problems it has.

What is the main conflict between the granddaughter Hera and her Koro?

• At first, Hera does not believe in the whale's spiritual connection to her and her culture.

• Koro refuses to let Hera go near the whale.

• Hera and Koro argue over the problems that their culture face.

• Hera does not believe in Koro's beliefs.

How does the whale's arrival impact the characters?

• It causes tension but also brings deeper understanding between Koro and Hera.

• It scares the villagers and make them want to leave their home.

• It creates fear and panic in the family and community.

• It has no effect on the characters.

How is the relationship between the grandson and Koro similar to the relationship between the whale and the sea?

• They both struggle to find their place and connection.

• They are both independent and do not rely on each other.

• The grandson and Koro never reconnect, just as the whale is lost forever.

• The whale does not relate to the grandson and Koro in any way.

What lesson does the grandson learn by the end of the story?

• The importance of cultural identity and connection.

• That Koro cares more about his culture than he cares about family.

• That the whale was just an animal that arrived on their shore and caused an uproar.

• Traditions should be forgotten.

How does Koro feel about the arrival of the whale?

• He is excited and believes it is a great sign.

• He is indifferent and does not care about the whale.

• He is deeply moved and sees it as a spiritual connection to his culture.

• He is angry and wants it to be removed.

What does Koro's reaction to the whale suggest about his connection to Māori traditions?

• He does not believe in traditional stories.

• He respects and values Māori spiritual beliefs.

• He thinks traditions should be forgotten.

• He sees the whale as an omen or warning.

Why does the grandson hesitate to believe in the spiritual connection between the whale and his people?

• He has been taught to only believe in scientific explanations.

• He does not trust Koro's beliefs.

• He does not understand how to cope with the Pakeha world and his Māori world.

• He is afraid of the whale.