Life of Pi - Part One Analysis

I think its kinda cool how we get to know Pi before we know what the mystery event is. The story reels you in. Pi's character has a certain aura that reels the reader in, making you want to find out more about him. The way he thinks is simple but unique. Animal rituals and instincts seem basic, but he uses it to explain human life which gives the concept a whole new twist. I was a little hesitant and cautious while reading the part about his father feeding a live goat to the tiger. At first I thought his father must be crazy. There had to be another way to make his point. It's so vivid in my head when I think about it, it's kind of scary. I guess Pi's father knew what he was doing, because if I'm the reader and I got scared... I can't imagine a little boy like Pi watching it in real life. Its a harsh way to teach his kids a lesson, but he got his point across at least. We forget how truly wild zoo animals are. It's almost as if humans had no religion and no government. We'd all be savages. Pi also talks about how zoo animals rarely run away. I applied that to the whole "religion and government" idea. People may complain here and there, but I think if given the choice we'd all stick with religion and government anyway. Without religion, life has no meaning. Although the government might control us, we're better off that way. Just as the animals are safe at the zoo, rather than fighting for their survival in the wild. This book makes me think about Disney's "the Jungle Book". Pi reminds me a little of Mowgli, they both have respect for the wild. At the same time they understand animal life and its a part of them.