Oceanian literature
Literature |
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Major forms |
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Oceanian (Australia, Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia) literature developed in isolation from the rest of the world and in a unique geographic environment. This allowed the development of a unique literature to thrive. Oceanian literature was heavily influenced by religion and ritual. This can be seen by the large amount of religious symbolism featured in it.
Another major thing that influenced Oceanian society was its intricate oral tradition. For a long time, most Oceanian literature was not written down. As a result, stock formulas and rhyming were used in many works (these traits made it easier to memorize). Gods, creation myths, and spirits are also prominent in Oceanian literature, showcasing again the influence oral tradition had on the literature of Oceania.
Modern Oceanian literature is mainly written in the English language.
Prominent writers
Australia
- Thea Astley
- Geoffrey Blainey
- Manning Clark
- Marcus Clarke
- Miles Franklin
- Peggy Frew
- Helen Garner
- Germaine Greer
- Robert Hughes
- Barry Humphries
- Clive James
- Elizabeth Jolley
- Gail Jones
- Jill Ker Conway
- Thomas Keneally
- Henry Lawson
- Nam Le
- David Malouf
- Colleen McCullough
- Andrew McGahan
- Alex Miller
- Banjo Paterson
- Christina Stead
- Morris West
- Patrick White
- David Williamson
- Tim Winton
- Markus Zusak
Fiji
- Raymond Pillai
- Subramani
- Pio Manoa
- Peter Thomson
- Mikaele M.K. Yasa
Kiribati
- Teweiariki Teaero
Marshall Islands
- Bob Barclay
- Ed Daniel Kelin
- Jack Niedenthal
- Dirk R. Spennemann
Federated States of Micronesia
Nauru
- Timothy Detudamo
- Ben Bam Solomon
New Zealand
Palau
- Susan Kloulechad
Papua New Guinea
- Nora Vagi Brash
- Vincent Eri
- Albert Maori Kiki
- Ignatius Kilage
- Loujaya Kouza
- Bernard Narokobi
- Russell Soaba
- Michael Somare
- Nash Sorariba
- Regis Stella
- Steven Edmund Winduo
Samoa
Solomon Islands
- Celo Kulagoe
- John Saunana
Tonga
- Epeli Hau'ofa
- Konai Helu Thaman
- Joshua Taumoefolau
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
- Marcel Melthérorong
- Grace Molisa
- Sethy Regenvau
See also
References
- 'Oceanic literature', Guiart, Jean in Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved on December 14, 2007.
- Goetzfridt, Nicholas J. (1995). Indigenous Literature of Oceania: A Survey of Criticism and Interpretation, Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.