Reread paragraph 31 of Life of Pi, paying particular attention to the words Martel uses to describe the dorado. What connotations do these words have? Why might Martel have chosen these words to describe the dorado?
In paragraph 31 of Life of Pi, Martel uses words such as "impossible," "exquisite," "upstart," "gluttony," "kestrel," "lordly," and "vermilion" to describe the dorado. These words carry several connotations that evoke a sense of awe, beauty, power, and even arrogance.
The word "impossible" suggests that the dorado is a creature that defies belief, emphasizing its exceptional nature. By using "exquisite," Martel portrays the dorado as possessing a delicacy and refinement that transcends ordinary fish. "Upstart" implies that the dorado is audacious and displays qualities normally seen in higher, more dominant creatures.
The term "gluttony" accentuates the dorado's size, insatiable appetite, and its ability to feast on other fish. Comparing the dorado to a "kestrel," a type of predatory bird, adds a sense of grace and swiftness to its character. The choice of the word "lordly" highlights the dorado's regal demeanor, indicating its dominance and superiority over other fish.
Lastly, "vermilion" denotes a deep, vivid shade of red, suggesting the dorado's stunning appearance and possibly alluding to its mythical and legendary status.
Martel may have chosen these words to emphasize the transformative power of storytelling. Throughout the novel, Pi uses colorful, elaborate language to describe animals and events, creating a sense of wonder and inviting readers to suspend their disbelief. By presenting the dorado in such grandiose terms, Martel encourages readers to appreciate the beauty and enigma of the natural world, and to question the boundaries of reality and imagination.