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Life Of Pi Religion Essay

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Religion is an important part of human life. For some it is a collection of myths that can lead to madness, but for many it is a source of comfort, protection, and hope. In Life of Pi, written by Yann Martel, the main character is so enamored with religion that he decides to follow three vastly different religions, claiming that they all focus on his deep love for God. However, many people disagree with the idea that religion is meant to share love. Many people also believe that religion is dangerous, and that it causes discrimination, violence, and oppression. So with these vastly different arguments against and in favor of religion, there is one question that must be asked. In which ways can religious faith positively affect someone’s life? …show more content…

Pi was raised Hindu, even though the rest of his family had little to no interest in religion, so it is clear that Hinduism is what first gave him hope for God. The idea of Hinduism giving Pi hope carries through the novel through the use of the color orange, and Richard Parker. During the first part of the novel, the author frequently cuts between the narration of Pi’s story, and his own experience visiting Pi’s house during their interviews. During one of these visits, the author says, “Leaning against the sofa in the living room, looking up at me bashfully, is a little brown girl, pretty in pink, very much at home. She’s holding an orange cat in her arms.” (Martel 102). By showing this insight into Pi’s life after he is rescued, the author gives the reader hope that Pi will survive his journey, while the orange cat in his daughter’s arms symbolizes that Richard Parker survives the story as well. While lost at sea with Richard Parker, Pi decides to train Richard Parker instead of letting him die, because having him alive gives Pi hope for survival. As he says, “If I had the will to live, it was thanks to Richard Parker.” (Martel 182). Keeping Richard Parker alive not only supplied Pi with a companion, it also gave him hope that he would be

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