Classics Without All the Class discussion

Why did the author choose the name "Pi" for his main character? The book is about animals, and religion, and philosopy and the human spirit... On the other hand, his full name means water -- totally makes sense. But why a reference to a math concept?

Michelle wrote: "Why did the author choose the name "Pi" for his main character? The book is about animals, and religion, and philosopy and the human spirit... On the other hand, his full name means water -- total..."

Having barely begun the novel, I could be wrong. But it seems like the name makes sense for the subjects that you have brought up. Pi, the math concept, is a never ending number; like Pi, the ideas of religion, philosophy, and human spirit, are also concepts with never ending ideas and beliefs. And, in the end, Pi's life story is told in written form, making his life story never ending.

Pi is short for piscine, the French word for swimming pool, because is uncle(?) loved swimming. The name leads to teasing at school (pissing Patel), so he abbreviates it, partly because he likes the idea of a never-ending number, as Angie mentions.

As for why Martell chose to include this rather odd pun and mathematical idea... maybe he just thought it would make an arresting title and hence help get publicity and sales?!

Laura wrote: "I just found this quote from a Yann Martel interview (it's the last question): "I chose the name Pi because it's an irrational number (one with no discernable pattern). Yet scientists use this irra..."

That is a beautiful quote. Thank you for sharing that.

The one thing I liked better in the movie that in the book was when Pi defended his name. I wish every one could dig deep as Pi did to demonstrate a skill that others can celebrate instead to distract them from focusing on some unpleasant connection that is embarrassing. I love how Pi solves his own problem here.

More than Pi: what about Richard Parker?

I recently read Poe's Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym, which also related a shipwreck. One of the last four survivors is named Richard Parker.

I'm not adding any more to that (because spoilers and such), but read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_... :)

I love how Richard Parker's name was supposed to be Thirsty, but ended up with a person's name; but Pi, a person, ends up being "thirsty." It is so ironic and a perfect way to connect the two characters.

I didn't connect that until now, thanks Angie!

I love that in Martel's interview he says he found three (or was it four?) separate shipwreck victims named Richard Parker. How bizarre!