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Author John Irving, writer of A Prayer for Owen Meany, has an interesting take on first sentences of novels. In his introduction to the aforementioned novel, Irving writes that "the primary function of a first sentence is to make you keep reading." Does the first sentence of this novel accomplish that? If so, what is it about the sentence that makes you want to keep reading?
What is the cosmogony theory of Isaac Lutia? With the advent of the internet, finding out about these allusions is extremely easy, so don't let them pass you by when you have time to look them up. They could lead you down paths you never thought would have existed. So who is this guy and what is so important about his theory?
What is the connection between religion and zoology? Why choose this double major?
indolence...definition?
What is the purpose of the three-toed sloth? The narrator sure spends a lot of time on it...
In speaking of the sloth, the narrator states that he felt like he "was in the presence of an upside-down yogi deep in meditation or a hermit deep in prayer." Others say sloths smile. Why does the narrator not want to project human traits on the animal but chooses to project spiritual traits on it?
What is a "memento mori painting"? How is it significant?
Who is Richard Parker?
Why is the waiter's comment concerning the narrator ("fresh off the boat" so disturbing to the narrator?
Why is Chapter 2 written in italics? To whom is it referring?
30 comments:
I do believe that the author caught Irving's idea that "the primary function of a first sentence is to make you keep reading". Martel's use of the sentence "My suffering left me sad and gloomy.", kept me wanting to continue reading and see what made Pi suffer. When I first read that his double major was religion and zoology, I was confused on how that would work. But as I kept reading the chapter and read that through science he saw God's work with the three-toed sloth, I realized how they go together. I think that he chooses to portray animals with spiritual traits over human traits because he sees the world through a scientific and religious view rather than a huministic view. Memento Mori paintings are paintings to remind people about their mortality and how everyone most die.As far as I can tell, in the first few chapters we do not find out who Richard Parker is. In chapter 2 it switches to the author's point of view and descirbes Pi as a small, middle-aged, gray haired man.
Irving writes that "the primary function of a first sentence is to make you keep reading,” and the first sentence of the novel does in fact accomplish this goal. The first sentence is “My suffering left me sad and gloomy.” This sentence leaves the reader questioning the cause of the character’s suffering and the reason behind the character’s depressed state.
The cosmogony theory of Isaac Luria, called Tsimstum, is Luria’s theory for the creation of the universe. In this theory, Luria states that God departed to make space for the world. Light, which was carried in five vessels, burst out when the vessels broke. The sparks caused by this explosion created matter. Not coincidentally, Pi’s ship to Canada is also called the Tsimstum. The name of Pi’s ship foreshadows the ship’s demise and hints that the decisions Pi make will influence future events as well.
Religion and zoology appear to be two extremely different subjects. However, the narrator makes a comparison between the two when he says, “A number of my fellow religious-studies students – muddled agnostics who didn’t know which way was up, who were in the thrall of reason, that fool’s gold for the bright – reminded me of the three-toed sloth; and the three-toed sloth, such a beautiful example of life, reminded me of God” (5). The narrator spends a great deal of time describing the three-toed sloth because he finds the calm, quiet and introspective animal intriguing. The animal also shows the connection between zoology and religion. The narrator chose this double-major because of his interest in both subjects. His love for zoology and religion is apparent in Part One of the novel. The definition for indolence is slowness, inactivity, and sluggishness, which are main characteristics of the sloth. I believe the narrator chooses to project spiritual traits over the three-toed sloth, rather than human traits, because it is a unique, special animal that cannot be described using mere human traits. Spiritual traits more accurately describe it.
A “memento mori painting” is art with the purpose of reminding its viewers of their eventual death. This is significant because Pi compares his life to a memento mori painting.
Richard Parker is not yet revealed, but readers later learn that Richard Parker is the tiger.
The waiter’s comment (“fresh off the boat”) disturbs the narrator because he actually suffered a great ordeal when his boat to Canada sank and he was trapped in a lifeboat.
Chapter 2 is written in italics because the author is describing Pi in the present, as an older man.
