Oceanian literature

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.

Oceanian literature is written mainly in the English language.

Prominent writers

Main article: List of Oceanian writers

AUSTRALIA
Thea Astley
Geoffrey Blainey
Manning Clark
Marcus Clarke
Miles Franklin
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

PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Russell Soaba
Regis Stella
Bernard Narokobi
Vincent Eri
Nash Sorariba
Michael Somare
Albert Maori Kiki
Ignatius Kilage
Nora Vagi Brash
Steven Edmund Winduo
Loujaya Kouza

NEW ZEALAND
Charlotte Grimshaw
Maurice Shadbolt
Keri Hulme
Lloyd Jones
Alan Duff
Witi Ihimaera
Janet Frame
Patricia Grace
Eleanor Catton

SOLOMON ISLANDS
John Saunana
Celo Kulagoe

FIJI
Raymond Pillai
Subramani
Pio Manoa
Peter Thomson
Mikaele M.K. Yasa

VANUATU
Marcel Melthérorong
Grace Molisa
Sethy Regenvau

SAMOA
Misa Telefoni Retzlaff
Lani Wendt Young
Albert Wendt
Sia Figiel

KIRIBATI
Teweiariki Teaero

TONGA
Joshua Taumoefolau
Epeli Hau'ofa
Konai Helu Thaman

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
Luelen Bernart

PALAU
Susan Kloulechad

MARSHALL ISLANDS
Ed Daniel Kelin
Jack Niedenthal
Bob Barclay
Dirk R. Spennemann

NAURU
Timothy Detudamo
Ben Bam Solomon

TUVALU
Afaese Manoa

See also

• Culture of Oceania
• African literature
• Asian literature
• European literature
• Latin American literature

References

• (2007). In Britannica Concise Encyclopedia [1]. 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.