2025/02/26

알라딘:비커밍 마이셀프 Becoming Myself: A Psychiatrist's Memoir 어빈 D. 얄롬

알라딘: [전자책] 비커밍 마이셀프
[eBook] 비커밍 마이셀프
어빈 D. 얄롬 (지은이),이혜성 (옮긴이),어빈 D. 얄롬시그마프레스2018-10-01 
원제 : Becoming Myself: A Psychiatrist's Memoir




종이책의
미리보기
입니다.


자책종이책 18,000원
전자책정가  14,400원
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소득공제 650원
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파일 형식 : PDF(17.57 MB)
TTS 여부 : 미지원

종이책 페이지수 : 408쪽
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책소개
정신과의사 어빈 얄롬의 회고록. 얄롬은 집단심리치료 분야의 혁신적인 작업과 시대를 대표하는 위대한 사상가의 지혜를 담는 방법으로 실존적 심리치료의 선구자가 된 과정을 회고하고 있다. 그는 인간의 조건에 새로운 통찰을 제시하기 위해 심리학과 철학을 융합한, 『나는 사랑의 처형자가 되기 싫다』와 『니체가 눈물을 흘릴 때』를 포함하여, 많은 중요한 저서를 통해 영감을 보여준다. 가장 기억에 남는 환자들의 이야기와 사랑과 회한의 개인사가 조화를 이룬 이 책을 통해 독자들은 얄롬의 치료법과 저술 과정, 가족과의 삶에 가까이 다가갈 수 있게 된다.



목차


01 공감의 탄생 1
02 멘토를 찾아서 4
03 나는 그 애가 사라져버렸으면 좋겠어요 11
04 원형으로 돌아가기 16
05 도서관, A부터 Z까지 26
06종교전쟁 30
07 도박하는 소년 45
08 분노에 대한 짧은 역사 50
09 빨간 테이블 58
10 매릴린을 만나다 67
11 대학 시절 73
12 매릴린과 결혼하다 88
13 나의 첫 정신과 환자 93
14 인턴 시절 : 신비로운 블랙우드 박사 97
15 존스홉킨스에서 보낸 시절 103
16 낙원에 배치되다 125
17 육지로 올라오다 137
18 런던에서의 일 년 160
19 엔카운터 그룹, 참 만남 집단에서의 짧았던 소란스러운 생활 170
20 비엔나 거주 176
21 매일 조금 더 가까이 184
22 옥스퍼드와 미스터 스피카의 매혹적인 동전들 191
23 실존치료 199
24 롤로 메이와 함께 죽음에 직면하기 212
25 죽음, 자유, 고립, 그리고 의미 221
26 입원 환자 집단과 파리 228
27 인도로 가는 길 235
28 일본, 중국, 발리, 그리고 사랑의 처형자 249
29 니체가 눈물을 흘릴 때 266
30 카우치에 누워서 280
31 엄마 그리고 삶의 의미 287
32 그리스인 되기 299
33 치료의 선물 308
34 쇼펜하우어와 함께한 2년 317
35 태양을 똑바로 쳐다보기 323
36 마지막 작업들 338
37 이크! 문자메시지 치료라니 347
38 집단에서의 나의 일생 352
39 이상화에 대해서 367
40 노년기의 신참자 380
접기



저자 및 역자소개
어빈 D. 얄롬 (Irvin D. Yalom) (지은이)
저자파일
신간알림 신청

스탠퍼드 의과대학교 정신의학과 명예교수이며, 전미 집단치료협회 종신회원이자, 공인 집단치료자다. 1974년 Edward Strecker, 1979년 미국정신의학회가 수여하는 정신의학 연구 재단상(Foundations’ Fund Prize in Psychiatry), 2017년 전미 집단치료협회 평생공로상, 2018년 미국 심리학회 평생공로상을 수상한 바 있다. 『니체가 눈물을 흘릴 때(When Nietzsche Wept)』(1993년 Commonwealth Club 소설 부문 금메달), 『나는 사랑의 처형자가 되기 싫다(Love’s Executioner)』, 『나 자신이 되기(Becoming Myself)』, 『쇼펜하우어, 집단정신치료(The Schopenhauer Cure)』, 『엄마와 삶의 의미(Momma and the Meaning of Life)』의 저자이며, 저명한 교과서인 『실존적 정신치료(Existential Psychotherapy)』와 『입원환자 집단정신치료(Inpatient Group Psychotherapy)』를 저술했다. 이 밖에도 『카우치에 누워서(Lying on the Couch)』, 『치료의 선물(The Gift of Therapy)』, 『태양을 쳐다보며(Staring at the Sun)』, 『낮의 피조물(Creatures of a Day)』, 『매일 조금씩 가까워져요(Every Day Gets a Little Closer: A Twice-Told Therapy)』, 『집단 만남(Encounter Groups: First Facts)』, 『집단정신치료 안내서(Concise Guide to Group Psychotherapy)』, 『죽음과 삶의 문제(A Matter of Death and Life)』를 저술했다. 접기

최근작 : <최신 집단정신치료 이론과 실제>,<태양을 직면하기>,<죽음과 삶> … 총 202종 (모두보기)

이혜성 (옮긴이)
저자파일
신간알림 신청

한국상담대학원대학교 총장
이화여자대학교 명예교수
서울대학교 사범대학 졸업
미국 버지니아대학교 교육학 박사(상담자교육 전공)
서울여자대학교, 이화여자대학교 교수 역임
한국청소년상담원 원장 역임

저서
여성상담
삶·사람·상담
문학상담
사랑하자 그러므로 사랑하자
아름다움은 영원한 기쁨이어라
내 삶의 네 기둥

역서
쇼펜하우어, 집단심리치료
폴라와의 여행: 삶과 죽음, 그 실존적 고뇌에 관한
심리치료 이야기
카우치에 누워서
보다 냉정하게 보다 용기있게
어빈 D. 얄롬의 심리치료와 인간의 조건
매일... 더보기

최근작 : <문학상담> … 총 18종 (모두보기)

어빈 D. 얄롬 (Irvin D. Yalom)
저자파일
신간알림 신청

스탠퍼드 의과대학교 정신의학과 명예교수이며, 전미 집단치료협회 종신회원이자, 공인 집단치료자다. 1974년 Edward Strecker, 1979년 미국정신의학회가 수여하는 정신의학 연구 재단상(Foundations’ Fund Prize in Psychiatry), 2017년 전미 집단치료협회 평생공로상, 2018년 미국 심리학회 평생공로상을 수상한 바 있다. 『니체가 눈물을 흘릴 때(When Nietzsche Wept)』(1993년 Commonwealth Club 소설 부문 금메달), 『나는 사랑의 처형자가 되기 싫다(Love’s... 더보기

최근작 : <최신 집단정신치료 이론과 실제>,<태양을 직면하기>,<죽음과 삶> … 총 202종 (모두보기)


출판사 제공 책소개

그가 살아온 시대와 주제에 대해 독자의 기대를 저버리지 않는 놀랍고, 설득력 있고 예지가 가득한 멋진 책이다.
-에이브러햄 버기즈, 『눈물의 아이들』의 저자

얄롬은 다른 이들의 삶을 탐구하는 일을 해왔다. 이 책에서는 오래 기다려왔던 회고록을 통해 자신을 형성한 관계와 명성을 얻게 된 혁신적인 업적을 탐구하면서 스스로에게 치료적 시선을 돌리고 있다.