In my honest opinion? No, the first sentance did not make me want to make me read more,"My suffering left me sad and gloomy" (pg1) told me this will be another book about a selfish person complianing about how horrible their life is. Now after reading the first paragrah things went a little smoother and my thoughts on the book changed. I personaly feel that hooks are not as important in books as it is compared to in a essay,i felt the quote that got me to want to read more was, "The reason death sticks so closely to life isn't biological necessity-it's envy. Life is so beautiful that death has fallen in love with it, a jealous, possesive love that grabs at what it can.".
I have a question to ask, the three toed sloth reminds Pi of God, then Pi talks about the beauty of life and how death is envyous of life.. well life is something God has given us (in the eyes of religon) is Pi trying to say there is beauty in life even if there are deformalitys such as a third toe on a sloth? Pi did say "and the three toed sloth, such a beautiful example of the miracle of life, reeminded me of God." (pg5)
The beginning of this novel was very... well, confusing. I didn't understand why the novel started off its first few chapters about the sloth. From reading more into the novel, I still try and figure out what the significance of this lazy creature symbolizes. I'm sure we all have had the same thought when we first started reading this novel, right?
The first thing said in the beginning of the book is "My suffering left me sad and gloomy" (1). In a way, I was pulled into know what this "suffering" was to the speaker. As it's been mentioned, though, when someone tries to imagine how the speaker says that one line, the one tone that can be most likely inferred as selfish, making the reader want to feel pity for him or her right away. For the most part, though, it does make you wonder why the speaker said what he said.
“My suffering left me sad and gloomy.”
What a pessimistic way to begin a novel. I was immediately interested. What could have been so horrible to leave one in such depression? I wanted to know how he suffered, why he suffered, and how he made it through the experience.
Isaac Luria (1534 – 1572) was a rabbi responsible for creating Kabbalah, a theory that tried to explain the purpose of human existence and the nature of the universe. Although it originated in the Jewish faith, many other religions have modified it to fit their beliefs.
I believe Pi chose religion and zoology because he saw religion in zoology; the animals studied in zoology were the creation, and therefore a reflection, of God.
Pi chose the three toed sloth for reasons concerning Kabbalah: Why did God create two almost identical creatures, their only difference being the number of phalanges on their forepaws? Pi describes them as indolent, which means ‘causing little or no pain; in active or relatively benign’. He found the carefree, oblivious, lazy, content nature of this animal to be relaxing after his sufferable experience.
Pi chooses to portray religious or spiritual traits to things rather than personify them because he sees religion superior to humanity; to give them human characteristics would give the impression that humanity was above the rest of the animal kingdom when in fact, humans were equal to animals and God is above all.
Memento Mori paintings are to remind us that we are mortal and we will all come to an end sooner or later. It is important because Pi came so close to death. He knows his time is limited. But he won’t let the fear of death keep him from living.
Richard Parker is a friend from the past, I assume. Maybe he and Pi had suffered together.
I’m not sure why the question “Fresh off the boat, are you?” hurt Pi so much. Did they eat with their fingers in India and it offended his culture?
I think chapter two is describing Pi as a small, slim, middle aged man with a dark complexion. He wears a parka in fall? Is he afraid he will get cold? I think it has to do with his suffering.
The first sentence "My suffering left me sad and gloomy." It does make me waant to continue reading because the sentence is full of questions; Why is the narrator sad?, Is the book about coming over the the problem that he faces?.
Religion and zoology are very different but are connected throughout the chapter. I think Pi took the two different majors because he wants to know both ends of the story so to speak. One side being God created everything and the other being how those things get along in the wild.
The painting is a symbol of how life is never forever but you have to live it to the fullest and you cant be scared of the end.
Pi is offended by the man when he says "fresh off the boat" because the man offended his culture and made him feel like he does not belong.
Chapter 2 is just kind of a chapter to describe the narrator (Pi). Its in italics because the narrator is not saying it because it is referring to him.
The first sentence wasn't very intriguing, but I did immediately feel interested in the character. I like that it was straight to the point and provokes instinctive curiousity. Personally, when I've been told that someone is suffering I'm prone to ask why. However for the next two pages I was dumbfounded as to why there was such an elaborate description of sloths. I gave the novel the benefit of the doubt that it would capture my interest.
