Tangiにおける時空間について : Witi Ihimaeraの文学
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概要
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Witi Ihimaera's first novel, Tangi (1973), is the expanded version of the short story with the same title in Pounamu Pounamu (1972). Originally, this story was published first in Te Maori, and later was included in Contemporary Maori Writing, with a few alterations under the help of Margaret Orbell, its editor. The novel recounts the reaction of its protagonist, Tama Mahana, to the death of his father and his reawakening to traditional Maori values through tangi (funeral), one of the most important rituals in the Maori community. Tama has moved from Waituhi (which is called his 'home'), near Gisborne, to Wellington to work - many other young Maori have drifted away from their own land. He gets into a panic at the sudden death of his father and in confusion takes a plane to join the people of his whanau (extended family) in the tangi. His experiences at the ritual seem to inspire him to maturity and self-knowledge in various ways. Tama finally decides to get back home to take care of his family at his mother's earnest request and also at his late father's wish. The novel begins with the scene at Gisborne Station where Tama is waiting for the train for Wellington. He is thinking of going back to the city first, and then returning to stay at Waituhi finally. During the journey to Wellington, Tama is reminded of the past, occasioned by what he sees or hears inside or outside the train. This novel builds around sequences of Tama's memories and impressions underlying in his internal con-ciousness. The sequences are not chronological; the concept of time in Tangi is not so much evolutionary as reversible or regressive. In addition to the problem of time, it is worthy of note that Maori myth has much to do with the form and motive of this novel. That is because Tama tends to identify his own time with the timeless world of myths, despite that he cannot deny the insistent presence of death. In Tangi Ihimaera often quotes mythic episodes from Maori myth, particularly linking his parents with the creation myth, to try to present a striking contrast to the modern concept of time. The pastoral life Ihimaera depicts also makes a significant contrast with modern city life in terms of time. This paper aims to investigate into perspective of time and space represented in Tangi, 'the first novel written by a Maori to be published.' It can be safely believed that this kind of approach to Tangi will be of some use in the appreciation of this work.
- 2009-06-20