Call it Courage

As Mafatu makes a harrowing journey to a foreign island, Sperry emphasizes the paradox that nature is both cruel and beautiful, using figurative language. He employs imagery to depict the ocean as foreboding, describing the water as “leaden” and Mafatu’s surroundings as a “limitless circle of sea” (22). Words like “ominous” and “oppressive” contribute to Sperry’s characterization of the ocean as a force to be feared (22). Sperry highlights nature’s immense power over man when a wave described as a “monster” strips Mafatu of his survival supplies, including his paddle, placing the boy completely at the mercy of nature (27). Sperry personifies the sea on several occasions, particularly when describing the sound of the waves against the reef. The reef has a voice that sometimes thunders but at other times quiets, “like the reassuring hush of a mother to her child” (33).

Just as the reef holds contrasting voices, nature contains opposing characteristics. Despite the harsh “law of survival” that governs nature (23), Sperry also depicts its astonishing beauty. During the storm, Mafatu is both fearful of and fascinated by the lightning exploding on the water. The morning sunrise is glorious, yet the sun is unrelenting throughout the day, burning Mafatu and intensifying his thirst. Through his uses of figurative language and vivid descriptions, Sperry shows two sides of nature: the unforgiving and the magnificent.

Sperry emphasizes the significance of Mafatu’s two animal companions, Uri and Kivi. Uri is Mafatu’s constant, loyal companion. When Kivi flies away the morning after Mafatu leaves home, Mafatu feels deserted by the bird, but knows that his dog will always remain by his side. However, both animals are there for him when he needs them most. Uri gives a weak wag of his tail when Mafatu is on the brink of dying in despair, and a moment later, Kivi appears in the sky and leads him towards land. Although Mafatu is by himself in the sense that he has no human companions, the presence of Uri and Kivi remind him that he is not truly alone. Uri is there for comfort and company, and Kivi acts as his guide and source of hope.

Finally, Sperry highlights Mafatu’s belief in the supernatural. Mafatu sees Moana, the sea god, as his enemy. Since Moana did not claim him as a child during the hurricane that killed his mother, Mafatu believes the sea god feels cheated. Even when Mafatu reaches land, his fear of Moana remains, and he cannot escape the feeling that he must either conquer the sea or die trying. Sperry’s depiction of Moana as Mafatu’s foe contributes to his descriptions of nature as punishing and cruel. It also highlights Mafatu’s state of fear regarding the ocean, showing the cultural beliefs that feed the sense of dread he harbors for the sea. However, Mafatu’s religious beliefs also offer a hero figure that he prays to for safety: Maui, the god of the fisherman. When the storm picks up on the ocean, Mafatu prays to Maui in his native language. Although Mafatu is powerless against the storm, he believes Maui can calm the storm and keep him safe.