There are two very sacred parts of Pi's life: religion and animals. The animals originated from God making a direct relation between zoology and religion. Although there lies a deeper meaning in the bridge that Pi built between the two majors. He has a devoted love for God and all his creations. Now with that being said, God has only created the animals. Pi is now taking care of them, he is in charge of what God has given him. He takes the task to heart and indulges himself in the knowledge of zoology.
Richard Parker is an unknown character at this point in the novel but later we find out he is a tiger. I am very curious about Pi's relationship with Richard Parker and why he has such conflicting emotions for him.
The comment the waiter had made: "fresh of the boat", could be interpreted in numerous ways. I can't decide for myself why this comment was so unsettling to Pi. I do sway to the idea that he was famished and out of touch with the rest of humanity that he lost any sense of manners and focused on satisfying his hunger.
Chapter 2 left me in a mess of puzzle pieces. I eventually put together that puzzle to reveal that the italics was representation of a different narrator. An author learning Pi's suffering tale.
I agree with most of the comments in saying that the first sentence makes you want to read more. It immediately made me think of so many questions.
It is a little funny how Pi is so interested in such a boring animal. I think part of this may be because though the creature is lazy and boring, it is peaceful. This may be why he gives it spiritual qualities, because it reminds him of how religion is supposed to feel: peaceful, natural, and happy (happy being brought out in the quote about the sloth smiling).
The first sentance is "My suffering left me sad and gloomy". I believe this is accomplishes John Irvings defination of what a first sentance should be. The first so sentance left questions unanswered so it grabbed my curiosity and I wanted to continue reading.
Isaac Lutia was a Jewish Rabbi and mystic in the Galilee regioin of Ottoman controlled Palestine. His thoery explains the creation of the universe. It states "Tsimtsum" "the withdrawal of the Infinite to make space for the finite",and "Shevirah" "the breaking of vessels into which the infinite was poured". It also states that even though God fills the universe, the world still appears broken.
Indolence-A disposition to remain inactive or inert.
I think Pi spends alot of time discussing the three-toed sloth because he shares many chactersitcs with it. He describes and being "calm, quiet, and introspective, much like himself.
Richard Parker is the name of the Tiger.
Chelsea Cox said...
John Irving says, “The primary function of a first sentence is to make you keep reading.” The first sentenced intrigued me. “My suffering left me sad and gloomy.” What did the character suffer through? Is the character ever going to recover from his sadness? The first sentence accomplished this goal, because it made me want to learn more about the character.
The cosmogony theory of Isaac Luria was that our world has arisen out of three great dramatic cosmic events – Contraction of God, breaking of the vessels, and the reconstruction or rectification. Isaac Luria was a Rabbi who revolutionized the study of Jewish Mysticism through Kabbalah. Luria’s theory was important because the theory showed a different way that this world could have been created.
The connection between religion and zoology is piscine uses both of these things for comparison. Piscine compares his religious studies students to the three – towed sloth. The character chose this double major because both of these subjects interest him.
The definition to indolence is a state of ease, comfort, or pleasure.
The character spent way too much time talking about the three toe3d sloth and honestly it made me not want to read the book anymore. In my opinion the purpose of the three-toed sloth was to show how upset Piscine was and he just wanted to recover because he said, “I chose the sloth because its demeanor – calm, quiet and introspective – did something to soothe my shattered self.”
I think by the narrator projecting spiritual traits on the sloth he was also projecting human traits because animals don’t meditate and they are never in deep prayer. The narrator doesn’t want to give human traits to the sloth because the narrator relates more to animals than he does to humans.
The memento mori painting refers to a wide range of elements in art with the purpose of reminding the audience of their own eventual death. This is significant because Piscine compares his life to this painting and in a way he is saying that death is always at his side just waiting to take him.
In chapter one, the narrator refers to Richard Parker as a dear friend who eventually abandoned him, but later in the book, reveals Richard Parker is a Bengal tiger.
