ENG 3U1
April 8. 2011
The Will to Survive
“Life of a lifeboat isn’t much of a life”. The stakes are as followed: life or death. Pi’s life on the lifeboat is far from glorious. He has no luxuries, no activities to participate in and no obscure signal or rules to follow aside from his religious guidelines. Life on the lifeboat for Pi leaves him facing many dangers—Richard Parker, sharks, starvation/dehydration, aggressive wave currents etc—his only choice is to fight for survival or give up and die. Evidently, Pi chooses to fight for survival. Life on the lifeboat is compared to an endgame in chess meaning that most of the game has been played out and the majority of the chess pieces have been knocked off the board. Similarly, after the sinking of the Tsimtsum, only Richard Parker, Orange Juice, the hyena, the zebra and Pi were left on the “game board”. These inhabitants are forced into a strategic battle of life or death knowing that only one will prevail. Each inhabitant is aware that they must make the right move because the wrong move may cost them. The zebra, Orange Juice and the hyena are examples of making “wrong moves”. The lifeboat is left with Richard Parker and Pi. Richard Parker is left untouched because he is the dominant alpha male and Pi is left untouched because of his foresight, plan of action and faith which give him the will to survive.
The theme of maintaining the “will to survive” is evident throughout part 2 in the novel. Orange Juice, a peaceful and mother-like orang-utan, fights ferociously against the hyena. Even the wounded zebra battles to stay alive, his painful struggle illustrate the strength of his life force. Pi is forced to make certain adjustments in order to survive such as abandoning his lifelong vegetarianism and resorts to eating fish to sustain his hunger. Also, Pi understands that his emotions, boredom and fear cannot shatter his hopes of being rescued, but must strengthen his ambition. Pi realizes that only death can
The Essay on Life Of Pi Richard Parker 2
Life of PiP i Patel is on a ship to a whole new world. He's leaving his whole world behind except the zoo, it's on board with him. When awoken by a sound, Pi goes to explore. He finds that the ship is sinking and before he can wake his family he is thrown into a lifeboat. A zebra falls into the lifeboat, breaking its leg. Without truly realizing what he is doing, Pi helps Richard Parker onto the ...
consistently excite your emotions (Martel, 217).
While Pi may fear death, and that there is no substantial reason to continue gaining hope, he finds ways to strengthen his will to survive such as turning to religion and for example when he states, “You get your happiness where you can. You reach a point where you’re at the bottom of hell, yet you have your arms crossed in a smile on your face, and you feel you’re the luckiest person on earth. Why? Because at your feet you have a tiny dead fish” (Martel 217).
This quote also expresses the theme of the importance of storytelling. Martel leaves us with the image of someone at the bottom of hell to feeling like the luckiest person on earth. This is a great example of an author using imagery to capture his readers. Also, Martel captures his readers with the metaphor of comparing the lifeboat to an endgame of chess. Martel’s gift allows us to realize that Life of Pi is a story within a story, and through this quote readers can questions themselves and certain situations they are in. In words, Martel is able to express that although an individual may seem like they are at the lowest point in their lives, there is always the future to look forward to or there is someone in a worse situation. Personally this has happened to me. A loved one lying on their deathbed, an individual who is not blood related but a close family friend. In this situation I felt as if life was not fair and began to doubt faith, how could an amazing individual be dying at a young age? Then a looked over and noticed a little girl crying over her deceased mother, asking her to wake up. I sympathized for the little girl but hope I would never have to experience such a tragedy. In summary, through this quote you understand that Pi is always gaining hope and that determination to survive even though it seems impossible. Martel has made it clear that under no circumstances should you quit or give up because you never know what they future has in store for you.
The Essay on Importance of Books in Individual Life
There is a well-defined comfort for those who visit book stores and libraries. The books are there like faithful friends waiting to be called upon, read, valued, and appreciated. Let us not also forget, however, the joy and anticipation when visiting used book stores. They are everywhere, and they all tell a story; but not only from within the pages. They have a history; they came from somewhere; ...