In this chapter, Pi finds an island that is completely covered in algae. There are hundreds of thousands of meerkats on this island, but very little of anything else. Dead fish turn up, but there are no living fish..
There are two references to Islam in this chapter that stood out. The first being "Green is a lovely colour. It is the colour of Islam." (Martel 285) This is bizarre to me because it was one of Pi's first thoughts upon seeing the island. I would think more important things would come to mind, but nope. The other quote is "To see so many beings bending down at the same time reminded me of prayer time in a mosque." (Martel 294) Once again, the interconnection of zoology and religion is shown. While looking at all of these animals behaving in a bizarre way, Pi compares it to religion. Religion and animals are the two things that help him understand the world around him.
Pi's decision to get off the island is an interesting one. It shows he is optimistic that he will return to civilization. It would've been possible for him to live on the carnivorous island if that was the only option, but obviously Pi feels it is well worth the risk to attempt to make it back to somewhere civilized.
Pi says that the algae turned acidic at night. If this is the case, why did it not burn through the oar that was planted in it and tethering the boat to the island? Did I simply overlook something?
This island reminds me of the island from LOST. It seems to be almost supernatural and be home to many inexplicable things.
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