The waiter’s comment was so disturbing to Piscine because he was shipwrecked for a long amount of time and he was just recovering and did not want to think about the accident.
The second chapter is written in italics because it is not the narrator speaking; this person is referring to Piscine.
The first sentence of the novel: "My suffering left me sad and gloomy." Honestly, it didn't spark my interest, but in someone else's point of view it may in fact bring curiosity.
The cosmogony theory of Isaac Lutia is basically the "Big Bang Theory" mixed with the Old Testament. Isaac Lutia was a great sixteenth-century Kabbalist from Safed. The importance of his theory is to show a more broad range of reasonings to the creation of everything. Without his theory our minds would still be centered around a blunt answer of "God created everything." As my opinion would fall under the Christian based answer, but it's nice to see the other sides point of view.
The connection between religion and zoology to Pi is very close. I think that he choose both majors because in his open-minded perspective he can see how they tie together in a way most people wouldn't.
Indolence: The quality or state of being indolent.
Indolent: Disliking work or effort; lazy; idle.
In my opinion the three-toed sloth shows a sense of peace. It might even be Pi's escape from reality. To feature such a slow and sleepy animal may be to guide away from a fast paced lifestyle.
Projecting human traits and personifying the animal would take away the essence of the fact that the narrator believes in more than just science. If he were to base all of the answers compared to man he would imply that "man" is the superior being. Since he is religious, and connects both reason to faith, he would project a more spiritual out look.
A "memento mori painting" is a painting to remind the one who sees it, there will come a day which they will pass away. It significant once again in the religious aspect of "life after death."
Richard Parker is unknown to the reader in the first chapter, but as you keep reading you learn that Richard is a Tiger.
The comment made by the waiter could be concerning because of the fact that he was shipwrecked. Although, it also could have disturbed him in a state of rudeness. The narrator was using his fingers eating like he would in India, and when it was brought to his attention he instantly felt ostracized and singled out.
Chapter 2 might be written in italics to be the narrator of the narrator. To show Piscine as he is, while he's telling the story of his past.
The first sentence of the novel, which was "My suffering left me sad and gloomy.", did not quite spark my interest. Maybe my opinion was partially based on the sense of dread I already had as I began to read.
Isaac Luria was a rabbi in the Ottoman Palestine. Luria's cosmogony theory stated that God began the process of creation by contracting his infinite light to allow a conceptual space for an independent world to exist.
The connection between zoology and religion is very obvious to anyone who takes either major. The two majors have conflicting views on how the world started. Zoology supporters would say that everything on this earth came from a singularity. According to religion, everything was created separately by God. I believe that double majoring in zoology and religion would give someone views from each side of the "story" and let them have more knowledge on what they believe in.
Indolence is the lack of activity caused by a dislike of work. In other words, indolence is laziness.
In this novel, the author uses the sloth as a metaphor for religion. Pi states that atheism and Hinduism are the “same thing”, the reason being that neither is based on doubt like agnosticism. Three- toed and two- toed sloths are the same thing, both being sloths, but they have a different number of toes.
Pi doesn’t consciously personify animals, but sometimes when he sees the sloth he gets the feeling as if they’re “deep in prayer”.
Memento mori paintings exist to remind people of their mortality. Pi compares his life to a painting, meaning that he is constantly aware of death.
Richard Parker isn’t introduced in the first two chapters, but Pi speaks of him in a remorseful way as someone who left and is missed.
The waiter’s comment about being “fresh off the boat” hit home with the Pi as he felt embarrassed at being uncivilized after being stranded in a boat.
Chapter two is written in italics because it is the person interviewing Pi speaking. Everything said is referred to Pi.
The first sentence of the novel absolutely matches the definition that John Irving set for the first sentence of a novel. The first sentence makes a reader curious about what specifically Pi was referring to. One wonders if it was a specific incident that occured, or maybe a period of suffering that he was referring to.
Religion and zoology as a double major puzzled me at first, but I later came to realize that Pi uses his history with the animals and his religion to shape his future. He is so dedicated to his religion, and he sees a resemblance between that and animals. This resemblance is especially prominent in the three-toed sloth.
