As I have read further into Life of Pi, I have began to see that religion is one of the central themes of the book. This is the first time I have ever seen the three religions of Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity tied into one. Beginning in chapter 17, we see Pi talking about his personal interests in all of these religions. From his roots in Hindu, to his visiting a Christian church, and then his visit with a baker that excuses himself to pray in front of Pi we see how Pi is influenced by each religion. I notice that Pi is very interested in the rituals of these religions. He talks about all aspects of Hindu, as he should because that is his primary religion. He then speaks about how he came to meet Jesus Christ. He speaks about what he sees in a church on a holiday trip with his family. Finally he speaks about how he comes to pray as a Muslim because of a conversation with the baker.
Even though Pi focuses on the rituals of the religions, I also note that he is smart for his boyish age and realizes that there is more to religion than just their practices. He also speaks about followers of each religion. Personally, I feel that Pi is realizing that each religion is an essential key in the life of it's followers. He realizes that if religion was not the essential part of these people's life, then they would feel meaningless. Religion is something that makes these people feel complete and worth while.
What does everyone think about this suggestion that religion is one of the central themes of this book? Obviously it has significance because we see that Pi talks about it a lot. Do you think that religion is one of the reasons that Martel wrote this book?
First off, great post. You really broke down Pi's introduction into the three religions. Secondly, I would have to agree with you. I too believe that religion is one of the central themes of the book. It is so evident because Martel focuses on religion a great deal in the book. t is very possible that Martel wrote this book because of religion. It is evident that religion is very important throughout the text.
ReplyDeleteGood job! My personal opinion is that Martel wrote this book to expose his readers to different religions that they never thought about before. Religion is such an intense topic. Martel uses Pi's fresh perspective to allow the readers to discover different religions with an open mind.
ReplyDeleteFirst business great job on the post. Second, I think the that is the theme of this book. Everything Pi does somehow comes back to religion. He is an open child to be his age and has exsposure to alot of things and the main thing that interests him is religion. It all ties in together and brings you back to the main point; religion. But as a note, you can also pull some great lessons out of his experiences that are really deep.
ReplyDeleteDoes your copy of the book say something about "This story will make you believe in God" or something like that? Also, isn't the number 3 symbolic of something - sometimes it is the Trinity.
ReplyDeleteNice job, Brad.