To begin, Yann Martel chooses to split his book into three parts to clearly contrast the different storytellings of Pi’s life and adventure. Each of these different parts is distinct from one another because Pi’s outlook on life and the world is evolving as the book progresses. In terms of storytelling, this part serves primarily as the rising action.
For example, part one primarily focuses on establishing the backstory of Pi and his childhood. The narrator for this part is primarily an older Pi that reflects on childhood memories and where he gets his values from as well as identifies his interest in animals and religion that remain present throughout the book. However, by specifically describing vivid imagery it establishes that the story is about a boy from India who ventures on traveling overseas, setting the scene for the rest of the novel.
The majority of the novel takes place in part two, in which Pi is stranded at sea with Richard Parker - a Royal Bengal tiger. The narration is a recollection of memories that range from logical descriptions to possible delusions. During this part, Pi is forced to reflect on his personal beliefs - specifically how he viewed animals and subsequently their behavior. As time goes one, Pi strays more and more from a civilized teenager to a desperate castaway appearing like his descriptions of animals prior. The action continues to rise while Pi goes blind, encounters an island and seemingly gives up all hope and says goodbye to his companion - Richard Parker however reaches the plot’s climax when Pi’s lifeboat sinks.
Following this, part three is the falling action to which he is rescued and questioned by Japanese investigators. Pi’s recollection of the story is scrutinized by the investigators, who highlight that his story is not realistic. During this, Pi describes his story with humans rather than animals - a continued metaphor of the similarities between human and animal behavior. Although his story is ridiculed and Pi was not a reliable narrator, ultimately traversing the entire novel watching Pi allows the reader to emphasize and believe Pi’s version of the story.
While the three different parts of the novel match with the vastly unique storytelling and settings, it is imperative to mention that the number three has been a continual symbol throughout the book. For example Pi studies three religions: Hinduism, Muslim and Christianity. Also, he was thrown overboard the Tsimtsum by three crewmen and Richard Parker was three years old. By continuously embedding the number three, Martel enforces the interconnectedness between the entirety of the novel.
I think its really interesting how you were able to identify the connection of the number three throughout the whole story and how it is a symbol. A lot of things in Pi’s life comes in threes, so I wonder why Martel included that. I also agree with your inference on why the book is split into three parts based on the fact that all three parts are different from each other and each hold a bigger meaning that becomes connected
Yann Martel made the decision to split the book into three parts not only to make significant distinctions between the influencing factors/experiences in Pi’s life but to also emphasize the magnitude of importance faith and religion has in guiding Pi’s life, reason, and judgment. Life of Pi is a story of 3’s. Divided by location, storyline, and religion, readers see the number 3 show up numerous times.
To begin, one of the most noticeable reasons as to why Martel chose to divide the book up into three parts is to contrast different parts of Pi’s adventure. In the first part, readers learn about Pi’s early days and get a true understanding of his faith and reflections on concepts such as reason and religion. We learn about the origins of Pi and his family, the zoo, and important figures from his life. In the second part, in what seems like a completely different book, Pi is stranded in the Pacific Ocean with nothing but a boat and 3 animals - a Hyena, a Zebra, and a Bengal Tiger. It is in the second part that readers see how Pi uses his knowledge and faith to effectively push him through the endeavor for an astonishing 227 days. The third and final part introduces an ‘alternate’ version of Pi’s endeavor. After washing ashore, Japanese investigator’s question Pi’s story realness to which Pi ‘recollects’ an alternate story in which the 3 animals are replaced by 3 humans with very similar fates. The third and final part eliminates the discontinuity between parts one and two and pieces together Pi’s religious and zoology studies with his struggle at sea, highlighted by the alternate version in which Pi draws a parallel between humans and animals. In addition, readers see that each part takes place in 3 different locations. Part one takes place in Pondicherry, part two takes place in the Pacific Ocean, and part three takes place in Mexico.
Another reason Martel chose to divide the book into three parts is to truly highlight the influence of faith and religion in Pi’s life. In Pi’s reflection of Brahman and Atman, he reveals that Atman is essentially the human soul, and in Hinduism, Brahman - the God of Creation - represents the body. Pi’s interest in religion contributes to the spiritual aspect of him. In Christian theology, the three components of a human body include the body(Brahman), spirit(religion), and soul(Atman), all three of which Pi bases many of his views on or references in the book. Pi also practices 3 religions - Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.
While Martel does also make minute references to the number three throughout the book(ex: the three animals, and the three crewmen that throw Pi overboard the Tsimtsum), Martel mainly divides the book into three components to highlight the impact of faith and reason on Pi’s life and the finally connect them together. After all, the number 3 symbolizes interconnectedness. - Aditi Bobba
Very interesting comment that the number 3 symbolizes interconnectedness. You defined the similarities between Christianity and Hinduism, but where are the similarities between Islam and the other 2? Why doesn’t Martel add a fourth part where he explains the true story?