I agree with Emily Modrowski, it amuses me that Pi is so engrossed with such a slow moving creature. I also agree that Pi may find a certain peace in the animal that he wants to find in himself. He studies religion so diligently, but I believe that he is yet to find his own peace.
the first sentence does make me want to keep reading the novel. After reading the part about him being left sad and gloomy i wondered why? what happened in his life that made him this way? i think that a science and religious major is very interesting. Throughout the history of humans, Science and religion have battled over who was right. They constantly contradict and challenge eachother so for Pi to have both views is a blessing. The reason that he has a science major is because through studying the complexity of nature and science he realizes that there has to be a God and he is creative at that. And just to ass another sentence richard parker is the tiger on the boat
I do think that the first sentence of this novel makes people want to keep reading. It accomplishes this by revealing something without telling you the entire story, which makes a person want to know what has led up to this. It is like walking in on a conversation and only picking up on the most innapropriate word at that time, then wanting to know why those people are talking about it or what led up to it.
“My suffering left me sad and gloomy.” (Martel 3) My first thoughts pertaining to this introductory sentence;
Well, suffering tends to do just that. Suffering leaves you sad, gloomy, scarred, angry, and cruel hearted to say the least. I’m not certain that anyone who has suffered has been left with happiness. Actually, I take that back. Potentially you could find happiness knowing you are a survivor. You have overcome the evil person/thing/event that has made you suffer. Perhaps you found strength in yourself that you never thought you had previously obtained.
Does the introductory sentence make you want to continue reading?
Well, I would have to say that it does. It leaves the reader intrigued with curiosity. Several questions come to mind: Who has suffered? What caused the suffering? What has resulted from the suffering? This sentence hooks the reader, because it’s hinting that there are secrets to be revealed, and that is exactly how an introductory sentence should function.
What is the cosmogony theory of Isaac Luria? Who is he and what’s so important about his theory?
The cosmogony theory is a proposal by Isaac Luria that the universe was not created in an orderly process, but out of a violent upheaval that caused a great fundamental change. In this case, the creation of matter: including mankind. Luria states that this violent upheaval is created by “En-Sof” (also known as a Hidden God). God is said to have burst into fragments called Holy Sparks which then scattered in all directions which then created matter. After the creation of matter, it is said that a piece of God remains lingering. This piece is called TzimTzum.
This theory is important to the Life of Pi , because it provides us with greater understanding of Pi Patel’s beliefs and symbolism. Pi finds this theory important enough to use for his Bachelors Thesis for religious studies. Which as of Chapter 55, it seems to me it is just an exploration of yet another religious proposal because Pi loves any proposal concerning God. As for symbolism, the life boat is names TzimTzum which shows us that the boat symbolizes God and will accompany/help Pi along the way.
What is the definition of indolence?
Indolence is used to describe the habits of the three-toed sloth (Not that the habits of a two-toed sloth would vary much). Indolence is defined as being inactive or slowly progressing, but in simplest terms it comes down to being lazy.
“I had the great luck one summer of studying the three-toed sloth in situ in the equatorial jungles of Brazil. It is a highly intriguing creature. Its only real habit is indolence.” (Martel 3)
What is the purpose of the three-toed sloth?
The purpose of the three-toed sloth is to show existence of God (In the eyes of Pi anyway). Pi is definitely not a believer in evolution and he wants to point that out. The three toed sloth is not a creature evolved from the two-toed sloth (or vice versa). God individually created each of these creatures. To Pi, the three-toed sloth is an uplifting reminder that God is real.
“The three-toed sloth, such a beautiful example of the miracle of life, reminded me of God.” (Martel 5)
Why does the narrator not want to project human traits on the animal but chooses to project spiritual traits on it?
Again, Pi wants to clearly stray away from the theory of evolution. He wants to point out humans were not evolved from animals they are each separate beings created by God.
What is a "memento mori painting"? How is it significant?
