Life of Pi - part 2:

 Description of 6 images:

1. DESCRIPTION:

This image represents the non-physical of suffering. The one that comes from the soul and not from the body.

The feeling that shows this suffering is loneliness. Therefore in this image we can see a girl sitting by the sea alone.

HOW IT RELATES TO THE BOOK?

“I was not wounded in any part of my body, but I had never experienced such intense pain, such a ripping of the nerves, such an ache of heart.”(Life of Pi, page 98)

This image represents the pain that Pi was suffering in the middle of the sea, and the indescribable feeling he was experiencing.

I feel identify with this quote, because I experienced the same feeling when I went to San Francisco on my own. The pressure I felt when I have to communicate and survive in a place I didn’t know.

2. DESCRIPTION:

In this image we can see the amazing picture nature shows us at dawn. We can see many different colors and we can even experience a new feeling or emotion.

 HOW IT RELATES TO THE BOOK?

“Nature can put on a thrilling show. The stage is vast, the lighting is dramatic, the extras are innumerable, and the budget for special effects is absolutely unlimited.” (Life of Pi, page 102)

This image is related to the book, because it represents in a better way Pi´s thoughts when looking at dawn. That indescribable emotion we can not put together in a few words.

This image is related to my life because I think nature gives us the best gifts, and the best things we might be surprised by. The best pictures are in nature and not in galleries.

3. DESCRIPTION:

In this image we can see the expression “Don’t give up” written on board. It doesn’t need many pictures, colors or ornaments to express what it represents to.

HOW IT RELATES TO THE BOOK?

“Had I considered my prospects in the light of reason, I surely would have given up and let go of the oar, hopping that I might drawn before being eaten.” (Life of Pi, page 107)

It relates to the book because Pi was thinking about giving up and seeing what would happen to him.  At last he decided to struggle and not give up, but gerund his trip.

Every day in life we have problems to overcome.

I feel indentified with this idea, because for me it is better to do your best, fight and feel the satisfaction of having done and having obtained what you wanted by your own hands.

4. DESCRIPTION:

In this image we can see two people arguing or fighting.

Their heads are really big, because they are irritated.

HOW IT RELATES TO THE BOOK?

“Fear and reason fought over the answer. Fear said yes. [ …] Reason said no.” (Life of Pi, page 108)

This relates to the book, because Pi was confused when he wanted to decide what to do. It is relevant because this decision was crucial for knowing if he would die or survive.

This is connected to my life, because I´ve felt the same way as Pi. There is a point in your life, in which you don’t know what to follow, fear, or do perhaps. You feel confused and it is not easy to make a decision when i feel this way.

5. DESCRIPTION:

In this image, there is a girl standing alone by the river. However, there is an angel behind her who is taking care of her. This image represents that we are never alone.

HOW IT RELATES TO THE BOOK?

“I was certain I wasn’t alone” (Life of Pi, page 112) 

This is related to the book, because when Pi lost all his family, he didn´t feel alone. He felt the animals and his family presence still remained.

I feel connected with this image, because we all have an angel or angels who take care of us in difficult times. They never leave us alone.

                          

6. DESCRIPTION:

This image shows a tiger chasing its prey. This is necessary for survival. If the tiger doesn’t eat, then he will die.

HOW IT RELATES TO THE BOOK?

“The battle for life was taking place there too. The night passed, minute by slow minute.” (Life of Pi, page 119)

It is related to the book because survival was the most important thing for both, Pi and Richard Parker. That is the battle of life. As Pi was scared, he had to survive until a rescue ship appeared.

This is related to my life, because I am conscious that we all need to survive. Whether we like the way in which we try to survive or not. It is still necessary. This makes me think when I went to a town, they showed me they in which out rabbit’s fur. When they did so, rabbits were still alive.

DESCRIPTION OF 6 PHOTOS PART 2:

1.    RELEVANCE BETWEEN THE PHOTO AND THE BOOK:

This photo is really important. Pi´s love for animals was such, that they were really important for him. That’s why he suffered too much when they all died.

Animals become such an important part of our lives, which we give to them human names a treat them as if they were kids or babies.

