Chapters 15-23

Chapter 15

This chapter returns to the narrative voice of Yann Martel. He describes Pi Patel's house, focusing on the many religious symbols present. This is interesting because it is very uncommon for a person to identify as more than one religion, but that's what the wide variance of religious symbols in Pi's house would suggest he does. I also found it interesting that the one religious text Yann saw was the Bible. It makes me wonder if Pi potentially primarily connects with Christianity, or maybe just finds the Bible to contain interesting stories.

Chapter 16

This chapter focuses on Pi's religion. He talks about how he came to identify as a Hindu and why he identifies as such. This chapter really contrasts the previous one. In this chapter he seems to identify very strongly as a Hindu, whereas in the previous one he seemed to be a mix of many religions. However, the final sentence of the chapter focuses on how closely related Hindus, Muslims, and Christians really are. This shows Pi doesn't see these religions too differently, especially not as much as most people do.

Chapter 17

This chapter focuses on Pi's journey to Christianity. Pi finds the idea of Christ baffling. How could a god be so human-like? How could a god die? I think that's what drew Pi to Christianity. He liked the idea of a god who is not unlike him. A god based on love, rather than being perfect. It is important to note that Pi doesn't denounce Hinduism when he becomes a Christian, but opts instead to embrace both, "Then I raced down the hill on the left and raced up the hill on the right - to offer thanks to Lord Krishna for having put Jesus of Nazareth, whose humanity I found so compelling, in my way." (Martel 64)

Chapter 18

This is how Pi found his third religion: Islam. This chapter shows how Pi seems to find himself attracted to religion. He felt drawn to the mosque and Muslim community, despite the poor reputation of the neighbourhood and religion. When he saw his first Muslim prayer, it seemed to have a great impact on him. It seemed like he was entranced by how quick and dynamic it was compared to a Christian prayer.

Chapter 19

This chapter simply describes Pi's next few visits to the mosque. He attended with Satish and loved the religious contact of the prayer.

Chapter 20

This chapter elaborates on Pi's relationship with God. His Muslim mentor was named Satish Kumar, another Mr. Kumar. The first Mr. Kumar taught Pi biology, the second taught him religion.  This is another indicator of how closely related zoology and religion are to Pi. It is an intriguing coincidence that he was led to his two majors to two different men sharing the same last name.

Chapter 21

This chapter returns to the narrative of Yann Martel. This time he's sitting in a cafe reflecting on his meeting with Pi Patel.

Chapter 22

This chapter is just a short comparison of atheists and agnostics in Pi's mind. Once again, he talks about agnostics lacking imagination and failing to make any leaps of faith. It is obvious Pi attaches a great deal of importance to having a grand imagination.

Chapter 23

This chapter covers the controversy over Pi belonging to three religions. It is interesting that Pi opted to not choose one of the three religions, but rather claimed he was just trying to love God. I believe Pi is simply fearful of God and that's why he identifies as multiple religions. In many religions it is stated non-believers will burn in Hell, so to Pi, the only solution is to be a believer of many religions.