Summary of the poem landfall in unknown seas by allen curnow
Answers
The central idea of the poem is the arrival of Europeans in New Zealand for the first time. This poem commemorates the courage and heroism. The journey or voyage of Abel Tasman is depicted here. As he landed, there was violence and bloodshed. As Abel Tasman landed, his ships were examined by the local people, and they blew the trumpets. The local people challenged the Europeans to fight, but the Europeans thought that they were being greeted by the locals. The next day was the fight day, and then, four Europeans were killed, with one member of the local tribe. After this, Abel called the place 'The Murderers' Bay'. Later, it was renamed after about 200 years. In the last, the poet says that the world has been discovered completely.
Answer:
The poem is actually a depiction of an expedition undertaken by Abel Tasman who undertakes a voyage and it is a story about courage and fortitude against all odds. He also tells the story of the Maoris who have undertaken the voyage from a major part of Polynesia. The story talks about murder, bloodshed, community relationship and also profit calculation and undertaking dangers.