English
1. What are Pi’s views on “reason”? Why does he think that his fantasy account filled with animals and other strange things do not contradict reason and logic?
Pi seems to believe in reason as he claimed that his survival is for the large part because of his reasoning. But, he contends that reason and logic do not always describe reality, and there are many things that are beyond the grasp of logic such as love. He believes that “reason” is a great tool, but to dismiss things on the account that they do not have a rational explanation does not always lead to the right decision. He criticized the over rational behavior on the account that human begins are not only rational beings, but also emotional and intuitive beings as well.
2 when Pi asked Mr. Okamoto, after narrating both versions of his “survival account” to Mr. Okamoto, which one is the better one why Mr. Okamoto chose the story with animals instead of the other one? What account would you choose and why?
It seems Mr. Okamoto finally got convinced by Pi’s logic regarding his unusual story. It is quite apparent from the dialogue that Pi himself adamantly believed in the truth of the story with animals, but he just constructed the other story to satisfy his listeners. So, it was the conviction of the narrator, if nothing else, that compelled Mr. Okamoto to declare the first version better.
3 Why Mr. Okamoto and his associate find it hard to believe Pi’s account with animals, even after Pi’s claim of floating bananas was vindicated?
They didn’t believe Pi’s story with animals as they were a manifestation of the classic human psyche of “I believe what I see" when confronted with something incredulous. They were so fixed in their ways and beliefs that their minds could not accept the extraordinary account of the story. They were guilty of a common adult mistake, namely they know what is there to know about the world. Since, Pi’s story was not fitting in their notion of reality they simply rejected it.
4. Why Richard Parker left Pi so unceremoniously? What does that signify?
Comparing both versions of “Pi’s story” it can be discerned that the tiger in the story was Pi himself. During his voyage across the pacific the tiger was his exceptional courage and “will to live” personified. Hence, once the circumstance changed, i.e. he landed on the shore the exceptional courage evaporated as it was no longer required.
Works Cited
Martel, Yann. Life of Pi. Harcourt Trade Publishers, 2001. Print.
