Literary Theme in “The Old Paniolo Way”
“The Old Paniolo Way” is a story written by Kristiana Kahakauwila in her book “This Is Paradise.” The story follows the life of Pili, a man who came to Hawaii to say a final goodbye to his dying father. While the story revolves around Pili’s father’s deathbed, readers observe a man’s struggles regarding two of his identities: the one that he shows to his family and the one that exists on the mainland, where he lives.
Presentation of the Theme in a Selected Scene
While Pili may seem like an ordinary man, deep inside, he experiences conflict. From the beginning, the reader sees how he is torn between his mainland self and the island self. On the island, Pili felt like a child, “doubtful, unwhole, his being as solid as vapor,” and in San Francisco, the man was a “successful marketing magnate, occasional club favorite, excellent dinner companion” (Kahakauwila 190).
These were two of his lives, and there was something in one life that he did not wish to share, which was his sexual orientation. Kahakauwila deepens the theme of identity by showing how the man feels regret about whether he should have stayed on the farm. The author relies on the knowledge of Pili and the bedside nurse Albert, who favored relationships with men as well, to make the theme visible.
Conflict Analysis in a Selected Scene
Kahakauwila creates a conflict between Albert and Pili, who have different perspectives on revealing their sexual orientation. The writer emphasizes the tension between the men by using verbal language as well, such as emphasizing how Pili prods Albert’s chest with a finger as the conflict grows. Albert believes that sometimes revealing one’s preferences will not do any good, claiming the following: “Coming out is only about you feeling good.” On the other hand, Pili states that it is not about him but about his family. Therefore, this conflict reveals the character’s story and rethinking of his choices in life.
Revelations About Characters and Story Through Conflict
Hence, readers see Pili’s battles with two of his identities—the one he presents to his family and the one that exists on the mainland. Pili had relationships with other men while living miles from his family for twelve years, but he was too afraid to tell his father about them. By demonstrating how the man felt guilty about leaving the land, Kahakauwila further develops the subject of identity. Pili’s story and reevaluation of his life choices are shown via his conflict with Albert.
Work Cited
Kahakauwila, Kristiana. This Is Paradise. United Kingdom, Random House Publishing Group, 2013.