얄롬은 러시아 이민자 1세대의 자녀로 워싱턴 DC의 가난한 지역에서 성장했다. 그는 이런 제약들에서 벗어나기로 결심하고 의사가 되겠다는 목표를 세웠다. 1960년대 문화적 대변혁이 일어날 때 스탠퍼드대학교 의과대학에서 시작해 인간 심리를 탐구하기 위한 방법으로 소설을 썼고 세계적인 명성을 얻게 되었다.

얄롬은 집단심리치료 분야의 혁신적인 작업과 시대를 대표하는 위대한 사상가의 지혜를 담는 방법으로 실존적 심리치료의 선구자가 된 과정을 회고하고 있다. 그는 인간의 조건에 새로운 통찰을 제시하기 위해 심리학과 철학을 융합한, 『나는 사랑의 처형자가 되기 싫다』와 『니체가 눈물을 흘릴 때』를 포함하여, 많은 중요한 저서를 통해 영감을 보여준다. 가장 기억에 남는 환자들의 이야기와 사랑과 회한의 개인사가 조화를 이룬 이 책을 통해 독자들은 얄롬의 치료법과 저술 과정, 가족과의 삶에 가까이 다가갈 수 있게 된다.

그의 마지막 책에서, 얄롬은 찰스 디킨스의 말에 담긴 지혜를 발견한다. “끝에 점점 더 가까이 다가갈수록, 나는 그 원의 시작에 점점 더 가까워진다.” 시작으로 향하는 얄롬과 동행하는 것은 우리들 자신의 시작에 가까이 다가가는 여행이고, 그것은 그가 선사하는 가장 소중한 선물이 될 것이다. 접기


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제목을 번역 안 했군요. ‘비커밍‘이라...ㅠㅠ
metta 2018-10-10 공감 (0) 댓글 (0)
Thanks to
공감




저자의 책들이 탄생하게 된 순간 순간을 흥미롭고 솔직하게 쓴 자서전이다. 내용도 좋았고, 인간에 대한 따뜻한 시각이 고스란히 느껴져 더욱 저자에 관심을 갖게 된다.
생강 2020-08-11 공감 (0) 댓글 (0)

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Becoming Myself: a psychiatrist’s memoir Kindle Edition
by Irvin D. Yalom (Author) Format: Kindle Edition


4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,545 ratings

The must-read new memoir from one of psychiatry’s most important figures.

Irvin D. Yalom has made a career of investigating the lives of others. In this profound memoir, he turns his writing and his therapeutic eye upon himself. He opens his story with a nightmare: He is twelve, and is riding his bike past the home of an acne-scarred girl. Like every morning, he calls out, hoping to befriend her, ‘Hello, Measles!’ But in his dream, the girl’s father makes Yalom understand that his daily greeting has hurt her. For Yalom, this was the birth of empathy; he would not forget the lesson.

As Becoming Myself unfolds, we see the development of the compassionate and insightful thinker whose books have been a beacon to so many. This is not simply one man's life story — Yalom’s reflections on his life and growth are an invitation for us to reflect on the origins of our own selves and the meanings of our lives.
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Print length

352 pages

Product description

Review
This is a book to read and reread for years to come, a memorable journey through Yalom's time and ours ― Jay Parini, author of The Last Station and New and Collected Poems: 1975-2015

Wonderful, compelling and as insightful about its subject and about the times he lived in as you could hope for. A fabulous read ― Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone

A candid, insightful memoir by one of the world's most important and accomplished experts on the human soul ― Daniel Menaker, author of The Treatment and My Mistake: A Memoir

Irvin D. Yalom is the psychiatrist who thinks like a philosopher and writes like the fine novelist he also happens to be. Becoming Myself delivers not only the engrossing story of one exceptional individual's life, it shines with revelations regarding life as it ought to be lived ― Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, author of Plato at the Googleplex: Why Philosophy Won't Go Away
From the Inside Flap


Irvin D. Yalom has made a career of investigating the lives of others. In Becoming Myself, his long-awaited memoir, he turns his therapeutic eye on himself, delving into the relationships that shaped him and the groundbreaking work that made him famous.

The first-generation child of immigrant Russian Jews, Yalom grew up in a lower-class neighbourhood in Washington DC. Determined to escape its confines, he set his sights on becoming a doctor. An incredible ascent followed: we witness his start at Stanford Medical School amid the cultural upheavals of the 1960s, his turn to writing fiction as a means of furthering his exploration of the human psyche and his rise to international prominence.

Yalom recounts his revolutionary work in group psychotherapy and how he became the foremost practitioner of existential psychotherapy, a method that draws on the wisdom of great thinkers over the ages. He reveals the inspiration for his many seminal books, including Love's Executioner and When Nietzche Wept, which meld psychology and philosophy to arrive at arresting new insights into the human condition. Interweaving the stories of his most memorable patients with personal tales of love and regret, Becoming Myself brings readers close to Yalom's therapeutic technique, his writing process and his family life.

In this, his final work, Yalom finds wisdom in a line from Charles Dickens: 'For, as I draw closer and closer to the end, I travel in the circle nearer and nearer to the beginning'. Following Yalom back to his beginnings is an invitation to travel nearer to our own, and the opportunity will stand as one of his most profound gifts.
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Product details
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B076QKDFFK
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scribe (30 October 2017)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled


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From Australia

DissidentPhoenix


5.0 out of 5 stars EnjoyableReviewed in Australia on 24 December 2017
Verified Purchase
I have read several of Yalom's books in the past and love them. His lessons have enriched my own work as a therapist greatly. It's interesting to read his memoir. I feel that he has had a very fortunate life, full of kindness. Even his mother who seems very close to an antagonist with her harshness and disapproval also worked hard to give Yalom the life he led. I can't help but wonder how a more traumatic life may have impacted such a gentle and thoughtful soul as Yalom. We'll never know and I think I'm glad of that.
I was also pleased and interested to read his musings about some of his previous work, especially an earlier story in which he worked with an overweight patient. Some might criticize this memoir and say that little seemed to happen, or complain that Yalom spent much time describing his professional life. I don't think those things are really worth criticizing. It's obvious to me that his career has been a large part of his life. I also don't imagine that he's someone who would seek to dramatize his family life too much. This isn't a juicy 'tell all' and I respect that.
As I read, I could imagine myself in conversation with Irv. I think I'd enjoy the experience.

