Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Life of Pi: Chapter 18-27


I personally quite enjoyed these chapters, and the way each little anecdote fits like a puzzle piece in order to form a picture of Pi and his faith. The first portion of the reading covers how Pi sees a Muslim pray for the first time, and slowly begins to learn the brotherhood and beauty of Islam. I found it a confusing chapter to read when Pi’s parents are approached by the three holy men, who all wish to talk to his parents about his faith. There were many references to the difference between the religions, and Pi’s answer of wanting to love god was so very perfect and mature. This is one of the moments which decide whether or not you love a character. Oftentimes, when I dislike the main character I wish to discontinue reading since I don’t care what does or doesn’t happen to them. But these chapters about Pi and how he sees this beauty in religion and how this mixture of gods can result in a view of the world which is both pure and flawed. I can’t imagine being chased away from my own Jewish temple, just because people saw you as unworthy to practice your religion, as happened with Pi. When Pi asked his parents for a baptism and a prayer rug, I was reminded of when I asked for a razor. My parents reacted similarly, with talks between the two of them about whether or not they would allow it. This really make Pi as a character more human, and his life a little more average.

No comments:

Post a Comment