Life of Pi by Yann Martel - Discussion Questions

Life of Pi by Yann Martel is one of those books that becomes richer when you can discuss it with friends. These book club discussion questions on Life of Pi will allow your book club to delve into the questions Martel raises.Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Finish the book before reading on. Pi believes that animals in a zoo are no worse off than animals in the wild. Do you agree with him?Pi considers himself a convert to Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism? Is it possible to practice all three faiths faithfully? What is Pis reasoning in not choosing one?Pis story of surviving on a lifeboat with zoo animals is rather incredible. Did the far-fetched nature of the story ever bother you? Was Pi a convincing storyteller?What is the significance of the floating islands with the meerkats?Discuss Richard Parker. What does he symbolize?What is the connection between zoology and religion in Pis life? Do you see connections between these fields? What does each of the fields teach us about life, survival, and meaning?Pi is forced to tell the shipping official a more credible story. Does his story without animals change your view of the story with animals?Neither story can be proved one way or the other, so Pi asks the official which story he prefers. Which do you prefer? Which do you believe?Throughout Life of Pi, we hear about interactions between the author and adult Pi. How do these interactions color the story? How does knowing Pi survives and has a happy ending with a family affect your reading of his survival account?What is the significance of the name Pi?Rate Life of Pi on a scale of 1 to 5.

Fossil Fuels Are Bad For Our Environment - 889 Words

Fossil fuels are bad for our environment, and in a economy that is struggling, there is no point in pouring billions of dollars a year into an energy source that is killing our other resources. This kind of spending and reckless destruction of our environment will eventually have to stop. The question is, when it does what will we do? There are many other forms of alternative energy that are accessible to us right now. These energy sources will eventually have to be used in the place of burning fossil fuels to power our world. People have become so accustomed to the idea that burning fossil fuels is okay because that s how it has always been. Even as I am writing this, and researching why it has to stop, I am not in a panic because these warnings about our planets future health have been preached to me for a long time. Someday, though, we won t have a choice to ignore this issue any longer. The limiting factor on humans fossil fuel use will not be the exhaustion of economically reco verable fossil fuels, but the exhaustion of the Earth s capacity to withstand the harmful byproducts of fossil fuel combustion. - Jeffrey Rissman. Rissman believes, like I do, that there will come a time that burning fossil fuels won t be an option. When this time comes solar energy is the way to turn. Solar energy is the best alternative energy source to power our homes and businesses for the future. One of the major setbacks of using solar energy is the cost. It is expensive toShow MoreRelatedCarbon Dioxide And Its Effects On The Environment1101 Words   |  5 Pagesyou can see these fossil fuels create a chain effect damaging more than we are aware of. One of the biggest problems with switching to renewable energy isn’t that we couldn’t make it work or the startup cost is too much, it’s because, as most people agree, the oil businesses doesn’t want to lose out on the money. The oil industries made 1021.1 billion dollars in the past ten years. A lot of the world depends on oil production, but it is causing severe damage to our environment. There is a massiveRead MoreRenewable Sources of Energy1155 Words   |  5 PagesBiofuel is Fuel produced from renewable resources, especially plant biomass, vegetable oils, and treated municipal and industrial wastes. Every time we drive in a vehicle we are using nonrenewable resources that are bad for the environment. Using gasoline or diesel release chemicals called green house gasses into the environment. Because of theses harmful chemicals people have started to use biofuels. There are two types of biofuels, ethanol and biodiesel. Biofuel is Fuel produced from renewableRead MorePollution, A Silent Death922 Words   |  4 Pagestakes a lot to make it happen and there are many steps before reaching that