34 pages • 1 hour read
Armstrong SperryA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Sperry highlights belief in nature gods as a motif. His depiction of Mafatu’s faith in Moana and Maui contributes to the reader’s understanding of Polynesian tradition and culture.
For Mafatu, Moana and the ocean are one and the same. He believes he cheated Moana when he survived the storm as a child, and therefore must have spiritual help from Maui, the fishermen god, to have a chance at escaping Moana’s grasp again. Although at times of unfavorable conditions, Mafatu despairs and worries Maui has left him, Mafatu frequently feels that Maui is on his side during his quest. Several times, his belief in Maui gives him courage, such as when Mafatu he reaches the distant island and credits Maui with his survival. Later, before diving down to retrieve his knife from the ocean floor, Mafatu worries that Maui will think him a coward; this deciding factor motivates his bravery. Mafatu’s beliefs in the supernatural motivate his decisions and affect his perspective of his circumstances, showing the significant role nature gods play in Polynesian culture.
Action & Adventure
View Collection
American Literature
View Collection
Animals in Literature
View Collection
Coming-of-Age Journeys
View Collection
Community
View Collection
Fear
View Collection
Juvenile Literature
View Collection
Newbery Medal & Honor Books
View Collection
Realistic Fiction (Middle Grade)
View Collection
Religion & Spirituality
View Collection
The Journey
View Collection