Pi analyzes for the reader the process of lion taming. The trainer enters
the cage first to establish it as his territory, and then as the lions
enter he cracks his whip and asserts himself as the super-alpha male to
whom the other lions submit. It is in fact more relaxing for the animals
once they know their place in the social order because then there are
fewer unknowns to cause fear or discomfort.
This chapter accounts for the human side of lion taming. This seemingly
random piece of information is more of the back-story, so that in Part
Two the reader understands from where Pi gets his ideas.
Pi continues his discussion of lion taming. The animal with the lowest
social standing is the easiest to train. It has the most to gain from
maintaining a close relationship with the trainer. It needs the trainer
to provide food and protection so it is likely to be the hardest working,
most faithful animal. Pi says this concept holds true across the animal
kingdom.
This chapter explains the animal's side of the psychology of lion taming
so the reader understands why an animal of superior strength (as graphically
demonstrated by Pi's father in Chapter 8) would want to submit to a human.
Again, this is more back-story to add credibility to Part Two.
The author describes Pi's home as a temple. There are countless religious
articles. Surprisingly, the objects represent different religions. There
are statues and shrines of various Hindu divinities (Ganesha, Shiva, etc.),
representations of Christianity (the Cross, Virgin Mary), and items of
Islam as well (photo of the Kaaba, prayer rug). The author merely describes
and does not comment on this inconsistency.
The chapter is a preface to the next thirteen chapters which are devoted to theological discussion. The reader will come to know how and why Pi ends up practicing three different religions.
Clapsaddle, Diane. "TheBestNotes on A Long Way Gone".
TheBestNotes.com.
>.