Discussion Questions For Life Of Pi

Survival is an instinct. Often times, in order to survive, people must shed a part of their innocence. For some, it may be subtle, taken in tiny bites along the way, and for others it could be in one traumatizing moment. Ang Lee, director of “The Life of Pi,” explores this theme throughout his film. Lee shows the viewer this loss in the use of imagery, lighting, and color. He takes the viewer on a journey through the eyes of Piscine Patel as his innocence and humanity slowly get chipped away and he is forced to do what is necessary to survive and the lengths he goes to to regain that lost innocence.

What happens when an Individual seeks union with divinity Where the protagonist Piscine Molitor Patel “Pi” is visited by the most extraordinary dreams, trances, visions, thoughts, sensations, and remembrances. In this 2012 American survival drama film Life Of Pi written by David Magee and directed by Ang Lee, Pi is

Bengali polymath, Rabindranath Tagore, once said “you can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” In the novel Life of Pi by Yann Martel, the protagonist, Pi, faces many challenges at sea while being accompanied by a tiger by the name of Richard Parker. This tiger, though a nuisance, proves to be essential in the role of Pi’s survival. Throughout the story, Richard Parker symbolizes survival, a reflection of Pi, and a being of God.

In the beginning, God created the Earth. He created the land, the sea, the sky, and all that live among them. In Yann Martel’s Life of Pi a young boy named Pi Patel encounters the Earth in its rawest form when he is stranded at sea with only a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker and a handful of other animals as shipmates. Through the use of biblical allusion, the significance of water, and symbolism, Life of Pi shows readers that God is present in all things and through faith, one can overcome all trials.

Looking for knowledge, Tony hopefully prays “again to the God that was within me, but” he disappointedly finds “there was no answer” (Anaya 221). Desperately wanting to know why good people in the world die, the young boy prays to God and hopes for an answer, yet he does not receive one. Tony’s view on the world changes as he questions if God listens to him. Disheartened from his lack of an answer while praying, Tony hopelessly questions if “the God I so eagerly sought was not there, and the understanding I thought to gain was not there” (Anaya 222). After praying, Tony still does not have a perfect answer and wonders if God exists or listens to anyone. Without an answer, Tony’s original outlook of the world changes as he uncertainly questions his

1. Examine Pi’s harmonious relationship with both religion and science. How have his upbringing and life experiences contributed to this balanced worldview?

Prior to the sinking of the Tsimtsum Pi Patel, the protagonist, deals with criticism from the “holy men” because they have different perceptions of the others religions which is influenced by their knowledge. To explain Pi is a devoted follower of 3 different religions: Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. In India it is common to be hinduist, so naturally he was brought up that way. Then one day during a visit to a tea plantation he falls upon the story of Jesus christ and is perplexed by god’s sacrifice. Unable to rationalise God’s actions he spends 3 days learning more about god and his world. Consequently he too becomes a christian with the help of his new friend in church. Hardly a year later while walking near the zoo he meets Mr. kumar who prays in front of Pi. The way a muslim prays touches Pi deeply to see that level of devotion. ‘Quick, necessary, physical, muttered, striking’

When he comes across the priest, imam, and the pandit, they all begin quarrelling over Pi stating that he cannot be devoted to more than one religion since they all contradict and contrast each other. However when asked why he has simultaneous belief’s in Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, Pi simply responds by saying,” I just want to love God.” (76). Through the character of Pi, Yann Martel illustrates his views on religion. Pi values each religion for its own reason, He respects Christ’s sacrifice and humanity, admires the brotherhood of Islam, and appreciates the Hindu belief in Karma and the unity of everything. Pi embodies Martel’s idea that it is not necessary to limit your belief to a single religion. Each religion has its own story and rules, however they all point towards the same similar concept of love, and living in harmony. Religion offers stories and values that comfort Pi and I think that Martel reflects the idea that religion cannot only coexist within society, but within a person as

In the story Life of Pi Patel believes in more than one religion like Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. His first religion is Hinduism because of his natural love of its spirituality and beauty. When Pi went to a catholic church and the priest told him about the story of Christ he fell in love with it. Later in the story pi becomes a Muslim when Mr.Satish was explaining that Islam is a religion about the Beloved. “God is universal,” (68) When the pandit ask the question “....why is Piscine dallying with these foreign religions?” Then the priest answers “God is universal,” because so what if Pi Patel believes in more than one religion, he's still faithful of the main importance of loving God. Pi uses these religions to the battle he is going

Audiences are left to ponder the final question left by Martel, “which story do you prefer?” Through powerful uses of imagery, audiences are drawn to the first “better” story and thus realize the beauty and power of faith. Due to Pi Patel’s pluralistic view on religions, the debate over the “one true religion” is set aside, allowing Martel’s message to impress on all audiences. Life of Pi as left many in a sea of their own thoughts. Each viewer finds their own conclusion as to which story they prefer, and it’s that impact that makes Life of Pi a successful

As both characters face the biggest hurdle of their journey, a miracle occurs and their faith is revived and stronger than ever for the remainder of their journey back to land. For Pi Patel, he finds a floating paradise called Algae Island with unlimited amounts of vegetation, fresh water, and meerkats. In a sense, it is as if God gives him a quick break by satisfying him with an endless supply of food and water. One way to perceive the island is that it symbolizes religion in an organized manner. For example, Pi states that the island has “evenly scattered, identically sized ponds with trees sparsely distributed in a uniform way between them, the whole arrangement giving the unmistakable impression of following a design” (Martel 334). Like the island, religion is an

The use of effective symbolism in Pi’s mother’s expression enhances the internal battle even further for young Pi. The protagonist’s experience of new perspectives towards religion as a result of external influence of his parents encourages Pi to question his own beliefs and values. The devices Ang lee utilises are essential in creating conflict of internal values compared to external influences. Throughout the film Pi’s faith is tested, and as a result Pi undergoes a spiritual discovery. As an adult, it is clear what Pi’s interpretation towards religion has transcended to.

Throughout Pi’s life at sea and after being rescued, he makes an example of many important figures and states of being in the Hindu religion. Pravritti: “people who choose to live in the world rather than withdraw from it.” (Carnagie et al.) The contradictory Nivritti: those who choose to withdraw from life. Dharma: “righteousness in one’s religious and personal life.” (Carnagie et al.) Finally, Artha: “prosperity and success in material affairs.” (Carnagie et al.) These four words play an important part on the happenings inside Pi’s mind, as well as how his life moves along.

Religion gives Pi a lot of knowledge , and it evokes him to make a difficult decision. He believed in three religions which are Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. He was a Hindu before he met Christianity and Islam. After he met Christianity, he realized it was a religion about love, and he decided to become a Christian. However,

In the words of Gandhi, “The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are different”. In the story Life of Pi, Pi Patel personally experiences different aspects of four religions including Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. The author, Yann Martel promotes the concept of believing in more than one religion by exemplifying the diversities within each faith.