Life of Pi

[Patek23]

Just went on a reading binge and this book caught me really off gaurd I do realize its an extremely light book but the ending has really thrown me off, has anybody else read this and what are your takes on the "twist"?

[Flame On]

Twas a bit of a mind blower wasn't it? I like the idea of the what happened in the story more than it being an analogy as it was explained it all was. If you see what I mean.

[FireFly]

As a vegetarian, Pi couldn't handle what he'd done, so he made up the story. The end is what 'really' happened, but the story is what he's telling himself happened to preserve what sanity he has left. Phenomenal book right from the author's note on.

[BlackArcher101]

Bah, spoilers!!!! And here I thought it was about the mathematical pi.

[octothorp]

I've always maintained that the key to understand that book lies in the first section, with the different religions the child had growing up, and how he was simultaneously practicing multiple religions. He finds a purpose for each of the faiths in his life, even though they contradict each other. When he tells the story, he does the same thing to the Japanese investigators: presents two differing narratives that contradict one another, but each of which serve a purpose. We're more inclined to believe one version of the story (the second one), but it really doesn't matter, because there's a need for beauty and wonder as well as brutality. At least, that's my take.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by octothorp

I've always maintained that the key to understand that book lies in the first section, with the different religions the child had growing up, and how he was simultaneously practicing multiple religions. He finds a purpose for each of the faiths in his life, even though they contradict each other. When he tells the story, he does the same thing to the Japanese investigators: presents two differing narratives that contradict one another, but each of which serve a purpose. We're more inclined to believe one version of the story (the second one), but it really doesn't matter, because there's a need for beauty and wonder as well as brutality. At least, that's my take.

I agree. I read it as part of a religious studies class and that's what most of the class seemed to make of it as well. Great book.

[Calgary Flames]

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

I agree. I read it as part of a religious studies class and that's what most of the class seemed to make of it as well. Great book.

Take it in Poli Sci then... totally different perspective.

[octothorp]

Originally Posted by FireFly

Take it in Poli Sci then... totally different perspective.

Okay, what's the poli-sci interpretation then?

[octothorp]

Originally Posted by fotze

What was with the trippy island?

I don't think I ever really understood the significance of the island. Anybody have any theories? But the part where they first get on the island and Richard Parker is running around eating all of the little animals that have never seen a predator before... hilarious!

[FireFly]

Political significance... hmph. Well, the prof felt that it had to do with 'multi-culturalism' and learning to live and compromise with those that are different than you. I felt that it had to do with having a neighbour that was bigger than you, who if you didn't feed, would kill you.

The island, as discussed in our class, symbolized things that you think will keep you safe, and are havens... solid ground in a water world... that type of thing. But really, when you look even closer, sometimes those things are the most unforgiving of all. Your little oasis is actually a mini-hell.

[jonesy]

yes, the ending really through me for a loop. Took me a long time to digest it all and I kept going over the first parts in my head in light of the real story. Totally blew my mind. I couldn't stop thinking about it.

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by FireFly

Political significance... hmph. Well, the prof felt that it had to do with 'multi-culturalism' and learning to live and compromise with those that are different than you. I felt that it had to do with having a neighbour that was bigger than you, who if you didn't feed, would kill you.

The island, as discussed in our class, symbolized things that you think will keep you safe, and are havens... solid ground in a water world... that type of thing. But really, when you look even closer, sometimes those things are the most unforgiving of all. Your little oasis is actually a mini-hell.

You actually got to reat this book for a Poli Sci class? Sheesh. That's a good deal.

My poli sci books were real pageturners like the creatively titled "Local Government" and the edge-of-your-seat thriller "World Politics on the International Stage".

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

You actually got to reat this book for a Poli Sci class? Sheesh. That's a good deal.

My poli sci books were real pageturners like the creatively titled "Local Government" and the edge-of-your-seat thriller "World Politics on the International Stage".

It was a politics and literature class. I also got to read Oryx and Crake for it, as well as others. Phenomenal class.