After looking at various memento mori paintings, I found a few common traits. They are all still life’s and they all include a skull. These paintings remind Pi of his life. He says death is always by his side waiting for him in the form of a skull (like the memento mori painting). Here Pi states one of my favorite quotes in the book, “The reason death sticks so closely to life isn’t biological necessity-its envy. Life is so beautiful that death has fallen in love with it, a jealous possessive love that grabs at what it can. But life leaps over oblivion lightly, losing only a thing or two of no importance and gloom is but the passing shadow of a cloud.” (Martel 6 & 7)
Who is Richard Parker?
At this point in the book we are not aware of who Richard Parker is. The only information we have at this point is that Pi was fond of Richard Parker. Richard had abandoned Pi without saying goodbye and that has left Pi scarred.
Why is the waiter's comment concerning the narrator "fresh off the boat" so disturbing to the narrator?
The waiter’s comment was disturbing to the narrator because it gave the narrator another realization that he wasn’t a part of this civilization. It upsets him he is not civilized and reminds him of his suffering.
Why is Chapter 2 written in italics? To whom is it referring?
At this point we are not sure who is speaking or who they are referring to. It is quite the mystery. Later on we learn that the mysterious speaker is referring to Pi in his adulthood.
The first sentence "My suffering left me sad and gloomy" immediately sparked my interest. The sentence itself holds so many questions and made me want to read more to figure out why he suffered.
Personally I believe that the connection between religion and zoology is that each have structure, movement, development, and classification. For example, structure is the way that a religion separates itself from the other religions. Movement is the way that a religion moves from place to place. Development is how a religion transforms over time. Classification is the names of each religion such as Hinduism and Christianity.
The opening sentence does not do anything to draw me in. It gives me the thought that the speaker is meager and selfish. I do feel that it is meant to change your feelings on the author as you start reading more into the book.
Isaac Lucia's theory was on the creation of the universe. Quite frankly it's a tad confusing...
Indolence is the quality of being slothful.
To me the purpose of the three toed sloth is to describe how Pi thinks life should be viewed and taken. To take things slowly and not to rush, rushing can just put you in dangerous situations.
He gives animals spiritual traits because he is a religious man, everything has a spiritual meaning.
Momento mori paintings are always grim reminding Pi that he is alive and to not take that for granted.
Right now we have no clue who Richard Parker is. Maybe, dare I say, a significant other of Pi's?
The comment is disturbing to Pi because he has Indian roots, not using utensils is a way of life for him.
Chapter two maybe written in italics because it is a memory of his, somebody he knew very well perhaps.
In Life of Pi, my curiosity was ignited by the first sentence. What suffering has occurred in the mysterious person’s life that left him or her sad and gloomy? There are a variety of things that could have caused the suffering and there is only one-way for me to find out; I had to read the book.
While at first glance, it seems as though there is no connection between religion and zoology, as I read the story I understood better why Pi would have selected those subjects to be his double major. For Pi growing up there were only two things that were constant in his life, which were his love of animals within the zoo and his need to rely on religion. The zoo and the religious homes, whether it be the mosque or a church offered Pi somewhere he could go to escape from the rest of the world and somewhere he felt relaxed and safe. Knowing that the zoo and religion allowed him the opportunity to feel safe it only seemed obvious that Pi would select those as a double major.
The first sentence, "My suffering left me sad and gloomy.", accomplishes its primary function, making me want to continue reading the novel. Even though it was a depressing way to start a novel, this sentence left many unanswered questions in my mind. Who is suffering? What is causing this person to suffer? These unanswered questions, along with others, made me want to continue reading the book.
Isaac Luria was a rabbi who created Kabbalah, a theory that explained how the universe was created.
Luria proposed that the universe was created by accident, not an orderly process. He called this accident the "Shattering of Vessels". Fragments from these vessels fell in all directions into dark realms, where these fragmants entered and created all things including man. These fragments are created by En-sof, the "hidden god". En-sof filled the entire universe and according to Isaac Luria, en-sof determines to create. The only problem was that en-sof was everywhere, so he had no room to create anything. Luria says that en-sof contracted himself so that he could allow room for creation. This contraction is known as TzimTzum, which was followed by light carried in five vessels. In the process of contraction, en-sof was destroyed, scattering itself in all directions in the form of holy sparks. These sparks were then re-ordered, forming our dimensions of reality.
