Where can I start my research on Once Were Warriors?
In this novel the reader is taken through the world of the colonized Maori people of New Zealand. Author Alan Duff takes a challenging position
by exploring the negative effects that colonialism has had on the Maori. He spares no detail by giving the reader the gritty reality of state
run urban housing projects.The story revolves around the Heke family, a family that embodies the serious problems facing the Maori community.
Violence, abuse, alcholism,high unemployment, gang violence and youth suicide is the tip of the ice berg.Duff uses members of the Heke family to
address these issues and the effects they have within the family unit and within the society itself. Alan Duff was heavily critized for the way
he shed negative light on the Maori predicament, however, he sees this novel as a call to reform.Throughout the novel, Beth Heke, the mother raises
the continual question of loss of identity as a people. Warriorhood was the way of life for the Maori and without it they find themselves floundering.
Beth takes up the challenge to address this loss and how to restore hope among her people as her own personal tragedies mount.students will find this
novel interesting because it is in a more contemporary setting and deals with problems that can be related to the indigeonous peoples of North America.
The Maori have not always lived in New Zealand. Although historians have not nailed down an official date, its only been a few hundred years(give or take a few).
it is believed that the Maori are possibly of polynesian descent. These originating Maori warriors arrived in New Zealand by boat and then with a route established
more people came, creating a distinct culture of their own. Maori Warriors were fierce, and their brave feats were accentuated by detailed tattoos that often
over a life time would cover their entire bodies.To learn more about Maori Warriors and their customs check out the following site.
For those of you who would like some more information about the Maori please click on the following sites. The Maori have not always lived in New Zealand. Although, historians have not nailed down an official date, its only been a few hundred years (give or take a few). Kia Ora! That means Good Day in Maori. There is an extensive use of Maori words in Once Where Warriors, so if you need a hand or are just curious, you may want to utilize the site that we have listed below as: Language Maori Style! New Zealand may be a small country but it sure have a lot to offer.
The Warriors!
Language Maori Style!
OzeLit is a web site that offers everything from author information to book outlines of Australian and New Zealand writers. You might even be able to order Alan Duff's sequel to Once Were Warriors, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted.
Ozlit more to explore!
