Hawaiian literature has its origins inPolynesian mythology. It was originally preserved and expanded solely through oral traditions, as the ancient Hawaiians never developed a writing system.[1] Written literature in theHawaiian language and literary works in other languages by authors residing in Hawaii did not appear until the nineteenth century, when the arrival of American missionaries introduced the English language, the Latin alphabet, and Western notions of composition to the kingdom.
The earliest compilations of traditional Hawaiian writing were made byJohn Papa ʻĪʻī,Samuel Kamakau,Kepelino Keauokalani, andDavid Malo.[2] They were succeeded by KingKalākaua,Martha Beckwith,Abraham Fornander, andWilliam Drake Westervelt, all of whom produced later collections retelling or adapting Hawaii's oral histories.
Other noted authors whose works feature Hawaiian settings and themes, or who were temporarily resident in Hawaii, includeHerman Melville,[3]Mark Twain,[4]Robert Louis Stevenson,[5] andJack London.[6] Detective novelistEarl Derr Biggers is remembered chiefly for his books set in early twentieth century Honolulu, whose protagonist isChinese-Hawaiian detectiveCharlie Chan.[7]
Hawaiian literature in the latter half of the twentieth century was characterized by both rapid growth and an increasing emphasis on realism, sometimes influenced by theSecond Hawaiian Renaissance and theHawaiian sovereignty movement.[1][8]
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