Stage 2 English Communications

Text Analysis: Novel Study

Task: Comment on Yann Martel’s exploration of two or three of the following ideas
through his use of literary techniques.

 The relationship between human and animal

 Storytelling
 Truth
 Religion
 Survival
 Human nature

Throughout our lives we are constantly faced with compromising situations that test our

abilities and present us with opportunities to learn and grow from personal experiences. Yann

Martel’s ‘Life of Pi’, published in 2001, depicts the story of the protagonist, Pi, and his

extraordinary journey through the Pacific Ocean. The novel is centered on Pi and his

relationship with his companion Richard Parker, as he fights for survival, challenges his

personal beliefs and struggles to grasp reality. This ultimately uplifting story leaves the

reader challenged and wanting more. Through the use of literary techniques Martel is able to

convey the ideas of religion, the relationship between human and animal, and survival.

Martel’s use of allegory in ‘Life of Pi’ reveals the importance of religion to Pi, and to all

people. Throughout his journey in the Pacific Ocean, Pi’s faith is crucial in overcoming the

loss of his loved ones and for his survival. At a young age Pi is intrigued by the powerful

messages that religion carries, and it is because of this that he begins to practice Hinduism,

Islam and Christianity. While stranded in the Pacific Ocean Pi makes “an exceptional

botanical discovery” which after initial dismay restores his faith in religion. Similar to the

Garden of Eden, the algae islands represents religion and is presented as a tool that is

essential for survival. Upon arriving at the island, Pi is quick to find algae which is “wet with

fresh water” and hence essential for his survival. The island is bountiful with algae, much like

the fruits in the Garden of Eden showing signs of hope and reinforcing Pi’s faith. However,

when Pi finds a human tooth in what he believes to be a fruit, he realizes that it is the “seed of

SACE Number: 825631e Nicole Nazareth

[his] departure”. What Pi first believes to be his savior turns out to be a gruesome carnivorous

island, which subsequently leads to Pi quickly abandoning the island. Through the use of

symbolic figures such as the island, Martel is able to convey the hidden idea of religion and

all that it possesses. Although religion is able to provide many with faith, hope and a sense of

belonging it can also be occasionally harsh and take just as much as it gives. This is shown

through the use of the algae islands in ‘Life of Pi’ as it provides Pi with momentarily

happiness but is quick to destroy all contentment.

The relationship between humans and animals is explored through symbolism, which

connects animals to the survivors of the shipwreck allowing for two narratives to be presented

to the reader. The horrendous events that occur through Pi’s journey in the first narrative are

easier to understand due to the carnivorous nature of animals. In the second narrative, the

survivors of the shipwreck take on animalistic qualities that closely match their personalities

and attributes. Through the use of symbolism Pi’s mother is connected to Orange Juice the

maternal and caring orangutan, the Taiwanese sailor by the mellow and vulnerable zebra, the

French cook by the conniving and malicious hyena, and Pi by the strong willed Richard

Parker. Throughout the novel it is understood that Richard Parker represents all that Pi fears

but also is a representation of Pi’s greatest strengths. In moments of weakness Richard Parker

gives Pi life “but at the expense of taking one”, exposing that Pi’s inner strength emerges in

times of desperation, which is detrimental for his survival however costs him his self worth.

Although the animals are used to symbolize their counterparts, it is Richard Parker that aids in

connecting humans with animals. Martel’s use of phrases such as “formidable sideburns” and

“stylish goatee” illustrates that Richard Parker has both human intellectual and physical

characteristics, allowing for the reader to relate to the tiger. As well as this, the tiger is given

a human name and hence human qualities. This further emphasizes the importance of the tiger

acting as a symbol as it reveals a friendly companion as opposed to a barbaric animal. This

ultimately connects humans with animals in the novel, as the reader understands that all

animals, including humans, will fight for survival in grim situations.

SACE Number: 825631e Nicole Nazareth

Foreshadowing in ‘Life of Pi’ illustrates the idea of survival and the confrontation with death

and animals. As a young boy, Pi’s father is adamant on teaching Pi and his brother life

lessons. These lessons foreshadow Pi's own prolonged fight for survival in his experiences

later on. Pi recalls his father feeding a live goat to a tiger in order to teach him “[a] lesson for

the rest of his life.” In doing so, Pi understands that all animals will go to extreme lengths in a

bid to survive. These lessons are later appreciated when Pi abandons vegetarianism by killing

marine life to quench his hunger and ultimately stay alive. Moreover, Martel demonstrates

survival with the aid of symbolism, in order to present the reader with shared similarities

between Richard Parker and Pi. Due to the circumstances Pi faces in the Pacific Ocean, a

more vicious and destructive side of Pi is presented through the symbolic use of Richard

Parker. It is evident that without Richard Parker “[Pi] wouldn’t be alive to tell you [his]

story”. Pi’s progression from a religious moral human to Richard Parker’s dark and

cannibalistic attributes allow for him to survive during his rough times at sea. This evokes a

gloomy and somber feeling within the reader as it illustrates that in times of difficulties our

moral compass is jeopardized in order to ensure survival.

‘Life of Pi’, written by Yann Martel, presents the reader with a brave and captivating

narrative. Martel’s use of literary techniques such as allegory, symbolism and foreshadowing

helps further emphasize key ideas of religion, the relationship between human and animal and

survival in order to enable the reader to connect to Pi. In doing so, the reader understands the

horrific and tremendous journey Pi faces at sea and consequently provokes an emotional

response towards Pi. Although Pi’s outcome is positive, the circumstances that allow for his

success is confronting and leaves a melancholy feeling in the reader long after the novel has

been devoured.

Word Count 1028

SACE Number: 825631e Nicole Nazareth