7 Questions
What concept is extended in Chapter 6 of the novel?
Foreshadowing
Why does Pi tell the class he is 'known to all as Pi Patel'?
To establish his identity
Why is repetition important in the training of animals and humans?
To reinforce learning
How does Pi's knowledge about training animals save his life?
Helps him communicate with Richard Parker
What does the author's description of Pi’s kitchen suggest?
Pi values abundance and preparation
Which character has a geometric build befitting of his logical and scientific character?
Mr. Satish Kumar
How does Pi differ in his acceptance of atheism and agnosticism?
He accepts atheism but not agnosticism
Study Notes
Discussing and Commenting on a Text
- To discuss or speak about a topic, provide evidence from the text to support your opinion.
- To form an opinion, provide critically commented evidence from the text to support your discussion.
- Appreciation questions ask about emotional responses to plot, characters, and style, with no right or wrong answers.
Characters in Life of Pi
- Mamaji (He) teaches Pi how to swim, which is crucial for Pi's survival when the ship sinks.
- Pi refers to him as Mamaji, meaning "respected uncle."
- Mr. Satish Kumar (Biology Teacher) is Pi's favorite teacher, an active communist, and inspires Pi to study Zoology.
- Mr. Satish Kumar (Muslim mystic and baker) is a man of faith, inspires Pi to study Religion, and has a sacred bakery.
- Father Francis is a Catholic priest who exemplifies Christ's love and inspires Pi's pursuit of multiple faiths.
- Father Martin Mr. Tomohiro Okamoto is a member of the Maritime Department who interviews Pi in Mexico to find out what happened to the Tsimtsum.
- Mr. Atsuro Chiba is Okamoto's junior colleague who accompanies him to Mexico.
- Meena Patel is Pi's wife, a pharmacist, and a second-generation Canadian.
- Pi's son plays baseball.
- Usha Patel is Pi's four-year-old daughter.
- Auntieji is Pi's foster mother in Toronto, Canada.
- Nikhil Patel is Pi's other family member.
Plot Development
- The novel is divided into an Author's Note and three parts, each with a change in setting and contributing to the plot development.
- The exposition introduces the setting, characters, and time (1996) and place of Pi's present home (Toronto).
- Part One provides information on Pi's childhood in Pondicherry, his fascination with religion, animal psychology, and swimming training.
- The Patel family moves from their home in Pondicherry to Canada on a ship, which foreshadows the events in Part Two.
Test your knowledge on the characters from Yann Martel's novel 'Life of Pi'. From Pi and his family members to Mr. Okamoto and Meena Patel, this quiz will challenge you on how well you know the key personas in the story.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
