Perspectives

Literary period

Published in 1987, Witi Ihimaera’s short story “The Whale”  falls into the category of contemporary Postmodern literature. Like other postmodern fiction, the story does not respect a linear, chronological structure. It also has the postmodern trait of discussing issues relevant to contemporary life, namely the loss of Maori culture under the pressure of the dominant European culture.

The story also has strong postcolonial elements, as it is written from the perspective of the native people who have fallen victim to colonisation and whose culture and way of life are now seriously threatened. 

Historical perspective and current issues

The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, who lived isolated from the outside world for centuries and developed their own unique culture. After Europeans settled in New Zealand, starting w...