One person found this helpful


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John Falcon


5.0 out of 5 stars Great narrative of a soulful journey.Reviewed in Australia on 17 November 2017
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Great narrative of a soulfil journey. As a psychotherapist myself, I hear the gift our clients offer us. An inspiration for the meaning of life.



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Linda Crawford


4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating insight into therapy and therapistsReviewed in Australia on 14 August 2018
Verified Purchase
I found this book insightful. I have very little experience of therapy and none of psychotherapy and found the autobiography an insight into psychotherapy and the people who seek this therapy to work through the problems they face in life. I wonder whether anglo-saxons use therapy much and this book makes me think maybe we should!



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From other countries

Philippe Jacques

5.0 out of 5 stars Encore un très bon livre de I YalomReviewed in France on 7 May 2019
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Psychiatre, psychothérapeute mais surtout conteur. Yalom refait le coup d'un livre passionnant et émouvant à lire. A la tombée de la nuit.

2 people found this helpfulReport
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Rogério da Veiga

5.0 out of 5 stars Maravilhoso...Reviewed in Brazil on 30 November 2019
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Acompanhar a vida e o momento onde cada livro surgiu, o contexto, a história de cada história... um privilégio. Yalom vive sua vida de uma forma inspiradora, e seus livros nos permitem, se estive4mos dispostos a fazer o trabalho de casa, também avançarmos no propósito de nos tornar mais nós mesmos.

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Steve Ceresnie

5.0 out of 5 stars The gift of a well lived lifeReviewed in the United States on 14 April 2018
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A Psychiatrist’s Well Lived Life
Irvin D. Yalom. “Becoming Myself. A Psychiatrist’s Memoir.” New York: Basic Books, 2017.
I like books written by mental health clinicians who have lived a full life, and use their wealth of experience to tell us informative stories. Yalom tells stories, shares the importance of his dreams and those of his patients, his ways of doing therapy and his journey from 1930’s Washington D.C. to present day Palo Alto – along with his side trips around the world, not to mention all the remarkable people he met.
At 85 years of age, Yalom still sees patients, consults, writes --- and has much to say in this wonderful memoir.
He is an emeritus professor of psychiatry at Stanford University in Palo, Alto California. He has authored many books including: The Schopenhauer Cure, The Gift of Therapy, Concise Guide to Group Psychotherapy, Lying on the Couch, Momma and the Meaning of Life, and Existential Therapy.
My favorite part of his memoir is when he discusses his ideas about his book Existential Therapy – a book I treasure. Before reading Yalom’s Existential Therapy book I found readings on existential philosophy filled with barbed wire prose.
But not Yalom --- he steeped himself in the writings of Rollo May, among other existential writers --- and even entered therapy with May. Yalom writes: “I gradually drifted away from my original affiliation with medical science and began grounding myself in the humanities…I embraced Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, Schopenhauer, and Epicurus…Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Beckett, Kundera…”
For example, Yalom focused on death anxiety, and started a group for females with breast cancer – to confront his own fears and help others. Yalom writes about one of his patients who said: “What a pity I had to wait until now, until my body was riddled with cancer, to learn to how to live.”
Yalom says the above phrase took up permanent residence in his mind and helped shape his practice of existential therapy. Yalom writes: “though the reality of death may destroy us, the idea of death may save us. It brings home the realization that since we have only one chance at life, we should live it fully and end it with the fewest of regrets possible.”
Yalom divided his book on existential therapy in four sections: the ultimate concerns: death, freedom, isolation and meaning. He confronts our anxieties about death --- drawing on the works of philosophers and writers, and his work with dying patients. He takes up freedom as the ultimate concern of many existential thinkers---a freedom that demands we are the authors of our own lives and must take responsibility for our actions. For Yalom, isolation is not interpersonal isolation but the idea that we are each thrown alone into the world and depart alone. He discusses isolation by focusing on the therapist-patient relationship --- examines our wishes to fuse with another and our fear of individuation. His 4th concern, meaning, touches on such questions as “What is the meaning of life? Why are we here? What sense does life have?

23 people found this helpfulReport


Sandra

5.0 out of 5 stars great quality, quick shipping!Reviewed in Canada on 16 November 2024
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great quality, quick shipping!
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Sylvia

5.0 out of 5 stars a recount of a plentiful, exciting and above all a most successful professional iLife as a psychiatrist and writer, so helpful to read as I am approaching the last third of my life too- thank you😊Reviewed in Germany on 27 November 2024
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a most helpful memoir for our own journey of „ becoming ourselves“ as we are growing older and closer to death😊
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Doriana

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful memoirReviewed in Italy on 18 January 2018
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I love this Author. I've read all his books and I couldn't wait to know him better through the knowledge of his life and how he reflects on his experiences. What an eventful life! My admiration is based on his generosity, intelligence, sincerity in exposing his shortcomings, too. I feel grateful for sharing so many intimate thoughts with us. Even though he said this is his final book I still hope there will be another one.

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AriWGomez

5.0 out of 5 stars Para seguidores de YalomReviewed in Spain on 25 February 2019
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A mi me encanta el autor por eso tengo todos sus libros. Lo que me llama la atención es que no haya una traducción al español, pero bueno no me viene mal practicar la lectura en inglés.
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2025/02/24

알라딘: 생태학적 시선으로 만나는 종교 유기쁨 2013

알라딘: 생태학적 시선으로 만나는 종교


생태학적 시선으로 만나는 종교  | 퍼플북 5
유기쁨 (지은이)한신대학교출판부2013-04-08







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품절 출판사/제작사 유통이 중단되어 구할 수 없습니다.
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- 품절 확인일 : 2023-08-16


255쪽

목차


책머리에

1. 펼치는 말

2. 인도아대륙에서 태어난 종교

힌두교―업과 윤회, 층층이 겹겹이 연결된 세계
당신의 꿈은 무엇인가요? | 힌두교, 너의 정체는 뭐냐? | 처음도 끝도 없는 시간 | 겹겹이 성스러운 세계 | 초월의 비밀은 내 안에 | 중요한 것과 중요하지 않은 것: 버리고 떠나기

자이나교―철저한 아힘사로 업을 떨어내는 삶
산토끼 돌이의 눈물 | ‘하늘을 입은 사람들’ | 온통 살아 있는 세계, 그러나 물질에 갇힌 영혼들 | 상황에 대한 올바른 지식: 인간의 오만함 경계 | 아힘사, 모든 생명을 철저히 존중하는 삶 | 세계를 살아 있다고 느끼는 예민한 감수성과 철저한 생명 존중