perfect world. Pollution has many factors, from litter, garbage and plastics to oil spills, urban air and greenhouse gasses. Things like this cause natural disasters and environment haza rds such as hurricanes, floods, avalanches and storms. The sad truth is that no matter what nature does it’s going to survive, humans are the ones in danger and they have do something to save the future generations. To start off, litter andRead MoreFossil Fuels and Climate Change Essay1208 Words   |  5 Pages In this paper, we focus on using fossil fuels causing climate change. Fossil fuels are fuels formed natural resources such as coal, petroleum and natural gas, which are the most widely used fuel and industrial chemicals in the world. Since industrial revolution, fossil fuels bring a very great quantity convenience and technological products. So we can use cars, planes and all modern products. But fossil fuels cause climate change at the same time. Greenhouse gas, nitrous oxides and a great dealRead MoreDeath By The Human Stupidity1446 Words   |  6 PagesDeath by the human stupidity The burning of fossil fuels, and the use of environmentally harmful warfare, sprays or other substances have caused many issues environmentally, and it’s no surprise so many environmental issues have begun to surface. For instance, the average global temperature has risen roughly 1.33 ÌŠ F, which has caused a plethora of issues in and of itself, the air is becoming more and more dangerous to breath, and the water more dangerous to drink. There are health issues arisingRead MoreSolutions to the Global Climate Change Essay1389 Words   |  6 Pages20th century was the warmest globally in the last 600 years (Global Warming and Carbon Dioxide, 3). Effects of this increase are the melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, more frequent heat waves and droughts, and heavy rainfall. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil are a main source to why the greenhouse effect is being enhanced and likely contributing to global warming (Global Warming and Carbon Dioxide, 4). To hind er this increase in the global warming process we must reduce CO2 emissionRead MoreThroughout The Course Of The Years, The World Has Been1306 Words   |  6 Pagesdetrimental factors. Many of these detrimental factors include fossil fuels and pollution are having a negative impact on our planet. Luckily, engineers have developed new and innovative technology that can potentially help lessen pollution and other detrimental factors. Green technology has the immense potential to generate a new method to help produce a less toxic environment ( What Is Green Technology ). Our world is slowly decaying as a result of our human actions everyday. Yet, what if specific technologyRead MorePopulation Growth : The Importance Of Controlling Growth1594 Words   |  7 PagesGrowth: The Importance of Controlling Growth Sean Baghaloo s104585 University of the People â€Æ' In the bible when god created man he had stated â€Å"Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth†, (Genesis 1:28). It would seem that mankind has responded to our fathers request quite well. But is seven billion that big of a number? â€Å"If everyone in the world stood shoulder to shoulder, we could all fit within the city limits of Los Angeles†, (cbsnews.com, n.d.), so then what is the big deal about the growingRead MorePersuasive Speech : Nuclear Energy Essay838 Words   |  4 PagesThe United States should drop fossil fuel power electricity and incorporate nuclear energy. Attention Step Attention Getter: Imagine a world filled with cold, darkness, and no security. Relevance Statement: Electricity is the heart of our current civilization. Without electricity we would regress into a feudal like stage which will slow down our evolution as a society Topic Disclosure: Today the primary source of fuel for the generation of electricity are fossil fuels such as coal, natural gasesRead MoreWhy Fossil Fuels Are Not Only Bad1111 Words   |  5 PagesWhy Fossil Fuels Are Not Only Bad, But Not Good Enough Coal, petroleum, natural gas. Together, they are the producers of approximately eighty percent of the world’s energy, and, according to the US Energy Information Administration, are predicted to remain as such throughout the early to-mid twenty-first century (EIA 6). Yet there are far more efficient fuels options than these, as the profound xkcd cartoon to the right suggests, and these options do not involve polluting the atmosphere, exacerbating

