In the second third of “Life of Pi” symbols and archetypes become significant components to the interpretation of the text. The archetypal literary criticism provides significance to the events that took place during Piscine Patel’s time in the Pacific Ocean. With symbols and archetypes, the text provides an insight into why Pi pushed for survival and how he was guided.
Richard Parker can be seen as an archetype symbolizing the will to survive. The tiger is seen to have been a distraction from Pi’s reality. This is seen in the quote “if I still had the will to live it was thanks to Richard Parker. He kept me from thinking too much about my family and my tragic circumstances” (Martel 182). Pi’s attention was diverted away from the “tragic circumstances” and towards caring and surviving for both Richard Parker and himself. Pi did not have the time to worry about his entire situation when he was fixated on one disturbance.
Richard Parker was seen as the main obstacle is Pi’s journey. The tiger kept Pi aware of his surroundings. He was a reminder to Pi of the determination and importance of survival. The main obstacles for Pi were living with a threat and surviving, Richard Parker represented both. Being an unpredictable animal, Richard parker made it harder for Pi to freely walk around the lifeboat and obtain survival supplies. The tiger followed a routine that Pi was forced to adapt to. Pi had learned how to properly care for himself and the tiger. Richard Parker needed to be consistently fed and cared for, forcing Pi to learn how to obtain food, fish and plan survival methods.
The story continues as Pi faces the archetype of The Temptation. This archetype could be represented with the hyena. With its ceaseless savagery, the hyena showed no delay in its violence. Later it is revealed that Pi, once the innocent vegetarian, participates in hunting, fishing and edges towards savagery. The hyena represented Pi’s first temptations of violence. This is seen in the quote “I felt intense hatred for the hyena. I thought of doing something to kill it. But I did nothing” (Martel 133). The hyena was obvious with its violence as if it were mocking Pi. As the common archetype of the Temptation, the hyena succeed in guiding Pi to violent thoughts. The consistent brutality tempted Pi and caused him to begin to question his own morals. I believe that Pi’s violent tendencies will become harder to fend off and more frequent throughout the journey.
The Pacific Ocean adventure leads Pi to a shortage of food. This prompts Pi to begin a new means of obtaining his salvation: fishing. The first dorado fish that Pi caught can symbolize hope. Pi had exhibited struggles as he began fishing. When Pi catches a dorado he says: “with this fish I was retaliating against the sea, against the wind, against the sinking of ships, against all circumstances that were against me” (Martel 204). In this quote if you were to replace the word fish with hope, it demonstrates Pi’s abiding will to live. The sea, representing infinity of good and evil with its endless waters full of unknown. The wind possibly symbolizing resistance and support, helping guide the boat to land but offering large waves. Lastly, the sinking of the ship marking the official start of Pi’s journey. Throughout each mishap, Pi persevered and the fish is a representation his defiant, undying hope.
When Pi caught the dorado fish he thanked Lord Vishnu and said, “You have saved me by taking the form of a fish” (Martel 205). The fish literally and figuratively saved Pi. The fish saved Pi from hunger and having a hungry tiger. While also providing Pi the strength to continue his journey with this newly found hope.
I believe that the archetypal symbols examined in the second third allow readers to understand how “Life of Pi” is a journey. Pi is faced with many obstacles during his time in the life boat. I think the obstacles are just representations of the greater complications of survival and faith. As the book develops the symbols and archetypes become a more prominent aspect. I consider the archetypal literary criticism as essential to understanding the message of “Life of Pi”.
Works Cited:
Martel, Yann. Life of Pi. Vintage Canada, 2004.
Emilia's Thoughts 