Symbolism In Whale Rider

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Coming of Age A famous myth of the Maori people is that of their great ancestor Paikea who rides a whale all the way to the island of New Zealand. Thus the name Paikea and whales have become sacred entities of Maori culture. The movie Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro, describes a Maori girl given this blessed name Paikea, and her journey to find her place in the world. The only way she can finally be accepted in their society is by completing her role as a representation of her ancestor. The director symbolizes Paikea’s coming of age by showing her struggle to be accepted and riding a whale like the famous Maori myth—and simultaneously fitting into her predetermined role. From birth, Paikea faced a series of struggles to be accepted. Her

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