Question 4 (chapters 45-55)
Page 151. The paragraph that begins, “I wish …” presents an incredibly fearful scene. Pi, afraid for his life, describes the elegance of the tiger. Discuss the author’s ability to create this unusual scene. How does he do it and yet keep the tension?
posted by Davis at
2:46 PM
6 Comments:
I believe that Martel is not telling a story about animals and personifying them, rather he is creating animals out of the very nature of human beings. Richard Parker is not a tiger, but a man, strong and powerful like a tiger. The hyena represents someone that has lost their senses and become mad with despair. The physical death of these characters is based on the way that they are put down, some go down fighting, others accept their own loss. Their death is their loss of hope as the other characters prove to them that they are not strong enough.
9:33 AM
By contrasting the magnificent features of the tiger to the dangerousness of the situation, the author, Yann Martel creates an unusual scene and also keeps the tension. Pi's inclination and respect towards Richard Parker creates the complete antithesis of the reality of the circumstances he actually endures. Usually when you are afraid of something you find said item outright disgusting, but with Pi he is afraid of Richard Parker because he respects him. When Pi notices that Richard Parker's "stance had something of a pose to it, as if it were an intentional, even affected, display of mighty art" he understands that the tiger knows that he is respected by Pi and thus plays the part of the majestic beast.
10:47 AM
Martel uses the description of Richard Parker to create the fear that Pi feels. Pi is awe-struck by the power and beauty of such a deadly animal. Understanding the fear Pi has comes from the way Richard Parker moves or the way Richard looks at him.
11:58 AM
Pi describes Richard parker in great detail; he seems to be fond and aware of the tiger’s beauty while still fearing it. This reminds me of his respect for his gods, he admires their beauty and power but still fears them, right now Pi feels and/or is lower than Richard Parker in this part of the story. Martel uses this to create a tense, fearful scene.
5:42 PM
The line in the paragraph about Richard Parker's amber eyes stood out to me because I could picture his gaze that burned a hole through Pi. All of Richard Parker's characteristics seemed dominant. Pi was is awe of his natural authority that radiated just by his body and motions. Pi's perspective of the tiger is one of feeling inferior. That is how Martel keeps the situation tense while creating an amazing view of Richard Parker.
5:54 PM
Martel describes the tiger as a graceful animal while still proving his ferociousness. He emphasizes this throughout the novel. Martel warns that even though the tiger is a stikingly beautiful animal, he is still very dangerous and unpredictable.
10:58 AM
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