Chapters 67 to 72
These chapters describe the process through which Pi is able to tame Richard Parker.
Chapter 73
“My greatest wish – other than salvation – was to have a book. A long book with a never-ending story. One that I could read again and again, with new eyes and a fresh understanding each time. Alas, there was no scripture in the lifeboat.” 207
“No thundering from a pulpit, no condemnation from bad churches, no peer pressure, just a book of scripture quietly waiting to say hello, as gentle and powerful as a little girl’s kiss on your cheek.” 208
- What does this chapter reveal about the nature of stories?
Chapter 74
“I practiced religious rituals that I adapted to the circumstances…They brought be comfort, that is certain. But it was hard, oh, it was hard. Faith in God is an opening up, a letting go, a deep trust, a free act of love – but sometimes it was so hard to love. Sometimes my heart was sinking so fast with anger, desolation and weariness, I was afraid it would sink to the very bottom of the Pacific and I would not be able to lift it back up.” 208-9
“…in this way I would remind myself of creation and my place in it.” 209
“Despair was a heavy blackness that let no light in or out. It was a hell beyond expression.” 209
“The blackness would stir and eventual go away, and god would remain, a shining point of light in my heart. I would go on loving.” 209
- Why is Pi able to remain faithful, despite the struggles of his ordeal?
Chapter 75
…is very sad.
Chapters 76 to 85
These chapters continue the story of survival as Pi struggles with finding enough food and water, and continues to train Richard Parker. Nature occasionally offers a means of breaking the long monotony of the voyage in the form of a storm with mountainous waves (chapter 83), a vivid lightening storm (chapter 85), sharks which are drawn to the lifeboat (chapter 78) and a passing whale (chapter 84). By Chapter 80 Pi proves he is the master of Richard Parker and the alpha of the lifeboat.
For each chapter find one or more quotes that link with the following core ideas:
- Chapter 77: Hunger and the desperation that it brings (p.213-214).
- Chapter 78: The nature of boredom and terror (p.217)
- Chapter 80: Pi masters Richard Parker, and starts to become less controlled by fear (p.222).
- Chapter 82: Pi’s increasing loss of humanity as he becomes more animal-like in his quest to survive (p.225).
Chapter 86
The lifeboat is almost destroyed by a passing tanker. Pi is not rescued.
Chapter 87
Pi uses a ‘dream rag’ to reduce his air supply, sending him into a deep sleep. He uses this as a form of escapism into “the most extraordinary dreams, trances, vision, thoughts, sensations and remembrances” (235). Most important, though, is the act of waking up and the resulting “delight to find that time had slipped by” (236). Trapped in an existence where time has no meaning and existence and suffering are intertwined and continuous, the act gives Pi proof that “the present moment was different from the previous present moment” (236); a feeling that is otherwise absent in the monotony of his survival.
Chapter 88
Pi drifts into a large mass of foul-smelling garbage. He sends out a message in a bottle.
Chapter 89
Pi describes the physical decline of himself and Richard Parker, which is now dire. We read the last few pages of his diary. He had been trying to conserve paper by keeping his writing small, but ultimately the pen runs out of ink: “I thought I would run out of paper. It was the pens that ran out.” 240
- Why do you think the pen running out of ink coincidences with the physical wasting away of Pi and Richard Parker?
In chapter 90, Pi will speak to the first new soul to enter the story since he began his voyage of survival on the lifeboat months ago…
Practice Essay 2
Topic: How is survival explored in part two of Life of Pi ?
The nature and effects of survival is a key theme that underpins part 2 of Life of Pi. This is a broad topic that will allow you to explore some of the key events and discussion that take place in part 2 of Life of Pi. While you would want to use Parts 1 and 3 as well in the assessment task, for the purpose of this practice essay is to bring together the work done on part 2, so focus here for your examples.
Things to consider when planning your response:
- The role of SUFFERING: the zebra; Pi and Richard Parker’s physical deterioration and Pi’s mental anguish and questioning.
- The role of SAVAGERY: the hyena; Pi having to turn away from his previous self and abandon aspects of his humanity; the killing of the flying fish vs. the killing of the dorado, tea turtle, etc.; the blind man.
- The role of FEAR: the initial days on the lifeboat; the taming of Richard Parker; chapter 56.
- The role of FAITH: Pi’s use of prayer; loss of faith; chapters 73-74; the island.
- The role of PURPOSE: Pi’s routines; boredom vs. the beauty brought by nature; caring for and taming Richard Parker.
You must complete these tasks and gain as much practice as possible and feedback at essay writing prior to the assessment task. This is an essential skill that can only be developed and improved by applying your writing skills and completing these practice essays. This essay must be completed by the following due date:
Due Date: Thursday 21 August
