Chapters 58-61

Chapter 58

This chapter involves Pi going over the survival handbook and forming a plan for his own survival. He has now lost hope of a ship rescuing him.

When Pi said "No one called 'Pissing' in his childhood would be caught dead with a cup of pee at his lips, even alone in a life boat in the middle of the Pacific." (Martel 185) it spoke to how his name has affected him throughout his life. In fact, it may have led him to an important lesson. Before reading the handbook and finding the water, it's possible Pi would've felt it necessary to drink his own urine.

Chapter 59

In this chapter, Pi marks his territory and improves his raft. He also installs solar stills to convert salt water into fresh water.

Pi has taken a step closer to an animal existence. He mimics Richard Parker and marks his territory with his urine, not something civilized humans usually take part in. His humanity does shine through however, when he opts not to drink his urine, no matter how tempting.

When discussing his revelation that the raft could be used as a sea anchor, Pi foreshadows a little bit, "What may seem like a detail to you was something that would save my life and which Richard Parker would come to regret." (Martel 188) This makes me curious as to how the orientation of the boat could end up saving Pi's life.

Chapter 60

This chapter focuses on Pi's religions. When he wakes up in the middle of the night, he recalls a Hindu story which makes him feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things. He utters the words of a Muslim prayer and heads back to sleep.

The fact that Pi can go from thinking about Hindu stories to Muslim prayers shows his faithfulness in all of his religions. He takes solace in the story and gains hope from his prayers. It's fascinating that he can pull aspects from multiple religions to help keep him sane.

Chapter 61

Pi attempts to fish using his shoe and fails. He begins to feel hopeless as he no longer has any bait when a flying fish smacks him right in the face, followed by a whole school of flying fish. This shows Pi is still reliant on nature. Although the man-made tools in the locker proved useful, a fluke of nature is his saving grace when it comes to fishing.

When he catches the dorado, Pi thanks Lord Vishnu. This is interesting because Pi seems to attribute his successes to the gods, but never seems to blame them for his misfortunes. This shows just how faithful Pi is.