While the use of animals in the poem do refer to motifs found in tatau, they can also be identified as references to colonialism. For example, even in the title, “Wild Dogs” can be seen as commenting on the way people of the Pacific were often seen by western culture and the western establishment. People of Samoa and other Pacific cultures, tragically, were often categorized, and ignorantly considered to be simply “savage” and “wild” and “animalistic”, and we can see this also appearing throughout the 3rd stanza. Here, the dog references appear multiple times: “dog's teeth”, “wild dogs”, “wild Samoan dogs”, then on the last line: “the mangy kind that bite strangers”. “Strangers”, of course, being a reference towards colonisers.
I found that, issues of identity and change exist throughout both, the subject matter of tatau, and within the
poem itself.
In regards to tatau, it was originally done as a gift from one generation to the next. For many Samoans its a way to one's identity and indigenous knowledge of who you are, how you relate to your past, your genealogy and your history.
In regards to the poem, we can see many times throughout it the use of “I”. The use of “I” offers us a first person point of view, which in this case, offers a direct kind of communication with the audience, while also giving the poem a more intimate personality, and also adding weight to the theme of identity.
In regards to issues of change, tatau is a transformation. Not only is there the (external) transformation of the skin, but there is also a transformation of attitude, a transformation of responsibility and in the case of a pe'a a transformation from boyhood to manhood.
The poem starts with the first 9 lines communicating to us, like a statement of sorts. It's very literal and direct and simple in what it's saying. You could possibly even imagine a child speaking this way. From line 10 onwards a change occurs. The language is more “poetic” in the traditional sense. It contains more detail and more insight into the author's desire and motivations. More detail is given and there is a lot more use of metaphor. It paints a clearer picture and projects a more vivid kind of image. This change in language provides more sophistication which aligns with the change from boyhood to manhood.
In a way the poem aligns itself with tatau even further. It is like tatau in its structure. The use of repetition throughout, reflects the repetition of line and shape found in tatau designs. The poem's repetition gives the poem musicality, and also creates a “pattern” both on the page, and to the eye. Which again, reflects the patterns and designs found in tatau.
Another similarity, is that if the person gives in to the pain experienced, and can't go on to have the tatau completed, it can be seen as very embarrassing, and can bring shame, not just to themselves, but also to their family and their community. So, to get a pe'a, is seen as very important decision and is not one to be taken lightly. I believe this idea is cleverly referenced though lines 13 to 15: “knowing that once you've pushed off loaded the dogs on board there's no looking back now, Bingo”.
Seeing that Avia's work explores, as the New Zealand Book Council says: “custom and contemporary life”, “place and self” “occupying legend and history”, I found that 'Rites of Courage' also explores these ideas, while also looking at the value tatau can offer in strengthening Samoan identity in the modern and very western-dominated world of today.
I found that, issues of identity and change exist throughout both, the subject matter of tatau, and within the
poem itself.
In regards to tatau, it was originally done as a gift from one generation to the next. For many Samoans its a way to one's identity and indigenous knowledge of who you are, how you relate to your past, your genealogy and your history.
In regards to the poem, we can see many times throughout it the use of “I”. The use of “I” offers us a first person point of view, which in this case, offers a direct kind of communication with the audience, while also giving the poem a more intimate personality, and also adding weight to the theme of identity.
In regards to issues of change, tatau is a transformation. Not only is there the (external) transformation of the skin, but there is also a transformation of attitude, a transformation of responsibility and in the case of a pe'a a transformation from boyhood to manhood.
The poem starts with the first 9 lines communicating to us, like a statement of sorts. It's very literal and direct and simple in what it's saying. You could possibly even imagine a child speaking this way. From line 10 onwards a change occurs. The language is more “poetic” in the traditional sense. It contains more detail and more insight into the author's desire and motivations. More detail is given and there is a lot more use of metaphor. It paints a clearer picture and projects a more vivid kind of image. This change in language provides more sophistication which aligns with the change from boyhood to manhood.
In a way the poem aligns itself with tatau even further. It is like tatau in its structure. The use of repetition throughout, reflects the repetition of line and shape found in tatau designs. The poem's repetition gives the poem musicality, and also creates a “pattern” both on the page, and to the eye. Which again, reflects the patterns and designs found in tatau.
Another similarity, is that if the person gives in to the pain experienced, and can't go on to have the tatau completed, it can be seen as very embarrassing, and can bring shame, not just to themselves, but also to their family and their community. So, to get a pe'a, is seen as very important decision and is not one to be taken lightly. I believe this idea is cleverly referenced though lines 13 to 15: “knowing that once you've pushed off loaded the dogs on board there's no looking back now, Bingo”.
Seeing that Avia's work explores, as the New Zealand Book Council says: “custom and contemporary life”, “place and self” “occupying legend and history”, I found that 'Rites of Courage' also explores these ideas, while also looking at the value tatau can offer in strengthening Samoan identity in the modern and very western-dominated world of today.
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