This theory is improtant to the book because it forshadows what will come later in the book. Pi's ship is called TzimTzum. The ship sinks, leaving Pi with 4 other characters to create his own version of the theory. (5 people, 5 pillars of light).
I think the connection between religion and zoology are that they both play an impact in Pi's life. Pi loves god and is very religious, but he also loves animals, and having grown up owning a zoo, his mind probably craves the knowledge of finding more about animals and the way they behave. Choosing this double major lets Pi study the things he loves, and the things that reflect his life.
Indolence is a quality of being indolent, or showing a disposition to avoid exertion. Otherwise, being slothful.
I think the narrarator spends alot of time talking about the three toed sloth because it has characteristics like Pi, calm, quite and introspective. Also i feel that the slothes life describes the way Pi wants to live his life. " The three-toed sloth lives a peaceful life in perfect harmony with its environment." (4).
I think the narrator chooses to project spiritual traits rather than human traits because he sees beauty in animals through religious views rather than what an average person would see.
A memento mori painting is an art with the purpose of reminding the audiance of their own eventual death. This is significant because Pi compares his life to it.
Richard parker is the tiger.
I feel like the waiters comment was so disturbing to the narrator because it reminded him of the disasters that took place when he was on the boat to canada.
Chapter two is written in italics because the narrator is describing himself.
The first sentence of the novel, "My suffering left me sad and gloomy." Intrigued me and left wanting to know what suffering the narrator is referring to, however the first sentence is also a tad melodramatic if you ask me, surely suffering would leave one sad, but other than for emphasis sake the sentence doesn't add any interest for me personally
Issac Lutia's cosmology theory is that the universe wasn't done on a whim as the Christians believe but not quite like the big bang theory either as it did involve divine intervention, I could not explain it any better then Syoma did.
Pi chose the double major in Zoology and religion because in his childhood he was very devout to multiple religions and he lived around animals all his childhood life. the connection between the two is the appreciation and love of nature religion and zoology instill in a person.
Indolence: having or showing a disposition to avoid exertion; slothful,laziness
The three-toed sloth is both a representation of Pi in its calm and peaceful nature and as a way to show Pi's appreciation for all living things despite how different of odd they may be. The narrator chooses to impose spiritual traits upon the sloth because Pi is the narrator and one of his character traits is extreme spirituality and he views many things in this way.
A Memento Mori Painting is a painting meant to remind the person viewing the painting of their own mortality, this is important because Pi views his own life as a Momento Mori Painting.
Richard Parker is the Bengal Tiger of the zoo.
Pi was upset by the waiters comment on two levels, one because it made him feel like a stranger in his country not to mention the boat that he and his family boarded sunk and he barely avoided death.
Chapter 2 is in italics because Pi is describing himself and this portion is separate from the story Pi is telling.
The first sentence of the novel draws you in because it shows that there is something we need to find out. We are unaware of why Pi suffered. It tells us the plot of the story and that there are things that will be revealed.
Isaac Lutia's theory is one of how the universe came to be. This is important because the 5 allusions of this theory probably have something to do with Pi himself or why he suffered.
There really isn't a connection between zoology and religion other than God created all creatures and religion is the study of God and his works. Pi majored in both because that is simply what interested him.
Indolence: habitual laziness; sloth.
The purpose of the three-toed sloth is to show that Pi has taken great interest to the sloth and finds the connection between his two majors in this animal.
The narrator won't project human traits on the sloth because it isn't human. All creatures have a spirit though and so that is why spiritual connections are worthy.
A memento mori painting is one that you can look into and see your own life reflected in it. This is significant because of how Pi suffered and how he got to be at the point he is now.
Richard Parker's true identity is unaware to us but we do know Pi misses him and cares deeply for him. We think he was probably along Pi's side when the tragedy Pi endured happened.
The second chapter is in italics because it is describing Pi himself and his demeanor.
