Life of Pi - Pi's Physical Journey of Suffering and Pain Essay

Above all, according to the dictation of Pi, he suffered from the illness during the drifting; it is likely that Pi developed delusional disorder. When Pi cheered for the appearance of a ship, he blazed with joy. However the ship missed them and even bore down on them. It is had to believe that such conspicuous lifeboat could be missed as there was a tiger on it. As people lost in desert see mirage, Pi might also saw the ship because his desire for survival was so strong that it drove him crazy temporarily. Based on the diagnosis criteria of delusional disorder, “Apart from the impact of the delusion(s) or its ramifications, functioning is not markedly impaired and behavior is not obviously odd or bizarre.”(1), we suggest that Pi take a series of examination to determine whether he is mentally healthy.

Karanvir Dhami Ms. Yu ENG3U March 7, 2011 Symbolism in Life of Pi In Life of Pi there are many literary devices used to present the different themes in the novel. The main literary device used in Life of Pi is symbolism. Symbolism is often used to represent an object to something else, either by association or by resemblance. Most of the names of animals, objects and even humans in this novel have a symbolic meaning. In Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, symbolism such as pi’s name, the colour orange and the algae island, are used throughout the novel to provide Pi with protection to help him either survive or overcome his emotional pain. The mathematical pi is undefined, infinite and unable to be understood, just like Piscine Patel.

disaster has taken your precious son not only from the military but also from his dearest

This time he had gave him a new start, and it helped Pi to equally grow and to expand as a person. This is shown by the fact that Pi had left his vegetarianism, because if he wanted to survive, he had to kill and eat fish. That is not it though, as he also had to learn how to take care of himself and survive on his own since his parents were not on the lifeboat with him. Although in the moment this may have been hard for Pi to do, but in the end it only had a positive outcome on him.

accepting his life the way it was before the thoughts of committing suicide occupied his mind.

he cares about others and how he is willing to be truthful in times like that. The time where he

Firstly, Pi goes through a lot of struggles while lost at sea. He wars with himself on topics such as his views on religion and his decision

He also becomes more in touch with Richard Parker. He shows Richard Parker that he is in control by using a whistle. Together they try and gather food and survive out at sea. This shows how Pi is learning to survive at

Through Pi’s many triumphs and struggles, it is made clear that a close relationship with God can bring strength and hope to deplorable situations. When Pi was a young boy, he began extensively reading about and researching different religions and their beliefs. This child’s interest in multiple faiths began to develop when he noticed that all of their potent narratives have the capability to add meaning and truth to life. One afternoon, while in conversation with his

In chapter one, two themes stand out as ones that seem to be included throughout the novel; fighting to live and religion. Towards the end of the chapter, the narrator speaks of extensive injuries, including anemia, dark urine, and leg swelling. These, along with the others mentioned seem to be a sign that Pi had to survive a very difficult situation. He would have had to fight hard to live through that situation, so he must have a strong will to live. Religion seems to play a large role in the Pi’s life, based on the first chapter. He studied religion in post-secondary, and mentions that he has odd religious practices. For someone to study religion, it must be a large part of their life. Also, if he has been through a life-threatening situation,

As Pi grew older however he began to believe and follow more religions, like Christianity and Hinduism. Since Pi believed in three separate, but similar religions, this gave him an immense amount of hope and belief in his god and in life. “It was natural that, bereft as I was, in the throes of unremitting suffering, I should turn to God.”- Pi Patel. This quote is explaining how throughout all of Pi’s suffering, his hope and faith in god helped him survive through his hardships.

Friedrich Nietzsche once said what doesn’t kill, only makes you stronger. In the novel “Life of Pi” Piscine Patel is put through some extraordinary trials and tribulations that put him in a sort of alienation and would have broken a weak individual. Patel displayed pristine courage, perseverance, determination and an overall willingness to live that helped him overcome extreme exile and live to tell his story.

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

Pi’s inner struggle with his religion and morals vs his survival instinct is symbolized by Richard Parker. This can be exemplified as Pi expresses, “It was Richard Parker who calmed me down. It is the irony of this story that the one who scared me witless to start with was the very same who brought me peace, purpose, I dare say even wholeness” (Martel 179). Richard Parker is a Bengal tiger that is a constant threat in Pi’s life. Although, he eventually provided Pi with rich companionship and calmed him down. Pi takes a major sorrow and turns it into a spiritual gift. Pi believes that God who has a very forbidding presence, can bring peace, wholeness and many other happy things. In Yann Martel’s interview he states, “The more you know about an animal, the more you understand them” (insert citation). Initially, Pi feared Richard Parker, but he is forced to find a way to

He feels weakened and he is in pain due to what he can not indulge in. Pi goes through extreme physical hardship due to what he has been deprived of -- food, water and sleep. Emotionally, Pi suffers to an extent of morality in the book. In order to survive, he is forced to stray from what he believes in.