This study will examine the concept of alienation and the role it plays in the spiritual transformation of the character of Faleasa Osovae in Albert Wendt's novel Pouliuli. Wendt is arguing in his book that Faleasa's experience, despite the great turbulence it brings to his own life and to those in his village, is nevertheless a profound spiritual reality for which perhaps, the protagonist is destined. This concept is described by Faleasa's character on the first page of the novel in these lines:
Early on a drizzly Saturday morning Faleasa Osovae . . . woke with a strange bitter taste in his mouth to find . . . that everything and everybody that he was used to and had enjoyed, and that till then had given meaning to his existence, now filled him with an almost unbearable feeling of revulsion---yes, that was the only word for it, revulsion (1).
This alienated feeling of revulsion might be easily understood in a man who had nothing in life, had no family or friends, or who had accomplished nothing life, but the exact opposite is true for Faleasa. At 76 years old, he has lived a full and apparently satisfying life. He is the "titled head" of his land, the "most respected alii in the village," is the "faithful husband of a devoted Felefele" and the "stern but generous father of seven sons and five obedient daughters" (1). He is in remarkably good health for a man of his age. He "should" be enjoying his golden years in happiness and serenity, but instead he is confronted with this alienated feeling for everything in his life. Faleasa "despised everything he had been, had become, had achieved" (1).
It might be expected that Faleasa would immediately be horrified at what has come over him so unexpectedly and inexplicably. After all, he has lived a life which, as all the villagers believe, would be the epitome of the good life, a life lived rightly and righteously. To suddenly awaken with revulsion for everything and everybody in ...