Explain the Golden Man concept. Which characters are used to illustrate this premise? What is the reason for their inclusion? What does the idea of the Golden Man suggest about Michener’s views on human history?

What are some of Abner Hale’s defining character traits? How are these incompatible with life in the islands? How might Michener be offering a critique of religious absolutism through Abner?

Why do you think Hawaii is suited to become a Cultural Crossroads? Discuss the ways that it fails or succeeds in accommodating its various new arrivals.