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LIFE OF PI – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 9 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 9
LIFE OF PI – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and answer the questions that follow. EXTRACT C As confidently as if I had done it a thousand times, I ja... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:LIFE OF PI – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 9 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
How is Pi's treatment of the turtle uncharacteristic of him?
Answer
Pi is inherently a peace-loving and gentle-hearted individual who values all forms of life. In the text, his treatment of the turtle starkly contrasts his vegetarian beliefs and his loving attitude towards animals. Despite his inherent compassion, he demonstrates ruthlessness in his act of killing the turtle, indicating a moment of survival instinct overriding his moral principles. This characteristic behavior highlights the desperate circumstances he finds himself in, forcing him to act in a way that is not aligned with his typical values.
Step 2
Refer to line 17: 'I watched sullenly as he loudly appreciated my gift'.
Answer
This line indicates Pi's complex feelings toward Richard Parker. The term 'sullenly' reflects a sense of resentment or disappointment in witnessing Richard Parker's joyful reaction to the gift of the turtle. Instead of feeling satisfaction from his actions, Pi is burdened by a mix of exhaustion and moral conflict. This suggests that while Richard Parker's survival instincts propel him to relish the gift, Pi feels an emotional disconnect and a sense of loss in retaining his humanity amid the brutal reality of their survival situation.