Coming of Age: Hawaiian Culture in Kirby Wright's Fiction

Table of Contents

01. Introduction

02. Hawai’i Literary History

02.1 Literature and Ethnicity

02.2 The origins of Hawaiian Literature

02.3 Kirby Wright

03. The Novels

03.1 Punahou Blues

03.1.1 Fiction and Autobiography

03.1.2 Summary

03.2 Molokai Nui Ahina

03.2.1 Authentic Material

03.2.2 Summary

03.3 The importance of setting

03.3.1 The setting of Punahou Blues

03.3.1.1 Honolulu in 2008

03.3.1.2 Re-Establishing the Kingdom

03.3.2 The setting of Molokai Nui Ahina

03.3.2.1 Brief History of Molokai

03.3.2.2 Molokai in 2008

04. Coming of Age in the Novels

04.1 Definition of Coming-of-Age

04.2 Coming-of-Age in Punahou Blues

04.2.1 Family

04.2.2 Manhood

04.2.3 Love

04.3 Coming-of-Age in Molokai Nui Ahina

04.3.1 Family

04.3.2 Love

04.3.3 Identity

05. Conclusion

06. References

Research Objectives and Key Topics

This bachelor thesis examines the fictional works of Kirby Wright, specifically the novels Punahou Blues and Molokai Nui Ahina, to explore how Hawaiian culture and the theme of "coming-of-age" are integrated within a multicultural society. The central research objective is to analyze how the protagonists' maturation is shaped by their unique position between Hawaiian traditions and Western influences, and to what extent the specific narrative settings of Honolulu and Molokai act as catalysts for this personal development.

• The intersection of Hawaiian culture and Western influences in contemporary literature.
• The semi-autobiographical nature of Kirby Wright's novels and the integration of real-life experiences.
• The critical importance of physical setting in character development and narrative interpretation.
• The socio-cultural definition of "coming-of-age" within the specific context of the Hawaiian islands.
• The struggle for identity for "hapa haole" individuals caught between contrasting cultural worlds.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

01. Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of Kirby Wright's background and introduces the central research focus on the intersection of Hawaiian culture and the coming-of-age theme in his novels.

02. Hawai’i Literary History: This section outlines the ethnic and cultural diversity of Hawaii, categorized into Asian-Hawaiian, American-Hawaiian, and Native Hawaiian literary traditions, while providing a portrait of author Kirby Wright.

03. The Novels: This chapter offers a detailed introduction to Punahou Blues and Molokai Nui Ahina, discussing their blend of fiction and autobiography, summarizing the plots, and analyzing the crucial role of setting as a character-defining element.

04. Coming-of-Age in the Novels: This central chapter defines the concept of coming-of-age and explores the maturation of protagonists Jeff and Ben Gill, focusing on themes of family, manhood, love, and identity within their respective Hawaiian environments.

05. Conclusion: The concluding chapter synthesizes the findings, confirming that the central theme of Wright's work is "real love" as a resilient and hopeful force, and reflects on the broader significance of the protagonists' successful navigation of their dual cultural heritage.

Keywords

Kirby Wright, Punahou Blues, Molokai Nui Ahina, Hawaiian Literature, Coming-of-age, Hapa haole, Cultural identity, Honolulu, Molokai, Maturation, Postcolonial literature, Family structures, Narrative setting, Pacific Rim, Hawaiian Renaissance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary subject of this thesis?

The thesis explores the fictional novels of Kirby Wright, focusing on how he portrays Hawaiian culture and the "coming-of-age" process for protagonists growing up in a multicultural Hawaiian society.

What are the central themes addressed in the work?

The core themes include the struggle for personal identity, the impact of family dynamics and parental expectations, the role of cultural heritage, and the conceptualization of love as a tough, durable force.

What is the primary research goal?

The goal is to analyze how the unique settings of Honolulu and Molokai influence the personal and psychological development of the protagonists in Punahou Blues and Molokai Nui Ahina.

Which scientific methods are employed?

The author uses a literary-analytical approach, combining textual analysis of the novels with a historical and cultural examination of Hawaiian society, supported by biographical data and author statements.

What does the main body cover?

The main body examines the literary history of Hawaii, provides plot summaries of both novels, analyzes the importance of setting, and deconstructs the coming-of-age experiences through topics such as family relationships, manhood, and identity formation.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

Key terms include Kirby Wright, coming-of-age, hapa haole, Hawaiian literature, cultural identity, and narrative setting.

How does the setting of Molokai influence the protagonist's identity compared to Honolulu?

While Honolulu represents a multicultural, modern, and often overwhelming environment for the protagonist, Molokai acts as a traditional, wild space where the protagonist can connect with his native roots and develop a stronger sense of self.

Why does the author classify the novels as "novels cast as memoirs"?

The author notes that while Kirby Wright integrates significant autobiographical streaks and real-life characters into his works, he emphasizes that they are ultimately fictional creations designed to enhance the storyline.