불교―‘내가 제일 잘나가?!’ 거기서 우리의 고통이 시작되는 거야.
우리는 정작 중요한 물음에 대해서는 아무것도 모른다 | 오직 괴로움과 괴로움의 소멸에 대한 이야기 | 미친 듯한 욕망의 소용돌이 | 내가 없으면 무엇이 있지?: 괴로움을 없앨 수 있다 | 이야기의 확장: 여래장과 인드라망. 나무도 성불할 수 있지 | 환경보살의 비전: 세상의 치유를 위한 적극적 한걸음

3. 중국에서 발생한 종교

유교―나를 살리고 세상을 살리는 공부
개고기와 치킨의 딜레마―죄책감과 외면 사이에서 | 인간이면 인간답게: 인人과 인仁 | 잃어버린 마음을 찾는 공부 | 리理와 기氣로 연결된 세계 | 대나무를 보는 청년: 격물치지 | 친친親親―인仁의 확장

도교―천지의 도道와 함께 춤추면 초월할 수 있지.
길[道]을 잃다: 어느 길로 가야 할까 | 있는 그대로, 스스로 그러한 | 나도 나비가 될 수 있어: 우주의 도와 나의 합치 | 나비가 되기 위하여: 몸 수련 | 우주적 힘을 이용해 세상의 질병을 치유하다 | 자연스러운 것으로 돌아가기

4. 서구사회를 지탱해온 종교

그리스도교―고통 받는 피조물과 연대하는 삶
사랑으로 산다 | 지구에서 인간의 자리는? | 그러나 인간들은 | 세상 속으로 오신 하느님 | 상처 입은 자연의 고통 | 새 하늘과 새 땅의 소망

5. 한국에서 생겨난 종교

천도교―(한울님을) 모시고 사는 존재들을 모셔야지.
“좁쌀 한 알 속의 우주” | 확 뒤집어져라: 삐뚤어진 세상을 바로잡는 ‘다시개벽’ | 사람은 누구나 지극한 생명의 기운을 모시고 있다 | 내 안의 한울님을 잘 길러야지 | 경천, 경인, 경물: 세상 만물을 공경할 수밖에 | 밥 한 그릇을 알면 만사를 알게 될 텐데


닫는 말

참고도서
접기



저자 및 역자소개
유기쁨 (지은이)
저자파일
신간알림 신청

한국학중앙연구원에서 현대 한국종교의 생태운동을 연구하여 철학박사 학위를 받았다. 수년 전에 가족과 함께 시골 마을로 이주해서 작은 집에서 큰 개 네 마리와 함께 살고 있다. 얼마 전부터는 밭 귀퉁이에 벌통을 두고 벌들과 공생하고 있다. 이주 초기부터 마당과 밭에 각종 나무를 심었는데, 그때 심은 나무들이 햇빛과 비와 바람과 벌들과 낙엽과 개들의 배설물과 땅속 미생물의 복잡한 상호작용 덕분에 별다른 인위적인 거름이나 비료 없이도 온갖 열매를 내어 주고 있다. 매일의 생활 속에서 생태계의 순환과 생명의 힘을 경험하고 있다. 지은 책으로는 『애니미즘과 현대 세계: 다시 상상하는 세계의 생명성』(2023), 『생태학적 시선으로 만나는 종교』(2013), 『아픔 넘어: 고통의 인문학』(2019, 공저), 『바이러스에 걸린 교회』(2021, 공저) 등이 있고, 『대지에 입맞춤을』, 『산호섬의 경작지와 주술』, 『원시문화』, 『문화로 본 종교학』 등을 번역했다. 현재 서울대학교에서 생태철학과 생태인문학을 가르치고 있으며, 서울대학교 사회과학연구원 연구원으로 활동하고 있다. 접기

최근작 : <생태적 삶을 추구하는 영성>,<애니미즘과 현대 세계>,<바이러스에 걸린 교회> … 총 19종 (모두보기)

2025/02/23

Moana: The Polynesian Origins & Real Life Inspirations Explained

Moana: The Polynesian Origins & Real Life Inspirations Explained

Moana: The Polynesian Origins & Real Life Inspirations Explained
Moana

By Laura Potier
Published Jun 20, 2020





Disney’s Moana was inspired by Polynesian myths, history, and culture and has been widely praised for its efforts at cultural authenticity. 
  • The film tells the story of Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho), daughter of Motunui’s chief Tui, 
  • who is chosen by the ocean to return the goddess Te Fiti’s heart to her 
  • after it was stolen by the shape-shifting demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson) and lost to the depths of the sea.
When directors Ron Clements and John Musker pitched their idea to then-Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter for a Polynesian mythology-inspired animated film, the latter advised for the men to go on research trips. Over the five years it took to develop and produce the movie, Clements and Musker travelled to Fiji, Tahiti and Samoa, and recruited experts from across the South Pacific to the Oceanic Story Trust to consult on the film’s cultural accuracy and representation. Anthropologists, historians, cultural practitioners, linguists, tattoo artists, elders, fishermen, and others were assembled to advise on the film’s most minute details.

Related: Moana: Why Pua The Pig Stayed Behind On The Island

Though the initial pitch centered on tales of the demigod Maui, the story was eventually reframed to tell that of Moana, a strong-willed girl kept away from the ocean by her parents until a blight strikes her island, killing fish and vegetation alike. As Moana’s opening scenes explain, when the mother island Te Fiti, who yields the power to create life and brings other islands to existence, has her heart - an engraved pounamu (a stone of great cultural significance in Māori culture, and which is considered a taonga, or treasure) - stolen by Maui, her island begins to decline and emits a powerful wave of darkness. Now in possession of her heart, Maui is attacked by the fire demon Te Ka and loses both his magical fish hook and Te Fiti’s heart to the ocean. 

The darkness is what brings blight to Moana’s home and what motivates her to defy her parents’ wishes and embark on her journey across the sea to save her people, a millennium after the heart’s theft.

Moana Learns Wayfinding & References The Long Pause


The audience learns that Moana’s people have long since stopped voyaging and have placed a taboo (itself a word of Tongan origin) on going beyond the island’s reef, which is why Moana’s father reacts with anger when she suggests fishing outside its limits. This references what scholars call the "Long Pause" in Polynesian history. Western Polynesia was colonized three and a half millennia ago by people who travelled thousands of miles across the waters using Stone Age technology and somehow discovered small islands amidst the expanse that is the largest ocean on the planet. These explorers then travelled back and forth to settle their newfound homes. Yet while those islands in the West, including Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, were quickly colonized, it was another 2,000 years before they settled the islands of Central and Eastern Polynesia, including Tahiti, Bora Bora, Easter Island and Hawai’i, a mere 500 to 1,500 years ago.

