Sperry highlights belief in nature gods as a motif. His depiction of Mafatu’s faith in Moana and Maui contributes to the reader’s understanding of Polynesian tradition and culture.

For Mafatu, Moana and the ocean are one and the same. He believes he cheated Moana when he survived the storm as a child, and therefore must have spiritual help from Maui, the fishermen god, to have a chance at escaping Moana’s grasp again. Although at times of unfavorable conditions, Mafatu despairs and worries Maui has left him, Mafatu frequently feels that Maui is on his side during his quest. Several times, his belief in Maui gives him courage, such as when Mafatu he reaches the distant island and credits Maui with his survival. Later, before diving down to retrieve his knife from the ocean floor, Mafatu worries that Maui will think him a coward; this deciding factor motivates his bravery. Mafatu’s beliefs in the supernatural motivate his decisions and affect his perspective of his circumstances, showing the significant role nature gods play in Polynesian culture.

Sperry’s use of the supernatural also contributes to the novel’s bildungsroman (coming of age)

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