Slavery And Its Impact On America - 1353 Words

Slavery in America had a tight hold over the southern half. It was primarily located in the southern portion and African American slaves were held on large plantations and out in the fields. Some were even leased into the industrializing factories. Ever since slavery in America started, slaves were considered property. Every black person was a white persons â€Å"property†. Now American had a belief, a belief that every man were entitled to God-given rights. The rights could not be stripped from any man. The rights entitled you to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness (or property). The north was against slavery and wanted to either stop the spread of it to the new territories of the US or to just abolish slavery altogether. However slavery was tied deeply with the South’s economic status and development. Southern culture was very firm on keeping the institution of slavery and took every opportunity to defy the North’s efforts to make any changes or compromis e. The South threatened to leave the union at every step. This was the root of where the Civil war would spring from. Not being able to reach a conclusion on the issue of slavery and the union staying as one. People against slavery and slaves themselves argues that since every man was entitled to their inalienable rights, then why didn’t those rights apply to them? The irony is that the United States of America advocated human liberty ever since the revolution that separated them from England, so they were familiarShow MoreRelatedThe Impact of Slavery in America1364 Words   |  5 PagesSlavery was a tragic experience for African slaves that last for many years; although it has passed it will always be part of history. Slavery meant many things to many people, but overall the ones that can better explain this are the slaves themselves through their voice and their history; slavery impact families, traditional roles of mothers, children, and fathers. Furthermore, slavery demo nstrated agency and resistance to their enslavement; passive or aggressive. Primarily, it can be difficultRead MoreSlavery And Its Impact On America1541 Words   |  7 Pagescontroversial issue: the institution of slavery. It was initially intended by our founding fathers that slavery be slowly phased out, as even in 1775 our budding nation’s leaders had the common sense and moral compass to see that slavery is wrong. Even the proponents of slavery, then, knew that slavery is unethical and amoral, and viewed slavery as a necessary evil, for the South had no other means of creating capital; however, slavery continues because many proponents of slavery have been so overcome with avariceRead MoreSlavery Made A Huge Impact On America s History991 Words   |  4 PagesSlavery made a huge impact on America’s history. It has been exactly 150 years since Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery. Before that, life for any slave, man or woman, was extremely rough. They tried their best to make life easy for themselves. Some became fed up with their treatment so they overtly and covertly rebelled. Overt being the open and more dangerous of the two. Covert rebellions were more of snide comments towards their master. The life and rebellions of slaves were extremely difficultRead More1. What was the impact of slavery on the development of Colonial America? Slavery was a practice in1300 Words   |  6 Pages 1. What was the impact of slavery on the development of Colonial America? Slavery was a practice in many countries in the 17th and 18th centuries, but modern history was unique to the United States. The most noticeable effect that it had on the colonies was personal and financial growth of the people and the nation. Africans was the lesser class and they were used by the slave owners to promote their wealth and stature. The larger their plantation, the wealthier and more successful people were seenRead MoreSlavery s Impact On America s Economic And Social Life984 Words   |  4 PagesJustin Mariasi 11/21/14 Mrs. Sparks US History Slavery s impact on America’s economic and social life Slavery in the United States was at the same time both economically beneficial to southern planters and unsustainable due to the industrial revolution and the reliance upon single cash crops. In this document I will explain what forms of slave resistance existed in American society, how and why slavery was beneficial to the United States, how the slaves in the United States were treated and howRead MoreHow Did African American Slavery Help Shape America?925 Words   |  4 PagesHow did African American slavery help shape America? The United States of America has historical events that underlie the primary example of a country which overcomes every adversity with courage and commitment. Several pieces of history can obviously emphasize the strength of those who inhabited this nation and shaped it into what it is today; one of which is the era of slavery. Slavery is a topic that is often rejected during the mentioning of historical events in America primarily due to the factRead MoreEli Whitney : The Inventor Of The Cotton Gin1639 Words   |  7 Pagesseparation would require a hundred workmen for several months† (Piercy, 95). In 1794, Whitney got a patent for his cotton gin and began renting out the gins (Piercy, 96). This invention would greatly impact American technological and economic development for the years to come. The cotton gin made a huge impact on the textile mills in the North as well as in Britain. (Gates Jr, par. 7). After the invention of the cotton gin and as cotton production increased, the North bought more cotton and built moreRead MoreThe Legacy Of Abraham Lincoln1728 Words   |  7 Pagesdedicated individuals†. Slavery was a struggle that America had to overcome in the 1800s in order for America to progress. At the time, slaves were also going through hard times by getting separated from their families and going through excessive hard work on the plantations. Even though it was a struggle for the north, and the slaves, but not for the south since it was a benefit for them. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was put into the Presidential office and would have a major impact on our nation by affectingRead MoreLincoln, Race, And The Spirit Of The 761247 Words   |  5 PagesPresident Abraham Lincoln was put into office March 4, 1861, and this would be the start of a significant change for America. Many people see Lincoln as one of the best presidents that was in office for America, but others have opposing views on how he was not the best president in office. In Lucas E. Morel’s, â€Å"Lincoln, Race, and the Spirit of ‘76†, he expresses, â€Å"Many people who consider Abraham Lincoln the greatest American president would be surprised to discover that he endorsed black colonizationsRead MoreSlavery And Its Impact On The United States986 Words   |  4 PagesSlavery dates back to as early as 1760 BC. It is defined as the condition of a slave; in bondage. A slave is a person who is the property of and wholly subject to another; a bond servant. It fiendishly raised its repugnant head amongst many cultures and nations around the world. Many people viewed slavery as immoral and some viewed it as a necessary evil. However evil, it may have been, it did have a tremendous impact on shaping the United States, particularly the South. From the period o f 1800 to

