During this leg of our journey, we will be conducting a textual analysis of "Autumn":

The scene at the Tonga Trench opens "Autumn: Season of Sounding Whale."  For the first time in memory, the whales are deviating from their natural course as a result of the outside world.  "For the first time in all the years of his leadership," writes Ihimaera, "the ancient whale deviated from his usual primeval route" (p.58).  

Think about the following questions as you reread Chapters 9-13:

• Why might the author have decided to change the whales' path at this point in the story?
• Do any changes occur in Kahu's life?  What about the lives of her family members?
  
• How does the section title "Autumn" tie in with this theme of change?
•  What happens with Kahu and the stone?  How does this event foreshadow drastic changes to the Maori community?

As you attempt to answer each question, find ONE QUOTE from the book.  Record the quote (along with the page number) and provide your answer to the question.  NOTE:  You MUST write your explanation in your own words.  You cannot just copy down a quote.

Students will explore environmental  and cultural literacy.

• Environmental:  students will investigate the nature of changing conditions, though in this case, it is as a result of human evils.  
• Cultural:  students will consider the cultural experiences of the author, to be sure the text is interpreted correctly.  Students will use textual evidence to make plot predictions, based upon the meanings of cultural symbols.