by Kauraka Kauraka

by Nicholas Hasluck

by Albert Wendt

French Polynesia
"Taaroa" is a Tahitian creation poem. At this site, you can explore Tahiti through music, a time line, and maps. Listen to a sample of Tahitian music by clicking General and then scrolling to the music icon at the bottom of the page. What does the music make you think of? Does it correspond with the mood of the poem "Taaroa?" Write a short essay explaining your answers.

History of the Cook Islands
Kauraka Kauraka's poetry originated in the Cook Islands. Read about the history of the islands at this site. After skimming the material, re-read the Pre-European section. Which lines from the poem "Moana" could be used as an epigraph for this section of historical information?

Albert Wendt
Albert Wendt has helped to shape modern literature of the Pacific. Visit this site to read a biography of Wendt and a discussion of his works. Note the images of the book covers for his works. Design a book cover for a collection of his poems on islands in the Pacific.