The Bones of Kahekili by Jack London
This novel is a historical fiction account set in ancient Hawaii during the reign of King Kahekili. It explores themes of power, politics, and cultural identity through the eyes of a young Hawaiian warrior who becomes embroiled in the king's struggles for dominance over the islands. The story delves into the complexities of traditional Hawaiian society, including its spiritual practices, social hierarchies, and conflicts with European colonizers.
By Jack London · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Cultural Fiction · 10,545 words
First lines
FROM over the lofty Koolau Mountains, vagrant wisps of the trade wind drifted, faintly swaying the great, unwhipped banana leaves, rustling the palms, and fluttering and setting up a whispering among the lace-leaved algaroba trees. Only intermittently did the atmosphere so breathe-for breathing it was, the suspiring of the languid, Hawaiian afternoon. In the intervals between the soft breathings, the air grew heavy and balmy with the perfume of flowers and the exhalations of fat, living soil.
What this Textopian page supports
The Bones of Kahekili is listed on Textopian as a novella by Jack London, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Jack London
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Cultural Fiction, Drama, Mythology
- Length: 10,545 words
- Structure: 1 section, 150 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bones of Kahekili by Jack London
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Bones of Kahekili?
- How does this novella by Jack London fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, involving real historical figures and events in Hawaii, such as the death of Kahekili and the cultural practices of the time.
- Adventure — The story includes elements of exploration and survival, with characters navigating the challenges of life in Hawaii and the cultural dynamics of the period.
- Cultural Fiction — The plot deeply explores Hawaiian culture, traditions, and the interactions between native Hawaiians and outsiders, highlighting the cultural tensions and exchanges.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by interpersonal conflicts, emotional struggles, and the dramatic tension surrounding the death of a chief and the associated rituals.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Adventure · Action · Thriller · Mystery · Suspense · Island Setting · Colonialism · Resistance · Rebellion · Native Culture · Cultural Clash