 According to the book, the tiger Richard Parker was so named, because of clerical error. (Life of Pi, page 132).

In my opinion, this photo and this quote are important because they represent the love that I have for my cat “Manchas”. He is also treated as a member of my family.

2. RELEVANCE BETWEEN THE PHOTO AND THE BOOK:

This photo has a clear relation with the book, because one of Pi´s passions is animals. He loved his animals and took care of them, that’s why he suffered when all the animals died. However he was scared of been eaten by Richard Parker. (Life of Pi, page 109)

In my opinion, Pi didn’t kill Richard Parker, not only because he was scared but he had respect for animals as I do.

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 3. RELEVANCE BETWEEN THE PHOTO AND THE BOOK:

This photo is taken from my house. This is relevant with the book because we tend to admire every single thing that surrounds us and compare it with things that are important for us. For example, when Pi was in the lifeguard boat, he remembered the Hindu story about Markandeya.(Life of Pi, page 177)

 When admiring and comparing our surroundings, we remember things or meaningful and important moments in our life. That’s what happens to me when I look at this photo; I remember the last vacation I spent with my grandfather.

4. RELEVANCE BETWEEN THE PHOTO AND THE BOOK:

This is important and it is related to the book because Pi couldn´t sleep well because of fear. He didn’t sleep because he thought Richard Parker was going to attack him.(Life of Pi, page 186)

In my opinion, negative feelings such as fear, sadness, depression, etc, don’t let us sleep well because we are really concerned about the situation or problem we are living.

5. RELEVANCE BETWEEN THE PHOTO AND THE BOOK:

In chapter 69 Pi remembers all his family, and his hope to be rescued rises when he sees lights on the horizon. (Life of Pi, page 199-200).

There are something in life that make you remember people, situations or as in Pi´s case, feelings. I feel identified with this because I have experienced this several times.

6. RELEVANCE BETWEEN THE PHOTO AND THE BOOK:

This photo is relevant to the book, because by performing  Pi tried to turn to God so that he could help him by carrying some rituals, but he doubted of God help at the same time.

I understand Pi´s position, because in sometimes I also ask God for help and doubt about it, unfortunately when we are passing through difficult times our faith becomes weak.

SYMBOLS:

SYMBOLS

In this story, there are three big categories from which I can extract the most relevant symbols: Catholicism, Hinduism and Islam. Besides, there is one symbol that is apart from these three categories I consider relevant. However, it is important to start with the main character of the story.

PI

“My name is Piscine Molitor Patel, known to all as Pi Patel. For good measure I added p = 3,14.” (Life of Pi, page 22-23.)

·         Pi is the main character of the story and this name has many different meanings. In other words, Pi, has many different connotations. First of all, as the quote says, Pi means p = 3,14. Another thing that comes to my mind when I seep, are the letters of the Greek alphabet, that also contains Alpha ( ) and Omega ( ).

CATHOLICISM

This first category is completely based on the following quote:

“Academic study and the steady, mindful practice of religion slowly brought me back to life” (Life of Pi, Page 3)

Catholicism is the second religion Pi was taught to follow, so I consider from here, I can extract some relevant symbols that are related to the book.

·         Alpha ( ) and Omega ( ): Two of the main symbols of Catholicism are the alpha and omega. This is interesting because Pi, as I said before, is one of the letters of the Greek alphabet together with alpha and omega. The latter, for Catholicism, represents God. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last one. According to this, God is the beginning and the end of everything.

This is related to the book, because we’re talking about religion. Pi believed in God, the thing is that he started to be into other religions.

·         The cross: The cross is the symbol of Catholicism. In ancient times, it was a symbol of torture and humiliation, but nowadays it is a symbol of Jesus’ death and his resurrection as well.

This is related to the book, as Catholicism was the first religion Pi was taught to follow. In addition, I can relate this to the  baptism, because when we get a sacrament, the priest crosses us in those kinds of sacraments.

“My baptism was a slightly awkward affair.” (Life of Pi, Page 77).

·         The sacred heart: This is a symbol of the love of Jesus for us. This heart has thorns and a cross in it , symbolizing that he was willing to suffer just because he loved us.

