Life of Pi Essay
“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you” (Martin). George R.R. Martin examines the idea of developing one 's identity and using it as an advantage for the purpose of defending oneself in life. Knowing oneself, and being in a state of acceptance can only be beneficial no matter the individual. When ‘armour’ is equipped, it helps eliminate any sort of hidden weaknesses that could be contained within an identity, providing for the individual in all conflicts. Along with Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, the misfortunes the author outlines represent a theme of tragedy and a loss of hope in accordance …show more content…
In place of Piscine Molitor, he takes on the mathematical constant and Greek letter, π, thus reaffirming his own true identity. Additionally, Pi forms his own methodology by practicing three different religions that help him shape his identity for who he is. For instance Pi says, “All religions are true. I just want to love God” (76). Pi finds it challenging to choose one specific religion, therefore he follows a combination of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. He acknowledges the fact that his optimism differentiates him from those around him. He becomes a God loving, righteous person which further enhances his true identity as Pi does things in his own distinguishable manner. The norm of his society would be to simply follow one religion, however, Pi’s identity is a reflection of his beliefs and own personal interests. He does not concur to what society says and he clings on to all three religions, strengthening his identity. This is evident until the very end, as he continues to shape his identity by practicing each religion in the hopes of pleasing God even in the times of hardship, proving how his identity has grown to be stronger. Furthermore, Pi is taught a significant lesson from his father …show more content…
Pi relates, “It’s important in life to conclude things properly. Only then you can let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have never said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse.” (Martell 317). It is demonstrated that Pi is well aware of the fact that he must pursue through the troubles he has been through, and in his relationship with the tiger, he was hoping for a more conclusive farewell. It may be that the tiger is simply the fearsome identity that Pi cultivated on the boat by himself, not a literal animal on a boat. Once Pi reaches the shore and completes his goal of finding other humans, there becomes no need of his grotesque identity. The tiger could never have looked back at Pi because it is merely a symbol of his true identity after the shipwreck and death of his loved ones. He realizes the fact that he cannot express his feelings with the tiger, rather that he must find a way to conclude things with himself. In order to relieve his burden, Pi understands that his story has to be shared with someone and only then could he fully perceive and enhance his own identity as well. Consequently, Pi is pressured to explain the events of the sinking of the ship and he replies by explaining another story which is a turning point for his realization of his own identity. Pi questions the
“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you” (Martin). George R.R. Martin examines the idea of developing one 's identity and using it as an advantage for the purpose of defending oneself in life. Knowing oneself, and being in a state of acceptance can only be beneficial no matter the individual. When ‘armour’ is equipped, it helps eliminate any sort of hidden weaknesses that could be contained within an identity, providing for the individual in all conflicts. Along with Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, the misfortunes the author outlines represent a theme of tragedy and a loss of hope in accordance …show more content…
In place of Piscine Molitor, he takes on the mathematical constant and Greek letter, π, thus reaffirming his own true identity. Additionally, Pi forms his own methodology by practicing three different religions that help him shape his identity for who he is. For instance Pi says, “All religions are true. I just want to love God” (76). Pi finds it challenging to choose one specific religion, therefore he follows a combination of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. He acknowledges the fact that his optimism differentiates him from those around him. He becomes a God loving, righteous person which further enhances his true identity as Pi does things in his own distinguishable manner. The norm of his society would be to simply follow one religion, however, Pi’s identity is a reflection of his beliefs and own personal interests. He does not concur to what society says and he clings on to all three religions, strengthening his identity. This is evident until the very end, as he continues to shape his identity by practicing each religion in the hopes of pleasing God even in the times of hardship, proving how his identity has grown to be stronger. Furthermore, Pi is taught a significant lesson from his father …show more content…
Pi relates, “It’s important in life to conclude things properly. Only then you can let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have never said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse.” (Martell 317). It is demonstrated that Pi is well aware of the fact that he must pursue through the troubles he has been through, and in his relationship with the tiger, he was hoping for a more conclusive farewell. It may be that the tiger is simply the fearsome identity that Pi cultivated on the boat by himself, not a literal animal on a boat. Once Pi reaches the shore and completes his goal of finding other humans, there becomes no need of his grotesque identity. The tiger could never have looked back at Pi because it is merely a symbol of his true identity after the shipwreck and death of his loved ones. He realizes the fact that he cannot express his feelings with the tiger, rather that he must find a way to conclude things with himself. In order to relieve his burden, Pi understands that his story has to be shared with someone and only then could he fully perceive and enhance his own identity as well. Consequently, Pi is pressured to explain the events of the sinking of the ship and he replies by explaining another story which is a turning point for his realization of his own identity. Pi questions the