Needing to find meaning to life is very important, and this was Yan Martel's purpose in Life of Pi. With that being said, Magical Realism can be a good way to portray that, because it requires seeing beyond what is said. Storytelling is a way to explain and express things, and as Martel uses Richard Parker to create meaning to Pi and life, we use storytelling in that same way. We use storytelling to give meaning to life, because storytelling is a way to convey something without boundaries. Religion is used in a way to show the tamed side of Pi , and as Pi breaks the ways of his religion his untamed side is shown. And in many ways religion does keep many people tamed, and in order. Also, 3.14 in my opinion represents the different ways one can view this magical realism, and the things hidden in this book. 

Magical Realism in Life of Pi .

Life of Pi, in my opinion, is magical realism. This is because it is very complex, and it takes lots of analysis to understand the authors purpose, and the message he is trying to convey. It is also very serious, because Pi's story was a life or death situation, and there was the possibility that he wouldn't have made it. Also, depending on the readers perspective this has a possibility of being true or false. I don't only believe Pi has a secret, but I believe the author has a secret hidden in the book that takes determination to figure out. Being that there is magical realism elements to this story, it is in a very real setting. Starting in his hometown India, to the ocean and to Canada. 

Reader Autobiography .

People read for many reasons. For some people, reading is an escape from the real world, some read to be entertained, and some simply read to learn and understand new things. What makes a person a reader is when they have truly committed to the art of reading, and appreciate it. Being a reader doesn't necessarily mean reading numerous books...it means reading a piece of writing, analyzing it and getting meaning from it. Simply reading many things doesn't classify someone as a reader, it's what the person obtains from the reading that defines them as a true reader. In order to be a good writer, one must not just read the words on a page, but read between the lines, and draw conclusions with the context clues. Going further beyond the text determines if one is a good reader. I don't have a favorite author particularly, because there aren't many authors that I can truly connect with. Personally, I do consider myself a reader, because I love to read many different genres and I read for many different reasons. I search for meaning in every book that I read, and I try to connect with them as well. When reading I always think beyond the text and expand the ideas, and because of this I do consider myself a "good" reader. I learned how to read very long ago, because I've always loved books, and I learned mostly from my mother, but not so much by my teachers. Throughout my learning career, I've always been a horrible speller, but reading came to me easily. I am a very passionate reader, but I read through a very emotional lens as I am reading every time I read a novel. Although I read many genres, I would like to go out of my comfort zone when I am reading things I am not used to. Doing this will open me up to many different perspectives. I frequently choose to do reading that is connected to the life of a teenager, and how many different characters go through it. I enjoy anything romantic, or anything that is "too good to be true", and fantasies.Personally, I do judge books by their covers, because to me the way the author is able to connect to the reader just through the cover says a lot about their abilities. Being in school, meaningful reading is required so that we can truly use our minds to connect things, and these are the type of readings I fear. I fear them, barbecue I always feel that there is a deeper meaning that I may notice,  not connect to or, not understand. Doing this, I gained a sense of how I need to grow as a reader, and many ways of doing this. I learned that there is meaning to almost all reading and it is only a matter of how ones mind may see the reading. This process was slightly painful, because it is a little difficult to understand what true reading is, and how you can achieve it. 

Writer Self-Study .

People have many different ways of expressing themselves, and writing is one of them. Writing is used to persuade, inform, and to describe things in a different light. In order to earn the title of a writer, one must effect readers in a way that no other ever has. Leaving a mark on people, making them think and showing them a different perspective on things, will make a writer memorable. To be a writer, one must go out of their way to connect with millions of very different people at one time. Being a good writer, depending on genre, can mean leaving your readers with a great understanding, or leaving them astounded with where you took their mind. It also means , having a distinct style that people will remember years after reading what was written by the author. I personally don't have a favorite writer, but I like any writer that will make me think, and make me wonder what I just read. I also love a writer that I can can connect with, and understand what the characters feel, even if I haven't experienced it, on some level. Although I may not reach the requirements of a writer, I see myself as a growing writer who's learning to expand. I don't consider myself a good writer, only because my mind hasn't ever allowed me to go that further step in order to connect with many people or make my writing memorable. I learned to write by reading many books, with many different styles, and taking all of that and putting it together with what I initially thought writing was. Being a very emotional person, I consider myself a passionate writer, because my writing is always based on how I feel, and that is also my favorite genre of writing, and I learn a lot from passionate books, and stories. To become better, I would like to be more thoughtful, and memorable. I also would like my style to be very different and interesting. I chose to do descriptive writing, because I feel that with my level of writing skills, is the only way I can become the slightest bit interesting. This is also what I enjoy, because it allows me freedom in my writing. I fear all writing styles to an extent, because I fear my writing will not be up to par. Doing this writing , I gained a sense of who I am as a writing, and who I want to become as a writer. This process was actually exciting, because I enjoy expressing what level I'm on, because it helps me to know what my real goals are and how I can achieve them.

Personally, I believe this is an elephant that was eaten by a snake. From the perspective of an open minded reader, this scenario would be accepted open-heartedly. Most readers are looking for something that has never been thought of, and I believe this picture represents just that. With that being said , the story of an elephant being eaten would be far more interesting than a simple hat. Mainly, because when one sees this photograph many situations come to mind, as do many questions. When the audience has questions, it's easier for the author to take those questions, and put a twist on them. Questions like when, where, who, and how are questions the audience will seek. Thinking of a hat, only mystery comes to mine...which means the reader can envision how it plays out. The photo of the hat is very basic, and can be perceived as boring, and lifeless. This is because it is something mainstream, and can be predicted very easily. When reading, most people look for the complete opposite, which would lead more to believe the elephant eaten by a snake is far more interesting.