(Angela Enyart)HawaiiJames A. Michener
The book begins with the actual formation of the Hawaiian Islands. It gives a series of events that could have happened. From coconuts washing up on shore to the chance appearance of a pregnant insect; all events in the first chapter are in regards to how the island and its native species evolved.
The setting of the second chapter is Bora Bora. It begins with a nervous “page boy” telling his superior that the high priest is almost on the island. The royal family and guard make it to the docking area just in time to greet the high priest. In this civilization sacrifice is a common practice under the new god Oro. The priest has convened with other leaders on other islands and has called for a sacrifice to be made on Bora Bora to Oro. When he makes his announcement the first two to be chosen are the “page boys”, next is the man who lead the rowers because it was said his lips were read and he wasn’t praying to Oro, and the rest are to be picked from slaves. However the young prince who himself doesn’t believe in Oro has his suspicions about the priest and his intentions. His wife in fact calls to his attention that at the height of the sacrifice his brother the king could be called on to be sacrificed like his father before him. The young prince then meets with his brother to tell him not to attend the sacrifice. His brother had also taken in to consideration his possible downfall if he attended the ceremony. Eventually the young prince gathers the others who do not believe in the new god Oro but the old one Tane. His disbelief of the new god causes suspicion among the high priests.
In chapter three religion is again the focus with a young man named Abner Hale. He is Massachusetts born with dreams of divinity school. John Whipple his friend (once he makes it to divinity school) wants Abner to go with him to a lecture by a man named Keoki Kanakoa. However, Abner is more concerned with finishing a paper for school. Upon meeting Abner in this chapter it seems obvious he values the opinions of his teachers over that of his peers. For example, at this point in the book Abner declines his roommate’s offer until one of his professors makes the same suggestion. The speaker is a Christian from the Hawaii region. After the lecture is over Abner finds that his friend and his professor were right, the lecture seems to at least interest him. The topic of the lecture was Kanakoa’s conversion to the Christian faith. Much like the Hawaiian natives in the first chapter as he once worshiped gods of sacrifice. Kanakoa talks about how the missionaries who converted him instilled a love of lecturing. The talk of missionary work seems to fascinate Abner.As he finishes divinity school he decides to go over seas spreading the word of God. Before he is able to leave he must first find a wife. Eventually he proposes to a woman named Jerusha Bromleywho is already in love with a sea captain named Rafer Hoxworth but for lack of a better option she accepts. While on the island a ship arrives captained byRafer Hoxworth (Jerusha Bromley’s love). Upon seeing him a “love triangle” begins in Abner’s head. Jerusha Bromley dies after a few years due to overworking and illness. Abner has little to no respect for the native people of the island. This really becomes apparent later in the chapter. In the beginning of this chapter he made mention of bringing faith and civility to the native Hawaiians. His actions combine with the level of urgency he puts on saving the natives makes me think that he views them as “heathens” not good people. In the end he is found on the island alone half crazed.
Chapter four seems to place its focus on displacement and segregation. It basically covers the importation of cheap Chinese labor to the Hawaiian Islands. Dr. John Whipple at this point has traveled to an area where there is segregation of the classes. For example when he goes in search of laborers he makes note of the fact in certain areas women have bound feet and in others they do not. In this era bound feet among Chinese women is a sign of wealth and high social standing. When he meets with a man who speaks multiple languages of the region Whipple is surprised at how business savvy he is.The man’s name is Chun Fat. He has an interesting take on the segregation of race which is if you fit the stereotype they will never see you succeed and in return they will never try to stop you. Later in the chapter you will see him return as the “high man on the mountain”. When he and Whipple first meet, it is obvious he doesn’t care for the lower class (Hakka). In fact at their first encounter he recommends that Whipple not employ them. Chun Fat was an important man because he spoke many languages and he got most of what he wanted as a result. When Whipple asked about women he was told that only a Hakka woman would be so low as to be shipped to work. Later in this chapter you learn of Chun Fat’s success.
Chapters five and six unlike the others mainly take place in Hawaii and talk about the new social order. Eventually plantation owners catch on to the fact that unlike the Chinese, Japanese people have no desire to own land and they begin to use them for labor. There are many issues with ambitious Chinese, sickness (leprosy), and a mounting debt to the United States. Whip is the grandson of Captain Hoxworth and Noelani. His maternal grandpa is John Whipple and his father is Bromley Hoxworth. Whip wants to go to sea.He does and is gone for seven years. Due to his exploitationof women, he is known as“Wild Whip”. His family gives him four thousand acres of land instead of letting him in to the business.While he sails to America Whip is married. In 1880 they have a son. Eventually Whip and his wife divorce one another. However, Whip is fascinated with the idea of annexing Hawaii.
In the end, as we know Hawaii became a state. In writing this summary I encountered difficulties with describing all of its plots and subplots. This story was written in many different eras with many different characters all tied together by familial, marital, business, or locational ties. From the actual formation of the islands to the formation of its social structure (not to mention when it became a state). Hawaii was a well written story and in Michener’s words “It is true to the spirit of Hawaii”. I enjoyed the book in its entirety, would recommend it, and wholly agree with Michener’s statement.