The Whale Rider Analysis

Decent Essays
Sometimes life is rarely what it seems. Assumptions about the right path or choice in life are always thrown into question because life has a way of throwing you a curveball. The Whale Rider, written and directed in 2002 by Niki Caro, is a drama that proves that the ones who are least likely to succeed often do. Koro, the elderly tribe leader of the Maori people, desperately searches for his successor, while losing sight of how his ideal successor is actually before him: his granddaughter. The Pearl, written in 1947 by John Steinbeck, is a novella that demonstrates that the best things in life are free. Kino, a Mexican pearl diver, who selflessly seeks to help his family by selling a new-found pearl to improve their status in life, ultimately …show more content…
Koro demonstrates his determination when he desperately searches for a new successor for the Maori tribe. He shows the boys the customs of the culture, such as the chants and warrior techniques, in the hope that he will discover a new leader. Through his determination in the search for his successor, Koro shows the trait of a leader. Kino demonstrates determination when he tries to sell the pearl in the city, but does not get the price that he believes is right. The pearl buyer offers him 1,500 pesos, but Kino sternly believes it is worth 50,000 when he says,“‘It is worth fifty thousand,’ he said. ‘You know it. You want to cheat me’” (Steinbeck 65). This shows that Kino has leadership qualities because he has determination and stands up for what he believes is …show more content…
Koro demonstrates wisdom when he is at the beach, as he watches Paikea ride the beached whale back into the water. It is at this moment he realizes that Paikea should be his successor when Koro says, “Wise leader, forgive me. I am only a fledgling new to flight” (Whale Rider. Dir. Niki Caro, 2002.). This shows that Koro has wisdom because he recognizes that he was wrong for thinking that one of the boys would be a better leader than Paikea. Kino proves that he has wisdom when he and Juana are back in his village and he throws the pearl back into the water when Steinbeck describes, “And Kino drew back his arm and flung the pearl with all his might”(Steinbeck 117). This shows that Kino has wisdom because he is able to come to the realization that the pearl is

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