Wow! I understand now why this book gathers such high praise. I can't put it down!
Although the beginning part left me feeling like I knew nothing of religions, I did some research and I can now say that I can tell you the differences and similarities of each one that the book refers to. I was confused about the difference between Muslim and Islam, but little did I know there are the same. A Muslim is someone who follows the Islam faith. In looking into this faith I do see that the very basis of it is devotion and brotherhood, not what is portrayed in the media. Like all religions, there seems to be a small fraction of devotees that have contorted its meaning into something more hateful and sinister than originally intended.
There are many references to Mrs. Gandhi, mainly in Pi's parents discussions. I had never heard of her so I went to straight to Wiki to find out more. Turns out she was the first and only female Prime Minister that India has ever had. There was much controversy about her politics and she was eventually assassinated in 1984 at the age of 66. I found lots of arguments for and against her but it says that she lowered poverty in India by 20% while she was in office, so in my opinion she was pretty good at her job. The mention of her in the book just sounds like a typical parents having political debates in front of their child.
Richard Parker is a Royal Bengal tiger?? Didn't see that one coming. I just thought that I had blanked out while reading and missed the part about a man by that name.
It was upon realizing that there is a tiger, a zebra, a oran-utan, and a hyena on the boat that I looked into whether or not this is actually a true story. Not only is it completely made up, but no where in the book or on the front or back cover does it claim to be a true story. I don't know how I got it in my head that this was true, but I'm sure it has something to do with the high caliber of Martel's art.
Sometimes when I'm reading I think that the words sound like a poem. Like if read out loud it would rhyme or at the very least follow a beautiful beat.
LOVE Chapter 56. Its my favorite so far in the book! I understand that Pi's fear is a more mortal fear than that which we all face on a day to day basis, but I think that the message is transferable. I think its so cool how he describes fear as the enemy taking out opponents left and right. As someone who is scared a lot of the time about bad choices, failure, other people's opinions, etc. I found it to be an interesting way to look at fear. Especially when he says, 'You dismiss your last allies: hope and trust. There, you've defeated yourself. Fear, which is but an impression, has triumphed over you'.
Here are some words I learned. I would love to know if the author just knows all these words of if he's constantly using the thesaurus.
ESPLANADE (noun) : a level open space of ground; a public walk or roadway, often along a shore
CATALEPSY (noun) : a condition characterized by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity so that limbs remain in whatever position they are placed
FORMIDABLE (adjective) : 1. causing fear, apprehension, or dread. 2. of discouraging or awesome strength, size, difficulty; intimidating. 3. arousing feelings of awe or admiration because of strength 4. of great strength, forceful, powerful
INCONGRUOUS (adjective) : 1. out of keeping or place; inappropriate, unbecoming. 2. not harmonious in character; lacking harmony of parts. 3. inconsistent
MARAUD (verb) : to roam or go around in quest of plunder; make a raid for booty (what???)
SUPPLICATION (noun) : an act or instance of supplicating; humble prayer, entreaty, or petition
PERSNICKETY (adjective) : 1. overparticular, fussy. 2. snobbish or having the aloof attitude of a snob
Beckon is a word that I know but I'd forgotten about. I LOVE that word and will try to use it daily.
Right now Pi and Richard Parker are battling a huge storm, so I better get back to them!
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