Quote Analysis Review for “Life of Pi” – Part One (Chapters 1-36)
For the quiz, you will analyze two quotes. I will choose the two quotes from the five listed
below. You will be asked to: A) identify the main idea proposed by the quote then B) interpret
the significance of the main idea as it applies to BOTH the novel “Life of Pi” and our lives.
Sample Quote: "We look at an animal and see a mirror. The obsession with putting ourselves at
the center of everything is the bane not only of theologians but also of zoologists." (Ch. 8)
Sample Analysis:
A) Main Idea - Humans are egocentric when defining their beliefs and behaviors.
B) Significance - Pi assumes humans need to assert a superiority on other humans and animals to
define their status or place in the larger chain of animals. Humans historically have thrived on
domination to establish our beliefs and our relationships with other humans and other animal
species as evidenced in the imposed captivity of certain animal species and in the domination of
one religion over other sects of religions. Example: The Catholic crusade against Islam during
the Middle Ages; modern church perspective on gay marriage by conservative verses liberal
churches.
QUOTES TO REVIEW:
#1 - "All living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange,
sometimes inexplicable ways. This madness can be saving; it is part and parcel of
the ability to adapt. Without it, no species would survive." (Ch. 10)
#2 - "Socially inferior animals are the ones that make the most strenuous, resourceful efforts to
get to know their keepers. They prove to be the ones most faithful to them, most in need of their
company, least likely to challenge them or be difficult." (Ch. 14)
#3 - "We commonly say in the trade that the most dangerous animal in a zoo is Man." (Ch. 8)
#4 - "I know zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Certain illusions about freedom plague them both." (Ch. 4)
#5 - "Animals in the wild are, in practice, free neither in space nor in time, nor in their personal
relations." (Ch. 4)