Final answer:
Chapter 2 of "Life of Pi" is written in italics to indicate a narrative voice shift or a different perspective, leading readers to treat the section with particular introspection or awareness of its distinct tone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of italics in chapter 2 of "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel signifies a distinct narrative voice or shift in perspective. The book employs various narrative styles and techniques to engage the reader and underline particular themes or literary devices. Italics in literature often denote a character's inner thoughts, flashbacks, dream sequences, or letters and other documents within the story. In "Life of Pi", italics may be used to differentiate between the author's note or perspective and the fictional narrative by Pi himself. By changing the font style to italics, Martel creates a visual cue for the reader indicating that the text should be approached differently, perhaps with more introspection or attention to an altered tone or pace.