No one knows why the Polynesians stopped voyaging for so long, nor why they decided to once again venture east after so many years. Migration scholars have theorized on a number of reasons, from ciguatera fish poisoning from toxic algae bloom to favorable wind caused by a sustained period of El Niño (a warming of average sea temperatures). The enduring mystery of the Long Pause is where Disney finds creative freedom with Moana’s story. After generations spent on land because the "darkness" has made the seas too treacherous, Moana inspires her people to rediscover the art of wayfinding and to start exploring once again.

Learning to navigate the waters proves a significant part of Moana’s character arc, and this emphasis pays homage to the cultural significance of traditional Polynesian navigation, methods which are still taught in Taumako.
Polynesian navigation involved some navigational instruments that long predate those used by European explorers, but also depended heavily on observing the stars and other signs from the sky and sea and on knowledge passed through oral tradition. Navigation was a precise science, and its techniques, along with outrigger canoe construction methods, were kept as guild secrets.

Maui The Demigod
Is Assembled From Different Polynesian Myths


Moana is taught wayfinding by Maui, the Polynesian demigod. In the movie, Maui recounts his victories and adventures through his moving tattoos (interestingly, "tattoo" is a loanword of Samoan origin) and the lyrics of "You’re Welcome." Much of Moana is the result of Disney combining aspects of different Polynesian cultures, and The Rock’s character is no exception. With versions of Maui existing in various forms in cultures across most of the Pacific Islands, to create Moana’s mythic character, Disney amalgamated many stories about the demigod and a helping of creative license, for instance in making Maui an orphan to draw sympathy.

In traditional Māori lore, Maui, much like his Disney counterpart, draws much of his strength from his magical fishhook. The stories tell of how Maui used his hook to pull up the Pacific Islands which make Polynesia. There was some controversy about the initial design for Disney’s Maui, as the final look was criticized by some for making Maui appear obese, which feeds into negative stereotypes of Polynesian men. However, many others found no issue with this aspect of Maui’s portrayal, arguing that the demigod looked powerful and larger-than-life, as one would expect a demigod should.

The biggest change, initiated by the Oceanic Trust, was to his hair: the original design had Maui, much like his voice actor, be completely bald. Trust member and Tahitian cultural practitioner Hinano Murphy explained [via Vanity Fair] that when he first saw the sketches, he told the animators that “we have to put more hair on Maui’s head because it’s very important. The mana is in the hair, the power of the demigod. It looked just like he was naked. For us, it was really important.” 

In many Melanesian and Polynesian cultures, 
  • mana is the spiritual life force, energy, or healing power that can exist in objects, places, and persons. 
  • Mana is a foundation of the Polynesian worldview, and so to give Maui a full head of curls was a characterization crucial to respecting Polynesian culture.


The Devil Is In The Details


The two most significant parts of Moana’s journey, her learning wayfinding and her relationship with Maui, were drawn from Polynesian history and inspired by their mythology. Thanks to the Oceanic Trust however, there are many other details that enrich Moana’s story. From the traditional fale (Samoan houses), Chief Tui’s pe’a (traditional male tattoo of Samoa), the canoes being drawn in intricate detail and based off ancient Fijian-style boats, and the kind of pits used to cook food in, to Moana’s clothing being made from materials and designs authentic to the time and culture, Moana weaves a rich tapestry of minute but deeply accurate details. It just goes to show what can be accomplished when creative studios work to consult the right people.

Next: Moana 2 Updates: Release Info, Story, Will It Happen?



Exploring The Symbolic Meaning Behind Moana: A Deeper Look Into The Polynesian Culture's Significance | ShunSpirit

Exploring The Symbolic Meaning Behind Moana: A Deeper Look Into The Polynesian Culture's Significance | ShunSpirit

Exploring The Symbolic Meaning Behind Moana: A Deeper Look Into The Polynesian Culture's Significance

moana symbol meaning

In the enchanting world of Disney's Moana, symbolism plays a powerful role in the narrative, deepening the audience's understanding of the story's themes and characters. From the shining sail of Moana's canoe to the intricate tattoos on Maui's skin, each symbol carries a unique significance, shedding light on the characters' journeys, relationships, and personal growth. Through these symbolic elements, Moana takes its audience on a captivating visual and emotional exploration, reminding us of the power of symbolic representation in storytelling.

What You'll Learn

shunspirit

What symbols are used in the Disney movie Moana and what do they represent?

In the Disney movie Moana, several symbols are used throughout the story to represent different aspects and themes. These symbols help to enhance the storytelling and provide deeper meanings to the characters and their journeys. Here, we will discuss some of the key symbols used in the movie and what they represent.

The first symbol we encounter in Moana is the ocean itself. The ocean represents both a physical and metaphorical barrier for Moana, the film's protagonist. It separates her island from the rest of the world and poses a challenging obstacle that she must overcome. However, the ocean also serves as a symbol of Moana's connection to her ancestors and the call to adventure that she feels from within. It represents the destiny that she is destined to fulfill and her connection to her people.

Another important symbol in the movie is the heart of Te Fiti, an ancient stone that possesses the power to create life. This symbol represents the life force and harmony of the island of Motunui. When the heart of Te Fiti is stolen, the island begins to wither away and lose its beauty. Throughout the movie, Moana's mission is to restore the heart of Te Fiti and bring life back to her island. The heart of Te Fiti symbolizes the importance of preserving and nurturing the natural world, as well as restoring balance and harmony.

Furthermore, the hook of Maui, a demigod and companion of Moana, symbolizes his power and connection to the elements. 

The hook allows Maui to shape-shift and control the wind, sea, and other natural forces. It represents his ability to manipulate and navigate the world around him. However, the hook also serves as a symbol of Maui's arrogance and need for validation. Throughout the movie, Maui learns to value his own worth beyond his accomplishments and the approval of others. The hook symbolizes personal growth and the importance of self-acceptance.

Lastly, the tattoos on Maui's body play a significant role in the movie. These tattoos are not just artwork but instead serve as a depiction of Maui's past achievements and experiences. They come alive and move, providing us with a visual representation of Maui's story. The tattoos act as a symbol of identity, honoring Maui's history, and connecting him to his past.

In conclusion, Moana is rich in symbolism, using various objects and elements to convey deeper meanings within the story. The ocean represents the call to adventure and Moana's connection to her ancestors, while the heart of Te Fiti symbolizes the importance of balance and harmony in nature. The hook of Maui represents power and personal growth, and the tattoos on Maui's body serve as a symbol of identity and history. These symbols help to bring the story of Moana to life and provide a greater understanding of the characters and their journeys.

shunspirit

How does the symbol of the ocean interact with the theme of self-discovery in Moana?

In the 2016 Disney film Moana, the symbol of the ocean plays a significant role in guiding the protagonist on her journey of self-discovery. Throughout the movie, the ocean is portrayed as both a literal and figurative force that assists Moana in understanding her true potential and finding her identity.

