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Chapter 2
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Wide Wide Sea, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Exploration and Discovery
Imperialism, Colonialism, and Science
Cultural Collision and Misunderstanding
Legacy and Historical Narratives
Summary
Analysis
After Cook’s second voyage, another Pacific figure draws British attention: Mai, a young man from Raiatea. In 1774, Captain Tobias Furneaux agrees to bring him aboard Adventure after meeting him in the Society Islands. Mai becomes the first Polynesian person to reach Britain. His arrival causes a sensation—Londoners see him as a living symbol of the exotic Pacific. Naturalist Joseph Banks sponsors him and introduces him to Britain’s elite. Many view Mai as a novelty or a “human pet,” but he handles their curiosity with confidence and dignity.
Mai’s journey to Britain expands the narrative from European exploration to the experiences of those on the receiving end of empire. Sides shifts focus to Mai not as a passive curiosity, but as a political actor navigating a foreign world for strategic reasons. While British elites frame Mai as an object of fascination, Mai maintains personal agency, using the attention to advance his own goals.
Active
Themes
Mai lost his homeland during a violent invasion by warriors from Bora Bora, who killed his father and drove his people into exile. He believes British weapons can help him reclaim Raiatea. His trip to England serves that mission. Though he charms guests with his wit and grace, Mai never loses sight of his goal. He meets King George III and requests military support. The king refuses direct involvement but promises to send livestock, seeds, and tools to strengthen Mai’s home society.
Active
Themes
