1. Allusions in Chapters 5-7
In Life of Pi, the narrator uses a lot of allusion in his story. Allusion can be a powerful literary device if the reader can make the connection between the reference and the story. In a story that actively discusses religion and science, allusions help to convey themes and motifs in the work. The key to interpreting allusion is identifying the reference and then understanding how the reference supports the ideas in the novel.
Allusions in Chapters 5-7
Allusion
Identity
Significance
I am who I am.
Yahweh (God in the Old Testament) identifies himself to Moses in this way.
Pi considers himself very religious, but also believes in all of the major religions. As one might expect, he uses religion even in his self-deprecating humor on the phone with a pizza guy.
…Simon who is called Peter, Matthew also known as Levi…
Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin
We must all pass through the Garden of Gethsemane.
Example: