Life of Pi, by Canadian novelist Yann Martel is a perplexing story to say the least. The novel weaves in and out of reality and allegory and focuses on a young boy named Pi, lost at sea with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
There are several different themes in Life of Pi, which can make it a little less confusing to read. Two of these themes include the desire to survive and the significance of storytelling.
The Desire to Survive
Pi survives one crazy journey. He is out to sea for 227 days and conquers famine, blindness and near death on numerous occasions. However, this is not without an incredible battle.
None of the characters on the life boat are willing to die. Instead they must re-structure their beliefs in order to push through. Pi must give up his vegetarianism in order to eat fish to survive while the normally peaceful monkey battles with the hyena. This is survival of the fittest to the extreme and none of the creatures are planning on letting go without a fight.
The desire to survive is clearly demonstrated through the cannibalism that takes place, a common motif that Martel uses throughout the story. The cannibalism demonstrates how far creatures are willing to go when it comes to life, especially when the truth is revealed that it is possible that it was humans, not animals, which were the culprits all along. Martel asks the question: ‘How far is too far?’ However, is it ever really possible to answer this?
The Significance of Storytelling
The entire novel is based on a story within a story, within a story. In fact, there are so many different levels it is hard to understand what the truth really is. This is the whole point. The reason there are so many complex levels of storytelling interweaved into the play is to demonstrate how one’s point of view makes all the difference in the world.
Essentially, the author, Martel explains how he has come to hear the story of Pi, who then tells his story about his journey at sea with Richard Parker and the other animals. However, at the end it is revealed that this was actually a story to explain the “true” story that he was surrounded by humans who committed those harsh deeds as a way to survive. Finally, the Interrogators are left to pick and choose which story to tell.
The importance of storytelling comes down to the idea of truth. The truth is simply too traumatic for young Pi and thus he makes up a story about animals as a way to soften the reality and escape the horrific truths about what humans are capable of.
Furthermore, by creating this story within the story, Pi is able to pass on his horrifying acts to his alter ego, the Bengal tiger. Pi does not have to come to terms with his violent side that allowed him to survive.
About the Author
Martel, an avid traveller and philosopher, currently lives in Saskatoon, Canada with his wife. The Life of Pi won the 2002 Man Booker Prize and was selected as the 2003 Canada Reads Winner. Martel’s next book, A 20th Century Shirt, is expected out later in 2009.
Jenna Galley - Jenna Galley currently writes for a variety of online content writing companies including GRG Freelance Solutions, Freelance Writing ...