This is related to the book in one specific quote that I liked a lot: “[…] many people seem to lose God along life’s way. That was not my case.” (Life of Pi, Page 47). Pi loved God, and he was aware that although he was going through difficult situations and he even doubted many things, God would always be there for him, being his greatest support.

HINDUISM

Hinduism was the first  religion Pi seemed to be interested in. The way in which everything started is shown in this quote:

“[…] The figure in question for me was an older sister of Mother’s, of a more traditional mind who brought me to a temple when I was a small baby. […] “It’s a samskara!” symbolic indeed. […] I am a Hindu, because […]” (Life of Pi, Page 47).

According to this, the most three relevant symbols that I found in the book are:

·         Vishnu: Originally related to the sun, this God is the universe conservative and the incarnation of love. This God is considered as the supreme God. This God has come to earth in many different shapes, human, animal, and the last one is a horse that has not arrived yet.

“I felt like the sage Markandeya, who fell out of Vishnu’s mouth while Vishnu was sleeping and so beheld the entire universe, everything that there is.” (Life of Pi, Page 177).

This is clearly related to the book, as Pi remembered all those stories when he was feeling afraid. He couldn’t even sleep just by the fear he was feeling, when just thinking that Richard Parker could eat him.

·         Krishna: It is an incarnation of Vishnu. It represents the divine love and its adventures are represented or told in the Bhagavad Gita. This is an other relevant symbol in Hinduism. This is related to the book, because Pi names it right after describing Brahman. He remembers a Krishna story.

“I am reminded of a story of Lord Krishna when he was a cowherd.[…]” (Life of Pi, page 49).

·         Brahman: It´s four heads symbolize the four rooms, the four religious texts, and the four castes of Hinduism. This symbol relates to the book, because Pi starts describing why “he is Hindu.” In this part, he describes Brahman.

“There is Brahman, the world soul, the sustaining frame in which upon which is woven, warped and weft the cloth of being, with all its decorative elements of space and time.” (Life of Pi, Page 48).

ISLAM

Islam is the third religion Pi is interested in. And the main symbols that are described, named or represented in the book are based on the following quote:

“Islam followed right behind, hardly a year later. I was fifteen years old and I was exploring my hometown. The Muslim quarter wasn’t far from the zoo. A small, quiet neighborhood with Arabic writing and crescent moons inscribed on the façades of the houses.” (Life of Pi, Page 58).

·         The Koran: This is the great symbol of Islam. They guide their lives according to this book. As in the book we talk about  Islam, it is important to take the Koran as a symbol. As a symbol of Allah perfection, some Islamic countries reject the fact of having living beings represented in art. Koran texts represent the authority and the truth of God’s words.

·         The Night Journey: This is a really representative story for Islam. In one of Mahammed deams, the archangel Gabriel appeared and took him to heaven. This symbol is important, as in the book Pi’s journey was at night and he was there, when he admired everything that surrounded him.

·         Muslim Prayers: Another important thing is the way in which Muslims pray. They usually go to the mosque and they kneel towards Mecca repeating the words “Allah is great”. These words symbolize and reflect their submission to God.

This is important when talking about the book, because Pi prayed a lot. That was his way out of all the suffering, problems and loneliness he go through.

WRITING TASK 6:

What strikes your fancy about the book, Life of Pi?

I found the first part in which Pi describes his childhood, growing in the Pondicherry zoo, really interesting, because there he learned a lot of interesting things about animals. He also relates the way in which animals and humans grow. He says it is done in a very similar way, for example the fact of having to satisfy every single necessity. I agree with this, because nowadays animals are treated like humans. Another important event that I found in this story was that Pi meets Mr. Kumar, the first avowed atheist he ever meets in his life. Mr. Kumara became the best teacher for Pi, because both shared the same love and fascination for animals. This is related to my life in the way in which I also love animals.

Another interesting thing was “The most dangerous animal is the man.”This talks about the way in which people kill animals and damage the world. I agree with this, because we all know that each day man is causing even more hurt to both animals and earth. An important fact is when Pi  says that we all are born as Catholics, but along the life people seem to lose God. I do not agree with this, because each one of us passed through difficult times during our life and we need to remember that God is always present helping us.

