Monkey Beach Theme: Lisa's Supernatural Powers

One of the pivotal moments of the book comes when Lisamarie and her grandmother are foraging for plants in the forest and Ma-ma-oo introduces her to oxasuli, a type of root which can be used to protect one's space from evil spirits. Ma-ma-oo warns Lisa that one must have the proper knowledge before approaching oxasuli, because if used in the wrong way, it can be deadly.

The oxasuli is a symbol for the way Lisa struggles with her gifts throughout the story. She often walks in between worlds, seeing both the physical and the spiritual, but not firmly grounded in either, leading to confusion. Much of her pain derives from not knowing how to relate to her spiritual messengers, such as the little man. She comes to learn that the little man is not to be seen as strictly all good or all evil, but simply as a guide who can help at times. He does not replace Lisamarie's own discernment and willpower.

We are shown how using her powers is a choice that Lisa must make, requiring her to take life seriously and not play games with spiritual forces. At the end of the book, Ma-ma-oo encourages her granddaughter to embrace the role of a real medicine person, which is a person who has consciously harnessed their abilities for good.