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LIFE OF PI – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 9 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 9
LIFE OF PI – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow. EXTRACT C The ship sank. It made a sound like a monstrous metal... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:LIFE OF PI – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 9 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
9.1 Account for Pi's reaction to seeing Richard Parker in the water.
Answer
Pi is initially filled with joy at the sight of Richard Parker because it represents the presence of another living being amid his isolation. This joy stems from his deep loneliness and overwhelming fear. Richard Parker's presence reminds Pi that he is not alone and evokes his instinctive desire for survival. Pi's reaction signals his need for companionship and a connection to life, which is further amplified by the realization that Richard Parker embodies a part of Pi himself. Pi understands that to survive, he must assume the role of Richard Parker, a strong protector against the despair that the vast, indifferent ocean represents.
Step 2
9.2 Discuss Pi's distress at the loss of the animals that were aboard the Tsimtsum.
Answer
Pi's distress reflects his profound empathy and sensitivity towards all living beings. The shipwreck signifies not just a physical loss of the animals, but also a deep emotional loss for Pi, who considers them as part of his extended family. His feelings of sorrow highlight his understanding of the interconnectedness of life, where the lives of animals resonate with human experiences. This loss emphasizes Pi's struggle with the concept of survival, as he must confront not only the absence of the animals but also the harsh reality of life and death at sea.