The first sentence of the novel provokes the questions "Why did Pi suffer? Why is he sad and gloomy?" It made me wonder if I was going to enjoy the book at all since I do not enjoy sad and gloomy stories. However, I continued reading because I was intrigued to what it was that made the main character so melancholy.
When the narrator describes the three-toed sloth as indolent, he is saying that the sloth is a lazy creature. He backs this up by saying that the sloth sleeps on average 20 hours a day.
I believe Pi chose to double major in religion and zoology because they were already a major part of his life. His love of animals was nurtured from a young age because he grew up in a zoo, and his love of religion is apparent because he considers himself Christian, Hindu, and Muslim.
I believe that there is a relation between animals and religion. There are many different branches of religion just like there are many different species of animals. With animals they act a different way and use different insticts to stay a live bt in the end they are all trying to live and do what they need to to make sure it happens. In religion there are different views and names of religions and they all believe a little bit differently from the other but in the end they all believe in a higher power and put faith into it.
Quite honestly the first sentence didn't mean much to me. I have a a hard time connecting to novel characters until they are fully revealed and you go on their journey with them. What did attract my attention however, was the bit about sloths and religion. I was immediately hooked because I am very interested in animals and I am a religious person. So from then on I was hooked and thought "hey this book wont be very painful after all". The sloth is not given human characteristics because to Pi, the sloth is simply not a human. Pi has a very spiritual outlook on life so that is why he gives the sloth spiritual traits. Pi chooses both Zoology and Religion as majors because they are the two most important things in his life. But also because they connect. One does not just assume the world was here with no creator. Religion gives Zoology reason and Zoology gives Religion proof. Richard Parker is the tiger on the boat. and indolence is extreme laziness or slothfulness.
The first sentence did accomplish its task and drew me in, even as a mostly sci-fi fanatic. The first sentence started to make me think and develop questions. Questions that needed to be answered and could only be answered if I kept reading.
The sloth immediately made me think to Hinduism. Sloths are very laid back and peaceful creatures who take time to appreciate everything. Being a sloth, very observant. This also answers the question of why the double major. Nature, more specifically animals, brings attention to things that can easily be related to Hinduism. So why not relate animals and their behavior with humans and their religion?
The end.
"My suffering left me sad and gloomy." My first thought is sarcastic. Nooooo..really? Who would have ever thought that suffering could lead a person to be sad and gloomy? But obviously that wasn't the only thing I was thinking. What suffering? Physical? Psychological? Both? How sad? Was the amount of sadness disproportionate to the amount of suffering? Was the suffering caused by internal forces or external forces? Warranted or unwarranted? Deserved or undeserved? Who? Where? When? Why? The reader is already connected to the story through only one sentence, whether it be emotionally (feeling empathy and suffering along with this unknown character) or analytically (running different scenarios depending on the imagination of the reader), or again, maybe BOTH. I would say that's a pretty successful first sentence, but that's just me.
Though a double major with religion and zoology may be uncommon and considered by some people strange, it made perfect sense to me, especially as a Muslim. Muslims tend to count their surroundings (God's creation) as miracles a bit more then those of other religions (and this is actually mentioned later on in the novel. Why not want to study God's creation if one were to love God so much?
I think that the narrator spends a lot of time on the three-toed sloth to allow the readers to connect to him in another way. He studies them for a reason: because he needs it. Why does he need it? Because it relieves him from all that he has been through. Kowing what he needs let's us know as readers, what types of things he went through in order to need the indolence of the sloth.
By portraying spiritual traits instead of human traits on the sloth, the narrator is showing us how he connects with the world. He does not connect with animals by seeing the humanity in them (the part of himself that is inside them), but rather what makes them exactly the same- they are all God's creation and they are all worshipping God.
A memento mori painting is a painting that reminds one of death which foreshadows that the narrator may have been through a life and death situation.
I believe that the reason the narrator disliked the waiter saying that he was "fresh off the boat," was because it reminded him that he was not truly a Canadian and even if he was and even if people were tolerant, there are things that make the narrator who he is that they simply wouldn't be able to understand. He couldn't be truly and fully at home.
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