Life of Pi When considering which portion of the Life of Pi novel I wanted to analyze I decided on one of the most intriguing sections which I believe touches everyone. The section I decided on was the island that Pi discovered in the middle of his journey. To understand the significance of the island one must go back several chapters to fully understand Pi’s current mental and physical condition. In this essay, we will explore what was going on with Pi just prior to his discovery of the island and what the islands significance means to Pi. In chapter 86, Pi looks out over the expansive ocean, towards the horizon, and realizes there is a ship steaming towards him. All the trials and difficulties Pi has experienced up to this point were gone and “all hurt and frustration fell away and I positively blazed with joy” (Martel 123). Pi knew he was going to be saved and immediately began thanking the Hindu god Ganesha and the Islamic god Allah. Even in the most desperate time in his life, Pi never lost his faith and …show more content…
Pi is struck by how vibrant the colors are of the island and begins eating the algae. Pi describes the algae as having a “light sweetness that outdid in delight even the sap of our maple trees here in Canada” (Martel 142). While on the island, Pi continues to exalt praises to both God and Allah. Pi continues to survive on the islands for a while, but soon realizes he must let go and step back into the ocean if he is to have a chance at rescue. Even in the face of the storms of his life, Pi never loses focus or faith in his religious beliefs. The island became the safe refuge, as his religious beliefs have done so many other times in his life, that he was able to rest and rejuvenate before setting off again for rescue. Even as we sometimes struggle in life, we know it is oftentimes our faith which carries us through the dark and difficult times, such as those experienced by
Being a castaway on the verge of death, the carnivorous algae island became a crucial element in Pi’s survival. It offered Pi a sense of not only hope, but salvation. In many ways, the island shows a parallel to the Garden of Eden. It is a sacred garden created by God for Adam and Eve, who lived on his plants as a source of food. With the animals that lived alongside them, the Garden of Eden was truly a paradise, a place of peace and happiness. However, this did not last long. After being tricked by a snake to steal the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, they were banished to Earth. Adam and Eve, once so pure, lost their innocence as they became tainted with knowledge, of both evil and good.
Pi’s life before the boat crashing was full of hope and wonder. His presence was ethereal, making a purpose out of everything around him. His family ran a zoo, which gave him a tight-knit relationship with animals. Pi loved to try new things. He met new people which led to his exploration
Pi’s belief system was an anchor for his thoughts and experiences and his faith in God prepared him for the Initiation stage of the Hero’s Journey.
Before the ship sank, even before they went on the ship, Pi says that religion will save him. I think this statement is very true because it has saved him throughout his journey. He survived because of his religion. He says it himself that religion will save him, and it did save him.
Dispelling his desire for physical comfort, he decides to continue his journey. Therefore, Pi’s realization about the danger of the island and determination for survival fuel him through the “abyss” stage, the final obstacle of his
In Life of Pi by Yann Martel, the island Pi finds near the end of his journey is allegoric of temptation, comfort and contentment. Many of its aspects including the algae, the fruit, and the fish showed this point.
While Pi was on the ocean, he learned to fish, and gut and dry the fish, so he could eat them. Pi did not view this as a sin or breaking of his faiths, he saw this as a necessity to survive. Another motivation Pi had was the motivation to say religious. While Pi was stranded he still remain faithful to his three religions. For many people, it is easy to give up and blame their religious God’s for what happened.
The power of imagination can be described as invincible. With the use of imagination, one can reach undefined triumphs and create a new powerful world. In the book, Life of Pi, by Yann Martel, a blooming young boy named Pi Patel begins to develop a wondrous mind that expands his knowledge, true meaning of independence and value of life. His imagination is what allows him to cope and get through his suffering. The role of his imagination and stories are extremely significant in the sense that these telling are completely
All of these factors influenced Pi’s survival while he was stranded at sea. “God preserve me! No supplication was ever more passionate yet more gently carried by the breeze” (Martel, page 140) This quote shows that Pi was very passionate about his prayers and religion while at sea. This is because he did not have anything else to believe; his religion was all he had left to place his hope in.
Even though pi had all the supplies he needed to survive life food,fresh water, shelter, and even company from meerkats and richard parker. Pi wasn't going to settle in a carnivorous island which was perfect during the day but not at all pleasing during the night when he found out the island was carnivorous. I think the island most likely symbolizes religion because the meerkats like pi had mentioned in the novel were like praying and were followers like any religion and its believers.The island provided everything to survive, but Pi wouldn't of called it a life if he spent it without
There is a difference between surviving and living, had he chosen to stay Pi would have only been surviving. Pi would rather “perish in search of his own kind” rather than living a “lonely half life”(Pg 357). Showing that he still had faith that he would find true salvation in the arms of society, Pi leaves the island. This is all important to nurturing his his personal integrity; even though Pi had a lack of empathy when living on the boat he regains it. Regaining it when he made it to the mexican shore, with new insights on why animals kill to live, and just how much he needs other
Lastly, Pi’s state of mental malnourishment assisted him into his new life by his faith and still praying to god even though he was put in such an unimaginable situation. From connecting the storm to god trying to intimidate Richard Parker and the fish that came to Pi in his time of need to a gift from god, Pi kept his faith when most would think that their god has forsaken them. In conclusion, Pi’s mental cravings to exist once again in the real world help him actually fulfil this
It is difficult to talk about the Life of Pi text without making a reference to faith, and the same goes with explaining Pi’s survival. Pi’s belief in pluralism and acceptance of the three religions, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam aid his future and is a crucial part of his survival at sea. His faith in knowing “so long as god is with me, I will not die” gives him the mental strength and will power to survive his ordeal. Even in the middle of the ocean, Pi practices all his religious rituals such as ‘‘solitary masses without consecrated Communion Hosts’’
“Survival is the ability to swim in strange water” (Frank Herbert). Pi demonstrated life on the Pacific as a test of all aspects. Life on the Pacific tested his physical endurance, he was lost for two-hundred and seventy seven days. In that time, Pi demonstrates his faith towards God, himself, and Richard Parker. Pi develops a robust bond with Richard Parker, then connecting spiritually. Survival in the novel Life of Pi is etched in the deepest parts of the story. These aspects of the novel are depicted through personal and self-reflection within himself. Pi survives because of his strength, faith and a close relationship with Richard Parker.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a story about a 16 year old boy who does not lose hope after the cargo ship he and his family had been traveling on sank. During his 277 day journey lost at sea, Piscine Molitor Patel (known as Pi) was faced with extreme circumstances and had to overcome many challenges. Staying hydrated, finding food and adapting to the harsh weather conditions in the ocean was nothing compared to the challenge of being on board with a Bengal Tiger, also known as Richard Parker. Faith, survival and the will to survive are among the many themes found in this book. Faith seemed to have played a major role in helping Pi to survive. On page 148, his faith in God helped him to stay strong and helped him realize that it was a miracle