NOTE: There will not be class on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
because Dr. Magoulick is out of town at an academic conference. You have an
assignment to watch the film Whale Rider during this time and to fill out
this worksheet, which is due at the beginning of class on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The
film is on reserve at the library & can be watched in viewing rooms there. You
may also find it at video stores.
NOTE: Since you are watching this film as a class
assignment, you may NOT use it for the extra credit.
Whale Rider Worksheet
NAME: _____________________________
- Discuss Koro’s character and his expectations.
- What are similarities between Pai and Koro? What are
differences between them?
- Discuss evidence of Pai’s aptitude to learn the
culture and carry on traditions.
- Give several examples of how Koro resists Pai’s
leadership abilities. Why do you think he does this?
- What are expectations for women, men, and leaders in
Maori society? How are those roles changing (give several examples)?
- Describe how Pai goes through a kind of ritual process
(on several levels).
- Offer an interpretation of the ending of the film
(what does it mean?).