I found really important and interesting the fact that Pi wants to take a little part of each religion (Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam). Even though I don’t agree with this, Pi´s position is acceptable, because we all have the right to believe in what we want to believe. Another really interesting fact and one of my favorite, is when Pi is leaving India with all of his family in a cargo ship to live in Canada. I really like this part of the book in which Pi was cast adrift in a life boat with a tiger named Richard Parker, a hyena, a zebra and an orangutan Orange Juice, because in this part is when the adventure and the exiting   things happen.

Another relevant fact of part two is that everything is related to survival. Throughout the chapters in part two several things go through in the life boat and with the animals. Animals start eating each other. At last the survivors were Pi and Richard Parker, the huge Bengal tiger. This caught my attention, because the most important thing in life is to survive no matter what is situation is. An important event is when Pi starts feeling lonely and starts suffering. I feel very connected with this part, because everyone has experienced the same feelings during life. It isn’t easy for Pi to know that everything he loved had disappeared in the middle of the sea.

I found the part in which Pi starts having different strategies to tame Richard Parker really interesting. I think he uses an excellent strategy using the sources he has. He uses a whistle. Each time he uses it he move the boat one side to another, and he made Richard Parker sick. That was his defense mechanism. 

VOCABULARY PART 2:

1.    “He stirred in the water and made to swim.”(Life of Pi, page 98)

Stirred: v. To mix together the ingredients of before cooking with a spoon.

2.    “I leaned over and looked down at the bunk below.”(Life of Pi, page 101)

Leaned: v. To bend or slant away from the vertical.

3.    “I looked beyond the end of the tarpaulin.”(Life of Pi, page 108)

Tarpaulin: n. heavy-duty waterproof cloth, originally of tarred canvas.

4.    “The animal nervously peered beyond the boat.” ( Life of Pi, 113)

Peered: v. Look with difficulty or concentration.

5.    “As the horizon became a neat, sharp line, I scanned it eagerly.” (Life of Pi, page 119)

Eagerly: adj. Strongly wanting to do or have something.

6.    “The queerest thing about the reptile was simply that it was.” ( Life of Pi, page 123)

Queerest: adj. Strange; odd.

7.    “Orange Juice could had been one of this forlorn pets.” ( Life of Pi, page 129)

Forlorn: adj. pitifully sad and lonely.

8.    “Her back legs had given way and her balance on her front legs was woozy.”(Life of Pi, page 133)

Woozy: adj. informal unsteady, dizzy, or dazed.

9.    “Why, feel my brow! My forehead was wet with fresh, clean, refreshing, perspiration.” ( Life of Pi, page 142)

Perspiration: v. give out sweat through the pores of the skin as a result of heat, physical exertion, or stress.

10. “I build a raft.” ( Life of Pi , 148)

Raft: n. a flat buoyant structure of timber or other materials fastened together, used as a boat or floating platform.

11. “I gazed upon this urban hurly-burly like someone observing a city from hot- air balloon.” ( Life of Pi, 176)

Gazed: v. Look steadily and intently.

12. “All sentient life is sacred.”( Life of Pi, page 183)

Sentient:  adj. Able to perceive or feel things.

13. “The valleys we found ourselves in were so deep they were gloomy.”

Gloomy: adj. poorly lit, especially so as to cause fear or depression.

14.  “Twice I saw an albatross.” ( Life of Pi, 230)

Albatross: n. a very large seabird with long, narrow wings, found chiefly in the southern oceans.

15. “His butchered, dismembered body lay on the floor of the boat.” ( Life of Pi, page 255)

Butchered: n. A person whose trade is cutting up and selling meat in a shop.

CHARACTERS PART 2:

Richard Parker: A Bengal tiger weigh   450 pounds. The tiger kills the hyena on the lifeboat l. Richard Parker got this name from a clerical error. Richard Parker lives in the boat with Pi.

The Zebra: He jumps through the life boat and his legs got broken; the hyena            attacks him and eats him alive.

Orange Juice: An orangutan. Orange suffers the same tragedy as the zebra both are eaten by the hyena.