Life of Pi

Life of Pi

by

Yann Martel

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Life of Pi: Chapter 21 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
The author sits in a café after talking with the adult Pi, and he thinks about their conversation. He notes Pi’s words about “dry, yeastless factuality” and “the better story.” The author feels that his own life seems mundane compared to Pi’s. He considers Pi’s religious philosophies, which value moral truth above intellectual truth, and elevate love above all else.
These two quoted phrases are some of the most important in the book, and they will be repeated again. “Dry, yeastless factuality” is the boring reality of doubt, the agnostic’s universe (to Pi), while “the better story” is a reality brought to life through the imagination and faith.
Themes
Religion and Faith Theme Icon
Storytelling Theme Icon