CHAPTER 8 VOCABULARY depraved – obscene patriarch – the male head of a family placid – calm sari – a garment typically worn by Indian women which is wrapped around the body and then draped from a shoulder searing – burning tremulous – timid vigilance – constant caution and watchfulness, especially as protection against danger According to Pi, why do zoologists “commonly say…that the most dangerous animal in a zoo is man”? What animal does Pi’s father believe is “even more dangerous than us”? Pi says, “The obsession with putting ourselves at the centre of everything is the bane not only of theologists but also of zoologists.” What might he mean by this? Pi’s father thinks that it is important that Pi and his brother, Ravi, know how dangerous animals can be. What does Mr. Patel do to show his sons how dangerous tigers are? What theme of the book does this episode emphasize?
CHAPTER 17 VOCABULARY cassock – a garment worn by Roman Catholic and Anglican priests charismatic – charming or appealing defiler – someone who desecrates a holy site deportment – behavior indignation – offence; anger at being improperly treated innumerable – having such numbers as to be uncountable intuitive – able to perceive information without rational thought lament – a cry of grief lethargy – sluggishness, laziness obscure – not clearly seen petulant – rude rectory – the place where a priest lives resignation – surrender sanctum – a sacred place serene – calm, without care splurged – indulged extravagantly tantamount – equal, amounting to the same thing unremittingly – constantly; without rest usurpers – those who overtake things by force vestibule – a space between an inside and outside door; a lobby Although Pi goes to a Christian school, he knows very little about Christianity. What are his first thoughts about the religion? It is a natural thing for people to compare new concepts to what they already know. Pi’s first religious experiences were in the Hindu temple. Now, he has been exposed to Christianity, and this new religion is difficult for him to understand. What is it about Christianity that confuses Pi so much? In Father Martin’s opinion, what does it take to be a Christian? Compare and contrast the first time Pi goes into the Catholic Church in Munnar with the last time he goes there.
CHAPTER 23 VOCABULARY apoplectic – extremely angry; enraged bemused – puzzled, bewildered esplanade – a level, paved path existential – concerning the purpose for one’s existence incredulous – unable to believe something; amazed orthodox – conforming to teaching or tradition pandit – a wise and well-educated man pastoral – relating to a minister or a pastor revelation – the act of making something known secular – not relating to the church Why is Pi scared when he realizes that all of the religious leaders have come to see him? Briefly outline each religious man’s argument for his own religion and against the other two. Although each religious man fights for Pi, what does Pi want for himself? What does ice cream seem to symbolize in this chapter?
CHAPTER 25 VOCABULARY resolve – a sense of purpose; determination How does Pi’s life change after word gets out that he has been practicing several different religions? What does Pi do to combat the changes in his life? CHAPTER 26 VOCABULARY zeal – passion What argument does Pi use when his parents say he must choose one religion and stick to it? Describe Pi’s argument with his mother in this chapter. CHAPTER 27 VOCABULARY cusp – point of change; verge Does Mr. Patel support or oppose technology?
Why is Pi’s father confused by Pi’s religious devotion? Why is Pi’s father more willing to accept Christianity than Islam? Why is this ironic? CHAPTER 28 VOCABULARY extremity – far end mottled – spotted Why does Pi prefer praying outdoors? What evidence do we have that Pi’s family supports his religious endeavors? What can we tell about Pi’s personality, based on his religious convictions? CHAPTER 29 VOCABULARY furrows – lines, wrinkles precarious – easily upset; in constant danger What causes the Patel family to finally leave India?
CHAPTER 44 VOCABULARY abstract – existing in the mind; theoretical zenith – the highest point What is the worst time of day on the lifeboat? Why? CHAPTER 45 VOCABULARY albeit – although amicably – happily; in a friendly manner bask – to indulge callous – cruel, unfeeling disheveled – messy empathy – feeling of identification with another incongruous – out of place remonstrations – objections resolutely – determinedly What is Pi’s mental condition in this chapter? At the beginning of this chapter, Pi notes that the night has passed, and he is cold. Still, he says that noticing that he is cold is “a distracted observation.” Why would something as simple as recognizing if he is hot or cold be of no importance to Pi? What surprising and upsetting fact does Pi learn about himself when he notices that the hyena has bitten off the zebra’s leg?
CHAPTER 48 VOCABULARY befuddled – confused imperative – necessary marauder – a raider How did Richard Parker get his name? What is significant about the story of Richard Parker’s name? CHAPTER 49 VOCABULARY asphyxiation – suffocation compelling – forcing consent – agreement conundrum – a difficult or complex situation deliberation – a discussion or consideration taken on by a group insouciant – not showing respect or fear; cocky putrid – rotten reprieve – a period of delay from punishment sustenance – food When Pi realizes that Richard Parker is aboard, he completely loses his hope of survival. Even so, finding that Richard Parker is there makes him more relaxed and happy. Why is that?
implored – begged lithesome – possessing grace and flexibility oppressive – overwhelming poignancy – emotional impact ponderous – heavy, weighty robustly – strongly thrall – state of being absorbed wavered – went back and forth Pi has the choice of staying in the lifeboat with Richard Parker or jumping overboard and attempting to swim to safety. Why does he choose to stay in the lifeboat? Just as Pi is at the depth of his sorrow about his impending death, something changes in him. What happens to turn Pi’s outlook around? What event saves Pi from an attack by Richard Parker? Is this event likely, given Pi’s situation, or is it hard to believe? What characteristic of Pi does this event reveal? What does Pi say he discovered when he started to give up on life? CHAPTER 54 VOCABULARY attrition – wearing away; wearing down erratic – unpredictable treachery – treason
CHAPTER 78 VOCABULARY abates – lets up apathy – lack of feeling conversely – oppositely expendable – easily used and replaced jubilation – celebration perpetually – continually provisions – food stores Why are there “many skies” and “many seas”? Explain the mathematical allusions Pi makes in describing role of a castaway. Why are they particularly appropriate for Pi? How has Pi’s outlook about the ocean changed since he was first shipwrecked? CHAPTER 80 VOCABULARY defiant – not submissive gregarious – outgoing, talkative horde – huge number Why does Pi say that he is “more set on eating than on staying alive” when he catches the dorado?
CHAPTER 84 VOCABULARY alighted – landed archipelago – a group of islands behemoths – giants glint – a flash of light supernatural – unable to be explained rationally; mystic CHAPTER 85 VOCABULARY celestial – above the Earth; heavenly Why does Pi praise Allah when he sees the lightning? CHAPTER 86 VOCABULARY bulwarks – the section of a ship’s side rising above the upper deck juggernaut – something that crushes everything else in its path languishing – becoming depressed or weak sentinel – a watchman Pi shouts, blows a whistle, and even sets off a flare, yet the oil tanker takes no notice of him. Why does no on the oil tanker see Pi? 2. At the end of this chapter, Pi tells Richard Parker that he loves him. Why does Pi love Richard Parker?