Deppression and teens Essay Example For Students

Deppression and teens Essay By: Shelby Manning E-mail: emailprotected Teenage depression is a growing problem in todays society and is often a major contributing factor for a multitude of adolescent problems. The statistics about teenage runaways, alcoholism, drug problems, pregnancy, eating disorders, and suicide are alarming. Even more startling are the individual stories behind these statistics because the young people involved come from all communities, all economic levels, all home situations-anyones family. The common link is often depression. For the individuals experiencing this crisis, the statistics become relatively meaningless. The difficult passage into adolescence and early adulthood can leave lasting scars on the lives and psyches of an entire generation of young men and women. There is growing realization that teenage depression can be life- changing, even life-threatening. (McCoy 21) Depression is a murky pool of feelings and actions scientists have been trying to understand since the days of Hippocrates, who called it a black bile. It has been called the common cold of mental illness and, like the cold, its difficult to quantify. (Arbetter 1) If feelings of great sadness or agitation last for much more than two weeks, it may be depression. For a long time, people who were feeling depressed were told to snap out of it. According to a study done by National Institute of Mental Health, half of all Americans still view depression as a personal weakness or character flaw. Depression, however, is considered a medical disorder and can affect thoughts, feelings, physical health, and behaviors. It interferes with daily life such as school, friends, and family. Clinical depression is the most incapacitating of all chronic conditions in terms of social functioning. (Salmans 11-12) Teenagers have always been vulnerable to depression for a variety of reasons. Its a confusing time of life because a teens body is changing along with their relationships. Teenagers constantly vacillate between strivings for independence from family and regressions to childish dependence on it. (Elkind 89) But todays teens face an additional challenge: Theyre growing up in a world quite different from that of their parents youth. Adolescents today are faced with stresses that were unknown to previous generations and are dealing with them in an often self-destructive way. Contemporary society has changed the perception of teenagers. New parental lifestyles, combined with changes in the economy, often give less time and energy for parents to devote to their offspring. Society all too often views teens for what they can be instead of for who they are. Who they are becomes the identity of teenagers today. They are confronted with the ambiguity of education, the dis! solution of family, the hostile commercialism of society, and the insecurity of relationships. (McCoy 16) This identity is fragile and is threatened by fears of rejection, feelings of failure, and of being different. These young people face stress in school as well with resources dwindling and campus violence and harassment increasing. Their sexual awakening comes in the age of AIDS, when sex can kill. In summary, teens today feel less safe, less empowered and less hopeful than we did a generation ago. Depression is a common concomitant to this struggle. (McCoy 36) It strikes 5% of teens and about 2% of children under 12. One in three adolescents in the nineties is at risk for serious depression. (Stern 28) Depression is the result of a complex mix of social, psychological, physical, and environmental factors. Teens with depressed parents are two to three times more likely to develop major depression. Genetic factors play a substantial but not overwhelming role in causing depression. (Dowling 37) Some type of significant loss can be a factor in triggering teenage depression. Loss can be due to death, divorce, separation, or loss of a family member, important friend or romantic interest. Loss can also be more subtle such as the loss of childhood, of a familiar way of being, of goals through achievement, or of boundaries and guidelines. (McCoy 46-48) Gender differences are becoming apparent, with girls having more difficulty with depression. Multiculturalism in Canada Essay (Elkind 203) Researchers have found that depressed teens are at particularly high risk for drug and alcohol abuse. Abuse of drugs, alcohol, or other substances are often used to assuage depression. Studies have found that when depressed patients were given treatment, alcohol and drug intake diminished as well. Substance abuse is seen as both a symptom and a cause of depression. (Papolos 66) There is more sexual activity among teenagers today than at any other time in our history. By the time they leave high school, some 90% of seniors are no longer virgins. Sexually transmitted diseases among teenagers have reached epidemic proportions. Eight million young people each year are infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Every thirty seconds, another U.S. teenager is infected. (Elkind 71) Sexual acting-out , which can not only be life-changing, but also life-threatening in this age of AIDS, can become an antidote to the loneliness and isolation many teenagers feel. Sexual activity is often used as an attempt to deal with feelings of depression, to increase self-esteem by feeling wanted and to achieve intimacy. (McCoy 21) Approximately 3,000 teenage girls in the United States will get pregnant today. An estimated 3 million teenage girls become pregnant each year. Beth is a shy, quiet eighth-grader who is expecting a baby in two months. Beth admits her pregnancy was intentional and she plans to keep her baby because then Ill have someone of my own who will love me for sure. I wont be alone anymore. This illusion of unconditional love, coupled with a lack of insight into the unrelenting demands that the complete dependence of an infant brings leads a number of girls to seek pregnancy. Some teens see parenthood as a way to recapture the joy of childhood they are losing, a way to be loved and important to someone else, or as an antidote to depression. (McCoy 81-82) Suicide among teenagers has skyrocketed 200% in the last decade. If we were talking about mononucleosis or meningitis wed call this an epidemic. (Solin 155) Suicide has become the second leading cause of death among older teenagers. Adolescents are particularly at risk for suicide attempts because they progress through a variety of rapid developmental stages. The seriously depressed teen may often have a sense of hopelessness. Many teens are too immobilized by depression to see any alternatives or to take any positive steps toward change. (Salmans 40) All too often depressed teenagers dont have the experience to know that time heals, that there is always hope. They dont realize that they can survive a crisis and perhaps even learn from it. Life is often seen in absolutes which intensifies any crisis. (McCoy 64) The destructive potential of serious teenage depression can have many long-lasting aftereffects. Having and keeping a baby, getting into trouble with the law, sustaining a serious injury as the result of risk-taking behavior or stunting ones emotional growth by anesthetizing painful feelings with drugs or alcohol can have a great impact on ones future. It can prevent a young adult from having a full, healthy, and productive life or make it considerably more difficult to do so. Depression is a growing problem amongst todays teenagers. Depression brings with it many problems that can be self-destructive. If a teenager has the benefit of early intervention and help in coping with his or her depression, however, the life script can be quite different. (McCoy 66-67) Word Count: 1856