Oceanian literature

Oceanian (Australasian, Melanesian, Micronesian, and Polynesian) literature developed in isolation from the rest of the world and in a unique geographical environment. This allowed the development of a unique literature to thrive. Oceanian literature was heavily influenced by religion and ritual. This can be seen by the large amount of religious symbolism featured in it.

Another major influence in Oceanian society was its intricate oral tradition. For a long time, most Oceanian literature was not written down. As a result, stock formulas and rhyming were used in many works (these traits made it easier to memorize). Gods, creation myths, and spirits are also prominent in Oceanian literature, showcasing again the influence oral tradition had on the literature of Oceania.

Modern Oceanian literature is mainly written in the English language but also feature different languages and speech. Literatures of Oceania particularly that of the Pacific have long been isolated from mainstream and traditional movements of literature in the West. The ocean carries a lot of symbolism and meaning to the cultures and people that have travelled through, in which largely has impacted the literary cultures and historical narratives in Oceania.

List of countries and territories
• American Samoan literature

• Australian literature

• Christmas Islander literature

• Cocos (Keeling) Islander literature

• Cook Islands literature

• Easter Islander literature

• Fijian literature

• French Polynesian literature

• Guamanian literature

• Hawaiian literature

• I-Kiribati literature

• Marshall Islander literature

• Micronesian literature

• Nauruan literature

• New Caledonian literature

• New Zealand literature

• Niuean literature

• Norfolk Islander literature

• Northern Mariana Islander literature

• Palauan literature

• Papua New Guinean literature

• Pitcairn Islander literature

• Samoan literature

• Solomon Islands literature

• Tokelauan literature

• Tongan literature

• Tuvaluan literature

• Vanuatuan literature

• Wallis and Futuna Islander literature

Australia
• Thea Astley

• Geoffrey Blainey

• Manning Clark

• Marcus Clarke

• Miles Franklin

• Peggy Frew

• Helen Garner

• Germaine Greer

• Robert Hughes

• Barry Humphries

• Clive James

• Elizabeth Jolley

• Gail Jones

• Jill Ker Conway

• Thomas Keneally

• Henry Lawson

• Nam Le

• David Malouf

• Colleen McCullough

• Andrew McGahan

• Alex Miller

• Banjo Paterson

• Christina Stead

• Morris West

• Patrick White

• David Williamson

• Tim Winton

• Markus Zusak

Fiji
• Raymond Pillai

• Subramani

• Pio Manoa

• Peter Thomson

• Mikaele M.K. Yasa

French Polynesia
• Flora Devantine

• Titaua Peu

• Chantal Spitz

Kiribati
• Teweiariki Teaero

Marshall Islands
• Bob Barclay

• Daniel A. Kelin II

• Jack Niedenthal

• Dirk R. Spennemann

Micronesia, Federated States of
• Luelen Bernart

Nauru
• Timothy Detudamo

• Ben Bam Solomon

New Zealand
• Eleanor Catton

• Alan Duff

• Janet Frame

• Patricia Grace

• Charlotte Grimshaw

• Keri Hulme

• Lloyd Jones

• Maurice Shadbolt

• Witi Ihimaera

Palau
• Susan Kloulechad

Papua New Guinea
• Nora Vagi Brash

• Vincent Eri

• Albert Maori Kiki

• Ignatius Kilage

• Loujaya Kouza

• Bernard Narokobi

• Russell Soaba

• Michael Somare

• Nash Sorariba

• Regis Stella

• Steven Edmund Winduo

• Arthur Jawodimbari

• Kumalau Tawali

• Peter Kama Kerpi

• Tony Wanim Kagl

• John Waiko

• John Kasaipwalova

• Jack Lahui

Samoa
• Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Tufuga Efi

• Sia Figiel

• Dan Taulapapa McMullin

• Misa Telefoni Retzlaff

• Albert Wendt

• Lani Wendt Young

Solomon Islands
• Celo Kulagoe

• Rexford Orotaloa

• John Saunana

Tonga
• Epeli Hau'ofa

• Konai Helu Thaman

• Joshua Taumoefolau

Tuvalu
• Afaese Manoa

Vanuatu
• Marcel Melthérorong

• Grace Molisa

• Sethy Regenvau