Chapters 83-91

Chapter 83

In this chapter, Pi faces a storm which tears his tarp, ruins his food, and dismantles his raft.

It's interesting that Pi was so distraught over losing his raft. It seemed as though he didn't really need it anymore and was surviving just fine on the lifeboat. I believe it hit him so hard because it was something he kinda controlled. He created it and could go there as a safe place. It essentially was his home on the water, whereas the lifeboat was more work.

Chapter 84

This chapter is solely focussed on the animals which come by his boat. Pi catches one of the birds and eats almost the entire thing, leaving only bones and feathers for Richard Parker.

When describing the whales that come by, Pi speaks about them as though they're doing everything they can to save him, only to be stopped by humans. It's an interesting commentary because of the positive spin it puts on the animals, while at the same time projecting negative actions onto the humans.

Chapter 85

Another storm comes by, this time a lightning storm. Pi finds this exhilarating and loves it, while Richard Parker is frightened. Pi thanks Allah for the storm.

It's interesting that Pi loves the storm so much even though he was almost killed by a storm not too long before that. I'm surprised he would praise Allah for bringing that storm.

Chapter 86

Pi finally sees a ship, but it does not see him. Instead it almost runs over the lifeboat, and is oblivious to their flares and yelling.

This whole section is much like the ocean: full of ups and downs. Hopes are brought to an all-time low from the storm, then back up to high when the ship passes by, only to be dashed once more as they ship sails right passed. I wonder if this was an intentional effect by Yann Martel.

Chapter 87

Pi used a wet cloth to limit his oxygen intake so he could have vivid dreams to pass the time.

Chapter 88

Pi drifts through a garbage island and sends out a message in a bottle.

This is the first of Pi's desperate attempts to communicate. More on that in an upcoming chapter

Chapter 89

Pi and Richard Parker are beginning to deteriorate. They are both nothing more than skin and bones. Pi's pen runs out of ink, putting an end to his journal entries. He feels he is near death at this point.

Interesting to note that Pi's physical condition seems to be deteriorating at the same pace as his mental condition. I would've expected him to fall apart mentally much sooner.

Chapter 90

Pi imagines a full on conversation with Richard Parker, who apparently has a French accent. They discuss food. It is unclear if he's actually imagining talking to Richard Parker at this point, or if he's talking to the new castaway.

This is indicative of Pi's increasing need to communicate. He has already sent a message in a bottle and now that he's unable to write down his thoughts in his journal, he needs a new outlet to communicate. He imagines himself a conversation partner in Richard Parker. Pi is definitely losing his mind at this point. It's also interesting to note that this conversation combines the two things Pi needs: communication and sustenance.

Pi then hears another a voice, this time of a fellow human. The two share a conversation about food for a good while, then Pi invites him close so they can share each other's company. The new castaway attempts to murder Pi, but is instead killed by Richard Parker.

The savagery of the other castaway is intriguing. After so long alone floating in the ocean, one would think he'd be thrilled to find another person. Instead, he tries to kill him soon after meeting him, This makes very little sense to me, especially since he still had some food left.

Chapter 91

Pi searches the other man's boat and finds some water and food. After two days, Pi's vision returns. He uses bits of the dead man's flesh as bait, and even eats some himself.

The development of Pi up until this point is astounding. At first, he had trouble even killing a fish to eat. Now, he is eating bits of the first human he's seen in about 200 days.