From the very beginning of the story, the ocean is established as a powerful and mystical entity. It is depicted as a sentient being that chooses Moana as the Chosen One, destined to restore the heart of Te Fiti and save her people. The ocean's selection of Moana highlights her unique connection to the water and foreshadows the pivotal role it will play in her self-discovery.

As Moana embarks on her voyage, the ocean acts as her guide and protector. It provides her with the necessary resources and tools to navigate through treacherous waters and overcome various obstacles. It creates a safe path for her, assisting her in times of need, such as when it parts the waves to allow her to pass through safely. This constant interaction with the ocean reinforces the theme of self-discovery, as Moana learns to trust herself and her instincts.

Furthermore, the ocean also serves as a mirror for Moana's internal struggles and desires. The vastness and depth of the ocean represent the unknown and unexplored parts of Moana's identity. By venturing out into the open water, she is able to confront her own fears, doubts, and limitations. Through her encounters with different sea creatures and challenges, Moana gains a deeper understanding of herself and her purpose.

In addition to its role as a guiding force, the ocean is also a symbol of Moana's heritage and connection to her ancestors. As a navigator and wayfinder, Moana follows in the footsteps of her voyaging ancestors, tapping into their wisdom and knowledge. The ocean becomes a conduit between Moana and her ancestors, bridging the gap between the past and the present. By embracing her lineage and embracing her people's traditions, Moana ultimately discovers her true self and her place in the world.

In conclusion, the symbol of the ocean in Moana serves as a powerful catalyst for the theme of self-discovery. It guides Moana on her physical and emotional journey, providing her with the necessary guidance and protection to overcome challenges. Through her encounters with the ocean, Moana not only discovers her own strengths and abilities but also connects with her heritage and ancestors. Overall, the ocean acts as a symbol of transformation, allowing Moana to find her true identity and fulfill her destiny.

shunspirit

What is the significance of the symbol of the heart of Te Fiti in Moana and how does it drive the story?

In the hit Disney film "Moana," the symbol of the heart of Te Fiti plays a crucial role in driving the story forward. It serves as a powerful and significant symbol throughout the film, representing life, connection, and restoration. The heart of Te Fiti carries not only physical power but also spiritual and emotional significance, serving as a key motivator for the main character, Moana.

At the beginning of the film, we learn about the ancient Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, who possessed the power to create life. Her heart, an emerald-green stone, held the same life-giving power. However, the demi-god Maui stole the heart, leading to the spread of darkness and destruction throughout the ocean.

The heart of Te Fiti represents balance and harmony in the world. Without it, the islands are threatened by a darkness that slowly consumes everything in its path. This symbolizes the delicate balance of nature and highlights the importance of preserving and caring for our environment.

Moana, a young and determined chief's daughter, is chosen by the ocean to find Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti. Initially reluctant, Moana's internal struggle reflects her own fears and insecurities. However, as she embarks on her journey, the symbol of the heart becomes a guiding force and source of strength for her.

Throughout her journey, Moana encounters various challenges and confronts her own limitations. The heart of Te Fiti serves as a reminder of her purpose and motivates her to persevere. As Moana's bond with the heart strengthens, so does her conviction to return it and save her people. The connection between Moana and the heart highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and never losing sight of one's purpose.

Additionally, the heart of Te Fiti also symbolizes forgiveness and redemption. As Moana faces Maui, they discover that she is the chosen one to return the heart and heal Te Fiti. In this moment, the symbolism of the heart extends beyond physical restoration. It represents the power of compassion, forgiveness, and the ability to heal past wounds.

In the climax of the film, Moana selflessly returns the heart to Te Fiti, banishing the darkness and restoring the world to its former glory. The heart's transformative power signifies the potential for redemption and the ability to overcome even the darkest of circumstances.

In conclusion, the symbol of the heart of Te Fiti in "Moana" holds immense significance to the story. It represents life, connection, balance, and redemption. As the symbol drives Moana's journey, it teaches her valuable lessons about self-discovery, perseverance, and the importance of reconnecting with one's own purpose. Ultimately, the heart of Te Fiti serves as a reminder of the power we all possess to save the world and create positive change.

shunspirit

Are there any cultural or traditional symbols in Moana that are specific to Polynesian culture?

Moana, the 2016 Disney animated film, tells the story of a young Polynesian girl who sets off on a journey to save her people. Throughout the film, there are numerous cultural and traditional symbols that are specific to Polynesian culture. These symbols, which are deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the Polynesian people, help to convey important messages and themes in the movie.

One of the most prominent symbols in Moana is the ancestral connection. In Polynesian culture, the connection between the living and the ancestors is highly significant. This is represented in the film through the character of Moana's grandmother, who acts as a spiritual guide and provides wisdom and guidance from the ancestors. The presence of the ancestors is also portrayed through the use of traditional tattoos, which are depicted as living symbols that move and change as the story unfolds.

Another cultural symbol in Moana is the importance of navigation and wayfinding. Polynesians have a rich tradition of navigating the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean using only the stars, the wind, and other natural elements. In the film, this tradition is exemplified by the character of Maui, a demigod who possesses the power of navigation. Maui teaches Moana about the art of wayfinding and helps her understand the importance of staying connected to her roots and navigating her own path.

The motif of the ocean itself is also a significant symbol in Moana. In Polynesian culture, the ocean is seen as a living entity with its own spirit and consciousness. It is portrayed as both a source of life and a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the film, the ocean is depicted as a character in its own right, with its movements and actions reflecting the emotions and desires of the people. This symbolizes the strong bond between the Polynesian people and the ocean, as well as the importance of caring for and respecting the natural world.

Lastly, the use of traditional Polynesian music and dance is another symbol in Moana. The film features a soundtrack that incorporates traditional instruments, chants, and melodies that are specific to Polynesian culture. These elements not only add authenticity to the film but also serve to reinforce the cultural and spiritual themes present in the story. The use of Polynesian dance, such as the hula, further enhances the connection to the culture and conveys the importance of movement and expression in Polynesian traditions.

In conclusion, Moana is a film that is rich in cultural and traditional symbols specific to Polynesian culture. From the ancestral connection to the importance of navigation and wayfinding, these symbols help to convey important messages and themes throughout the movie. The presence of the ocean as a living entity and the use of traditional music and dance further reinforce the cultural authenticity and significance of these symbols. Overall, Moana serves as a beautiful celebration of Polynesian culture and its rich traditions.

shunspirit

How does the symbol of the grandmother's necklace in Moana connect the past and the future?

The symbol of the grandmother's necklace in the Disney film Moana serves as a powerful representation of the connection between the past and the future. This intricate piece of jewelry not only holds sentimental value for Moana and her family but also carries a deep cultural significance for the people of Motunui.

