Life of PiChapters 93 to 96

SummaryWe begin on the lifeboat, where Pi and Richard Parker are on the lifeboat, and Pi explains that in his hopeless situation, it is only natural that he turn to a greater power. Soon, both of them reach Mexico, and Pi is too weak to celebrate. Richard Parker leaped out of the lifeboat, indecisive and awkward in his actions, and left Pi without even a goodbye. Pi was soon found by locals, and nursed back to health. The poor townsfolk offer Pi food, bath and shelter. He is soon moved to a local hospital. Tomohiro Okamoto and his colleague Atsuro Chiba heard of the survivor from the Tsimtsum and went to the town of Tomatlàn (while overcoming many hardships along the way) to interview Pi.

Important Lines“The lower you are, the higher your

mind will want to soar.” Pg. 314 (3.14 = π)

“It was so natural, that bereft and desperate as I was, in the throes of unremitting suffering, I should turn to God.” Pg. 315

“I was weeping because Richard Parker left me so unceremoniously.” Pg. 316

Page 315 “I was afraid to let go, afraid that so close to deliverance,in two feet of water, I would drown.”

This line demonstrates just how desperate Pi has become over the course of his journey. It also shows how close Pi has become to God when he refers to “deliverance”.

Page 317 “Poor people gave me clothes and food.”

This line describes the severity of Pi’s journey, the fact that poor people are giving Food and clothes to him shows just how much he has lost in his ordeal.

Page 316-317 “It’s important in life to conclude things properly. Only thencan you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse.”

These lines exemplify Pi’s sadness and regret at not saying a final farewell to Richard Parker.

Page 316

“I’ll tell you, that’s one thing I hate about my nickname, the way that number runs on forever.”

1. What do you think the significance is behind “Pi” not liking things that don’t have a definite conclusion?

2. Why do you think the author chose to have Richard Parker leaveimmediately upon landing?

3. Do you think it’s important to have a “concluding” farewell?

4. Do you think Richard Parker felt the same way about Pi as Pi did about him?

5. What do feel the author’s intentions were by splitting half of the dialogue in chapter 96 into Japanese?