Life of Pi

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   merehughes Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   Pondicherry is an appropriate place for Pi's upbringing for two main reasons.  Firstly, because it is a coastal city - Pi is familiar with the ocean and water.  In a sense his place of birth, as well as his name, Piscine, foreshadow later events in the book.

   Secondly, Pondicherry allowed for the various religious influences Pi had.  Because Pondicherry was under French rule for over 300 years, there were Christian monasteries and Christians in the area as well as Hindus so that Pi could become interested in Christianity by experience.  Because, Pondicherry was an international port city, there were also many Muslims living amongst the predominately Hindu majority making it possible for Pi to come in contact with Islam.  This might have been more uncommon if he were living in an area which was not as culturally open as Pondicherry was.   

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   Posted by merehughes on Saturday December 22, 2007 at 2:23 AM
   
   

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