The necklace itself is made up of numerous shells and is passed down through generations. Grandmother Tala explains to a young Moana that the shells are representative of all the previous chiefs of Motunui, including their ancestors. This connection to the past is crucial, as it signifies the wisdom, customs, and values that have been passed down through the generations.

Furthermore, the necklace takes on a new significance when Moana embarks on her journey to restore the heart of Te Fiti. As she sets out on her quest, her grandmother's spirit guides her, appearing as a manta ray. The manta ray holds a special place in Polynesian mythology, symbolizing protection and guidance. In this way, the necklace becomes a physical representation of her grandmother's guidance and her ancestors' presence on her journey.

Throughout the film, the necklace becomes a source of strength and inspiration for Moana. It reminds her of her duty to her people, the importance of following her own heart, and the courage to face the challenges that lie ahead. When Moana doubts her abilities and questions her purpose, she looks to the necklace for reassurance and finds solace in the connection it represents.

In the climactic scene of the film, Moana faces off against the lava monster Te Ka, who turns out to be Te Fiti herself, corrupted by the loss of her heart. Despite feeling helpless and overwhelmed, Moana remembers the lessons of her grandmother and the power of her ancestry. She musters up her courage and sings the film's anthem, "How Far I'll Go," as she realizes the truth behind her necklace and her role as a wayfinder.

In this moment, Moana literally becomes the bridge between the past and the future. She restores Te Fiti's heart, reintroduces balance to the world, and fulfills her role as the chosen one. Through her actions, Moana honors her ancestors' legacy while also shaping the future of her people.

The symbol of the grandmother's necklace in Moana is a poignant reminder that our past and our ancestry shape who we are while also providing a guide for our future. It represents the connection between generations, the importance of heritage and tradition, and the role we all play in carrying forth the wisdom and values of those who came before us.

Furthermore, the necklace serves as a reminder that we are never truly alone. Our loved ones, both past and present, are with us in spirit, offering guidance and support as we navigate the challenges of life. It is through embracing our heritage and drawing strength from our ancestry that we can find the courage to embark on our own unique journeys and shape a future full of hope and possibility.

In conclusion, the symbol of the grandmother's necklace in Moana beautifully illustrates the connection between the past and the future. It represents the wisdom and values passed down through generations, the guidance of our ancestors, and the power to shape our own destinies. Through Moana's journey, we are reminded of the importance of embracing our heritage, drawing strength from our ancestry, and forging a path that honors both the past and the future.

A Deeper Look Into Moana. A film of extraordinary character… | by Angeline | Movie Analysis by Angeline | Medium

A Deeper Look Into Moana. A film of extraordinary character… | by Angeline | Movie Analysis by Angeline | Medium


A Deeper Look Into Moana

A film of extraordinary character development





Angeline·


The Main Question of the Film


“Why doesn’t the ocean just return the heart itself? Why does it need you?”

Early in the film, Maui voices this thought which Moana had most likely been wondering herself, too. Why doesn’t the ocean just return the heart itself? Why choose someone obviously less capable than itself to fulfill an important task? It has the power to do so, after all.

The movie sets out to answer this question that I’m sure many of us in this life have asked ourselves at some point as well. What is the point of being here? What could I possibly do that the universe couldn’t do itself?

A great story doesn’t comprise of just one person’s major development, but of the range of interlinked development between all the characters involved. This essay looks at the many ways that each main character in Moana is brilliantly developed over the course of the movie while quietly answering the larger philosophical question that is asked by the movie in the background.


On Te Ka/Te Fiti


“This is not who you are…”

Moana sings this to Te Ka at the end of the movie when she comes to realize that Te Ka is actually Te Fiti. Her fear of Te Ka releases in that moment of recognition and she walks fearlessly towards this outwardly vengeful being.

I like to imagine that in that moment of recognition, it becomes clear to Moana what her journey was for: to bring healing.

There will be a time in most of our lives when we are at the end of ourselves, so unrecognizably far from the kind of person we want to be. When we are our worst selves, there is a tendency to believe that this is just who we are and will always be. When someone sees us and speaks this truth to us — that this is not who we are and are destined to always be, just who we are right now — this breaks the narrative that keeps us trapped in this pernicious cycle.


“This does not define you…”


Having someone recognize the good in us and speak truth into that is one of the most impactful gifts we can impart to those we know and recognize. Through Moana’s love of her island and the sea, she undertook a journey that led her to see Te Ka for who she is, not just who she’s become. Moana gives Te Ka the gift of acknowledging that who we are in times of stress and darkness is not who we truly are.


“You know who you are…”

Healing Te Ka/Te Fiti also works to fulfill a number of Moana’s deepest desires: to bring healing to her island, to help her people, to partner with the ocean, and be a voyager. This healing of Te Ka not only healed Te Ka and her island, but also brought Moana purpose. Moana didn’t know that all of these things would connect but she stayed faithful to her inner calling to return the heart to Te Fiti, even when it didn’t make sense.


On Maui


“You’re no one’s hero. But put [the heart] back? Save the world? You’d be everyone’s hero.”

In the beginning of their journey together, Maui is begrudgingly reluctant to help Moana. Moana immediately recognizes his need for humanity’s approval — side note: our insecurities are always most evident to others than ourselves — and she plays on this to persuade him to help her restore the heart.


“The gods aren’t the ones who make you Maui. You are.”

This is the beginning of Maui’s journey towards his own healing. Moana speaks this truth into Maui to help him see his worth outside of his powers and the approval of others.

Maui, believing himself unworthy since birth of true acceptance, sought to seek worth in what he does and the conditional acceptance from others. This overwhelming burden made him very protective of the things that would help him achieve this, especially his magic hook. Maui becomes extremely defensive when prodded about his tattoos that tell the story of his abandonment and is later consumed with anger when his hook gets cracked. These are evidence of the deep permeation of this insecurity into his identity, which is only able to be overcome by being tested at deeper and deeper levels.

Maui’s character development hits its next milestone when he learns to utilize all of the animals that his malfunctioning magic hook turns him into. Instead of bemoaning the fact that he can’t always be the great dominant hawk that he wants to be, he ends up surrendering some control and rolling with what he’s got, utilizing the individual strength of each of the different animals he randomly transforms into.


“Without my hook, I am nothing”

“We are only here because you stole the heart in the first place”


Maui’s growth is fiercely tested when his hook is severely damaged and Maui realizes what is at stake by continuing on with Moana. He is at a fork in his path— he can hold on to what is left of his cracked hook or risk it all to help his friend.

It’s at this time that Moana challenges him with the truth: that they are in this battle because of his actions and that it is his responsibility to fix what he has broken. These two things — taking responsibility for the consequences of his actions and letting go of his need for approval — are issues that Maui hasn’t come to terms with yet. He meets these truths with self-righteous anger and denial, then leaves.

