Martel throughout the book uses Religious diction to increase the readers association with God in the text. When he uses biblical allusions the reader is expected to understand it because of their western background. The religious diction stretches beyond the obvious Christian ones; there are allusions to Hindu and Muslim ideas as well. Martell strikes a chord with the reader through simple phrases that bring up experiences and images that are frequently around. The use of common religious symbols, the orangutan as the Virgin Mary, Christ on the Cross, the Bully as a Roman soldier beating Pi in school occur to give the reader more common ground to receive the novel, it works well with how Martell sets the book up in the introduction. This is a work to make the reader believe in God.
When the story shifts around through the chapters, especially the chapters where the narrator is adding insight into Pi’s life after the ordeal, when Pi lives in Canada, it adds to the depth of the storytelling, The reader has but to immerse and believe, like diving into a pool and swimming. Martel crafts wonderfully all the details surrounding every aspect of Pi and his journey from Pondicherry to North America. The book also includes much foreshadowing and almost forces the reader to read into the book more and add their own stories and ideas as they associate with Pi. When Pi overcomes something or makes a new plan he expresses it logically, the reader knows that it is the ‘obvious’ solution. Everyone uses the scientific method constantly and Pi has that same instinctual knowledge of trial and error that one could only assume a living breathing person would have. Pi is brought thoroughly to life because his thoughts feel so real and his adventure seems plausible.
Brian, I liked your thoughts but I don't know about the transitions between speaking points.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few ideas, like foreshadowing, that feel left unexamined, though I am probably guilty of the same.
I would suggest dividing up some of the points in your second paragraph. Perhaps it would encourage further analysis and, for me, it would be easier to comprehend with visual divisions.
Your ideas, particularly about the religious allusions, are spot on, though the tone suggests that you did not particularly fancy them. If so, I believe some discussion is in order.
Sorry if my comments are "downers."
I never thought of tha but it's true, the book is so multi-faceted and includes detailed information about different things. Few readers would be expert in all of these areas and this intrigues the audience to learn more.
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice it while reading the book, but I did think of myself in Pi's situation, for example, while reading i thought if I would be able to ctahc and eat raw fish. Martel writes ins such realistic and reasonable way that it draws the reader in to consider the possibility of something so crazy happening.
Yeah, the lack of depth and divisions may come from how scattered I've been this weekend with so much to do and getting sick. Lack of sleep gets to me. I'll definitely try to add more and make it more clear as I finish this. Your comments aren't downers they are very helpful, thanks.
ReplyDeleteA person could write a few papers on each of the ideas mentioned in your paragraphs. Try to pick one and hold to it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGet enough sleep Brian! It's a commandment now you know (don't you love it when you're commanded to do something you actually want to do? I was thrilled).
ReplyDelete