To begin, Yann Martel chooses to split his book into three parts to clearly contrast the different storytellings of Pi’s life and adventure. Each of these different parts is distinct from one another because Pi’s outlook on life and the world is evolving as the book progresses. In terms of storytelling, this part serves primarily as the rising action.
ReplyDeleteFor example, part one primarily focuses on establishing the backstory of Pi and his childhood. The narrator for this part is primarily an older Pi that reflects on childhood memories and where he gets his values from as well as identifies his interest in animals and religion that remain present throughout the book. However, by specifically describing vivid imagery it establishes that the story is about a boy from India who ventures on traveling overseas, setting the scene for the rest of the novel.
The majority of the novel takes place in part two, in which Pi is stranded at sea with Richard Parker - a Royal Bengal tiger. The narration is a recollection of memories that range from logical descriptions to possible delusions. During this part, Pi is forced to reflect on his personal beliefs - specifically how he viewed animals and subsequently their behavior. As time goes one, Pi strays more and more from a civilized teenager to a desperate castaway appearing like his descriptions of animals prior. The action continues to rise while Pi goes blind, encounters an island and seemingly gives up all hope and says goodbye to his companion - Richard Parker however reaches the plot’s climax when Pi’s lifeboat sinks.
Following this, part three is the falling action to which he is rescued and questioned by Japanese investigators. Pi’s recollection of the story is scrutinized by the investigators, who highlight that his story is not realistic. During this, Pi describes his story with humans rather than animals - a continued metaphor of the similarities between human and animal behavior. Although his story is ridiculed and Pi was not a reliable narrator, ultimately traversing the entire novel watching Pi allows the reader to emphasize and believe Pi’s version of the story.
While the three different parts of the novel match with the vastly unique storytelling and settings, it is imperative to mention that the number three has been a continual symbol throughout the book. For example Pi studies three religions: Hinduism, Muslim and Christianity. Also, he was thrown overboard the Tsimtsum by three crewmen and Richard Parker was three years old. By continuously embedding the number three, Martel enforces the interconnectedness between the entirety of the novel.
-Mari Durlacher
I think its really interesting how you were able to identify the connection of the number three throughout the whole story and how it is a symbol. A lot of things in Pi’s life comes in threes, so I wonder why Martel included that. I also agree with your inference on why the book is split into three parts based on the fact that all three parts are different from each other and each hold a bigger meaning that becomes connected
Delete^ Ashley Munkhbavar
DeleteYann Martel made the decision to split the book into three parts not only to make significant distinctions between the influencing factors/experiences in Pi’s life but to also emphasize the magnitude of importance faith and religion has in guiding Pi’s life, reason, and judgment. Life of Pi is a story of 3’s. Divided by location, storyline, and religion, readers see the number 3 show up numerous times.
ReplyDeleteTo begin, one of the most noticeable reasons as to why Martel chose to divide the book up into three parts is to contrast different parts of Pi’s adventure. In the first part, readers learn about Pi’s early days and get a true understanding of his faith and reflections on concepts such as reason and religion. We learn about the origins of Pi and his family, the zoo, and important figures from his life. In the second part, in what seems like a completely different book, Pi is stranded in the Pacific Ocean with nothing but a boat and 3 animals - a Hyena, a Zebra, and a Bengal Tiger. It is in the second part that readers see how Pi uses his knowledge and faith to effectively push him through the endeavor for an astonishing 227 days. The third and final part introduces an ‘alternate’ version of Pi’s endeavor. After washing ashore, Japanese investigator’s question Pi’s story realness to which Pi ‘recollects’ an alternate story in which the 3 animals are replaced by 3 humans with very similar fates. The third and final part eliminates the discontinuity between parts one and two and pieces together Pi’s religious and zoology studies with his struggle at sea, highlighted by the alternate version in which Pi draws a parallel between humans and animals. In addition, readers see that each part takes place in 3 different locations. Part one takes place in Pondicherry, part two takes place in the Pacific Ocean, and part three takes place in Mexico.
Another reason Martel chose to divide the book into three parts is to truly highlight the influence of faith and religion in Pi’s life. In Pi’s reflection of Brahman and Atman, he reveals that Atman is essentially the human soul, and in Hinduism, Brahman - the God of Creation - represents the body. Pi’s interest in religion contributes to the spiritual aspect of him. In Christian theology, the three components of a human body include the body(Brahman), spirit(religion), and soul(Atman), all three of which Pi bases many of his views on or references in the book. Pi also practices 3 religions - Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.
While Martel does also make minute references to the number three throughout the book(ex: the three animals, and the three crewmen that throw Pi overboard the Tsimtsum), Martel mainly divides the book into three components to highlight the impact of faith and reason on Pi’s life and the finally connect them together. After all, the number 3 symbolizes interconnectedness.
- Aditi Bobba
Very interesting comment that the number 3 symbolizes interconnectedness. You defined the similarities between Christianity and Hinduism, but where are the similarities between Islam and the other 2? Why doesn’t Martel add a fourth part where he explains the true story?
DeleteMichael Reed
Delete