In the end, Maui makes the choice to show up to help Moana in her fight against Te Ka*, risking the permanent loss of his hook/power/gods-given gift. His process of reckoning is hidden from the viewer — did Maui realize that his power could be used for something greater and to bring restoration? — but the result of his time alone is proven by his actions in the battle. Even once Maui’s hook is destroyed, his reaction (very different from his previous reactions) shows that he already came to terms with its loss before that moment. It’s only when he lets go of his dependence on his hook that he proves that he has let go of his need to gain approval for himself.

*This is a reoccurring theme in this movie, which is that we always have the option to come back and make things right, even after we decide to leave.


On Moana


“No, we’re here because the ocean told you that you’re special and you believed it. [The ocean] chose wrong.”

In the midst of his anger and confrontation with his own ugly truth, Maui fires these statements at Moana, which hit at the core of her biggest insecurities. This is the moment when she is faced with the same insecurity that she felt in the beginning, but even more so now that it’s coming from a person that she has a relationship with/someone who knows her. This time, instead of being able to brush off this insecurity or put it aside, she has to face it in the middle of the ocean, alone, after a failure. Like all faith that is tested, it needs to be renewed and committed to again and again.


“I am Moana of Montunui”


Moana says this line repeatedly throughout the movie, constantly reminding herself of who she is when faced with fear or in need of direction. This mantra reminds her of her home and the island that she is fighting for.


“Why did you bring me here? I’m not the right person. Choose someone else. Please.”

We always have a choice. This movie does a beautiful job of illustrating this. Whether you believe in a god or not, this scene shows the concept of our free will so perfectly. Whether you believe you have a calling or not, you always have the choice to choose it or reject it. And when you reject it, you also have the choice to jump off the boat, dive deep, and retrieve it if it’s still there. The ocean doesn’t force it upon her when she decides to give it up. But it was also there in her reach when she decided to take it up again.


“I never should have put so much on your shoulders. If you are ready to go home, I will be with you.”


In Moana’s darkest time, her grandma arrives to speak truth into her. Her grandma, like the ocean, gives Moana the freedom to return home by freeing her from the burden of needing to fulfill her grandma’s last wishes. When given this choice, Moana hesitates. Sometimes it’s easier to do things when we feel like we have no choice — it’s hardest when we are given the freedom to pursue what we actually want because that requires strong clarity and conviction to know what it is that we deeply and truly want.


“She loves her island and her people. Moana, you’ve come so far. Do you know who you are?”

When Moana is confused about her next steps, her grandma tenderly reminds her to remember who she is by who and what she loves. She sings, “Once you find what you like then there you are”.

Moana responds, “I am a girl who loves my island. I’m a girl who loves the sea. It calls me. I am the daughter of the village chief. We are descended from voyagers, and they call me. I’ve delivered us to where we are, I’ve journeyed farther, still it calls me. The call is enough, it’s inside me. I will carry you in my heart, you remind me that come what may, I know the way. I am MOANA.”

Through what she loves and remembering her family history, Moana is reminded of why she is here. This is especially hard to do when so freshly shaken up from a big personal failure. But this is often the very time that one needs to return to the foundation of who you are and why you’re doing what you are doing. It takes great courage to sit still in the midst of hardship and ask the hard questions... and have the patience to sit and wait for the honest answer.

After this climactic scene, Moana changes the “you” in her declarative statement to “I”, taking on the responsibility that was supposed to be Maui’s.

“I am Moana of Montunui. I will board my boat, I will sail across the sea, and restore the heart of Te Fiti.”


The Answer to the Main Question: Breaking the Cycle

The ocean chose Moana before she was “ready”. Moana didn’t know how to sail. She already failed once. Moana may not have been ready, but she learned how to do it along the way. In fact, one may argue that her failures and her vulnerability may have made her more receptive to finding the clearer purpose within herself to continue on the challenging journey.

The ocean chose Moana because of her deep passion and her destiny that were intertwined into that, which becomes evident in the end: her deep desires become fulfilled by bringing healing, not just to her island but to herself and all the characters in her journey.

One person’s abandonment led to an action from his brokenness that led to a chain reaction of brokenness. Maui’s insecurity led him to steal the heart of Te Fiti to gain approval from mankind, which in turn created Te Ka and wreaked havoc on the islands and Moana’s village.

The healing of all of the major characters in this movie is achieved by Moana answering the call that she was unequipped for. 
By conquering her fear of the ocean and learning to voyage, she follows the instruction to recruit Maui (who was also unequipped to support her) and return the heart to Te Fiti. 

By helping to heal Maui first, and then herself, they both bring healing to Te Ka who is Te Fiti. By healing Te Fiti, the islands are healed and the people are able to live without fear again. This healing allows Moana to return back to her island and restore harmony to her family, especially her father, who was unable to move past his painful history with the ocean until it felt safe to voyage again. All of this healing was interconnected and is a beautifully illustrated answer to the first question. Why didn’t the ocean just return the heart itself?


The Answer: There was a bigger plan that involved more people and more healing than just Te Fiti herself.



In Conclusion


Sometimes in life, the terrible storm that looks like it’s going to end you actually ends up being the help that you asked for. Moana asked the ocean for help, and the ocean washed up her and her boat on an island where she was to meet Maui. This process didn’t look at all like how she had imagined it to be, but it turns out the ocean answered the call from Moana, too.

I love that at the end, Moana places a large conch shell atop where her family chiefs have stacked stones as they took on the responsibility of taking care of their village. This large conch shell is fitting for the large calling that she got from the ocean, whose voice is often heard when placing one’s ear on the shell. It’s befitting her calling as a voyager, which is where she takes her family as she accepts her responsibility as a chief but in a different way — her own unique way.


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7/4/20 Post-edit note: My friend Tammy had an important insight that I wanted to add to this essay. Here is her comment:


A thought I had from the Te Fiti section is the difference between a person seeing/speaking the truth of who I am versus God/higher being/yourself doing that same thing. I was imagining what it would look like if the ocean did return the heart to Te Fiti. Yes, we would miss the development of all the characters mentioned, but I wonder if Te Fiti herself wouldn’t have been fully healed/restored/redeemed if the ocean had returned it. Maybe Te Fiti would have held onto anger and still wanted revenge for what was done to her. But the fact that Moana/Maui had returned it meant that Moana/Maui recognized the wrong that was done to her and actively attempted to restore what was broken. Maybe that’s what healed Te Fiti, that Moana saw who she was and also recognized the wrong done to her and finally actively chose to restore the wrong.






Published in Movie Analysis by Angeline

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·Last published Jul 10, 2021


A un-serious examination into movies that I’ve seen over 20 times
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Written by Angeline

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ideas with words (mostly poetry and journals)