Monday, 3 June 2013
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Humans have been found to have many traits in common, traits of our human nature. "Human nature is the basis of character, the temperament and disposition; it
is that indestructible matrix upon which the character is built, and whose shape
it must take and keep throughout life. This we call a person's nature." (Hammer). Piscine Molitor Patel, main character in the Life of Pi by Yann Martel, is no exception to the aspects of human nature. Pi's journey across the ocean contains harsh conditions that push him to display some of the basic characteristics of human nature. These characteristics include human's will to survive, our constant search for purpose and our need for companionship. These traits will be explained throughout this blog, through Pi, myself, other texts and real-life situations.
Will to Survive
Over the course of the novel, Pi faces many hardships, through which he struggles to survive. Somehow, Pi's survival instincts help him make it to across the Pacific Ocean. Yann Martel shows the nature of survival that often pushes people to perform heroic, uneasy tasks. Here is a list of obstacles Pi overcomes:
- Lack of shelter
- Lack of food and water
- Lack of human contact
- Stormy ocean conditions and nature
- Near blindness
- Loss of family and grief
- Nearness of dangerous animals
- Boredom and little chance
- Fear
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The list goes on and on. In a situation where chance of survival is slim and hardships are many, it curious as to what makes a human keep going. This drive is our will to survive. Pi fights against death and only for brief moments does he almost accept it. However his nature never allows him to fully succumb to its temptation. For most people death is not a temptation, though for Pi, it would seem much easier than the path to survival.
In Pi's life and death situation, he does many things that go against his moral beliefs. The vegetarian at first struggles with the idea of eating fish but is soon easily tearing into the meat of turtles, fish, sharks, birds, crabs, etc. He even decides it is worth trying tiger poop, in the chance it might help him survive.
Pi is not the only one in this novel who demonstrates the will to survive. The Zebra puts up a good fight before finally dying after many days of being eaten alive by the hyena. In fact, each animal who travels with Pi fights it's opponent before dying, in attempt to fulfill their will to survive. Including Orange Juice, the orangutan, who puts up a good fight against the hyena, even though likelihood of survival is low.
The will to survive is not only found in Pi and his animal friends. In real life there are many, hard to believe, survival stories that humans have endured. The story of Ricky Megee's survival in the Australian outback is an inspiration one. In 2001, he managed to survive 70 days alone in the outback. While he couldn't remember how he ended up alone in the middle of the wilderness, Megee believes he was drugged and abducted while driving on a quiet road. His diet while lost consisted of frogs, leeches, cockroaches and lizards. He managed to find a small damn where he could stay hydrated. He was lucky to be found by farmers passing by.
Another similar story to that of Megee's is Aron Ralston's survival in Bluejohn Canyon, Utah. This story is better known to most as it was made into a book and movie. In 2003, Aron was hiking in the canyon alone when he got his arm trapped between a bolder and the canyon wall. Aron had not told anyone of his hiking plans or where he was going, so he knew he was alone and that his chance of survival was slim. He had only a small amount of water and food that wouldn't last him very long. After six days, Aron took action. Knowing he wouldn't be found or survive very long, Aron amputated off his right arm and climbed back to freedom with only one arm left. His heroic behaviour was brought on by the conflict between the idea of death and his will to survive.
In this audio taken from one of Aron's videos while he was trapped he sounds very discouraged. It is similar to how Pi feels when he starts fading into an acceptance of death. Pi claims that "By the next morning I had lost all fear of death, and I resolved to die." Like Aron, Pi decided that he would not last much longer and would likely die soon. Coincidently, both start dreaming of the foods they wish they could have in their last hours. Pi talking about ice cream and Indian delicacies from back home, and Aron talking about margaritas and orange juice. However, even though Pi and Aron become discouraged and start to accept the idea of death, neither actually gives into its temptation. Their will to survive takes over and pushes them to survival.
In Pi's life and death situation, he does many things that go against his moral beliefs. The vegetarian at first struggles with the idea of eating fish but is soon easily tearing into the meat of turtles, fish, sharks, birds, crabs, etc. He even decides it is worth trying tiger poop, in the chance it might help him survive.
Pi is not the only one in this novel who demonstrates the will to survive. The Zebra puts up a good fight before finally dying after many days of being eaten alive by the hyena. In fact, each animal who travels with Pi fights it's opponent before dying, in attempt to fulfill their will to survive. Including Orange Juice, the orangutan, who puts up a good fight against the hyena, even though likelihood of survival is low.
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| Ricky's much thinner look after surviving 70 days in the outback. |
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| Aron Ralston stuck in Bluejohn Canyon, Utah. |
Another similar story to that of Megee's is Aron Ralston's survival in Bluejohn Canyon, Utah. This story is better known to most as it was made into a book and movie. In 2003, Aron was hiking in the canyon alone when he got his arm trapped between a bolder and the canyon wall. Aron had not told anyone of his hiking plans or where he was going, so he knew he was alone and that his chance of survival was slim. He had only a small amount of water and food that wouldn't last him very long. After six days, Aron took action. Knowing he wouldn't be found or survive very long, Aron amputated off his right arm and climbed back to freedom with only one arm left. His heroic behaviour was brought on by the conflict between the idea of death and his will to survive.
Search for Purpose
A person's purpose in life can be hard to discover, yet everyone goes through the search. Pi's whole trip is symbolically his search for purpose and meaning in life; it's his journey from childhood to adulthood. Pi discovers himself on the ocean, and, in a more literal sense, finds a purpose through Richard Parker. Richard Parker keeps Pi busy one the boat and distracts Pi from his other hardships. "I started thinking seriously about how I was going to deal with Richard Parker... I couldn't always be running away from him... It was my rights I needed, the sort of rights that come with might. It was time to impose myself and carve out my territory." (Martel, 255) Here, Pi decides he how he must fulfill the purpose of taming Richard Parker. By doing this, the sense of purpose allows Pi distraction from the fear and struggle of his journey.
Pi's search for purpose is similar to those of many characters from other stories. In the novel, The Pursuit of Happyness, author Chris Gardener writes a story of a man who is living on the streets with his young son. The man's sense of purpose in life is to provide for his son and make his son happy. This is a difficult task for him, as he fails to find a job, despite his intelligence. It is his sense of purpose that allows him distraction from his own challenges and enables him to continue searching for employment. In the end, he fulfills his purpose by finding a well-paying job and is overcome with happiness. Similarly to how Pi feels when he tames Parker.
"... to be truly happy, we need a sense of purpose or meaning that is outside of ourselves." (Sense of Purpose) Different people have different goals in life. For instance, some people feel the need to help others and may become doctors, human rights activists, scientists, human aids workers, etc. Personally, I am still trying to find out what my sense of purpose is. Soon I will need to decide what I want to do in the future, but with so many options it is hard to figure out will make me happy. In the past year I've wanted to be a veterinarian, a real estate agent, an architect and business women. Obviously I am still very indecisive. However, since it is in our nature, everyone goes through this struggle, Pi included.
Pi's search for purpose is similar to those of many characters from other stories. In the novel, The Pursuit of Happyness, author Chris Gardener writes a story of a man who is living on the streets with his young son. The man's sense of purpose in life is to provide for his son and make his son happy. This is a difficult task for him, as he fails to find a job, despite his intelligence. It is his sense of purpose that allows him distraction from his own challenges and enables him to continue searching for employment. In the end, he fulfills his purpose by finding a well-paying job and is overcome with happiness. Similarly to how Pi feels when he tames Parker.
"... to be truly happy, we need a sense of purpose or meaning that is outside of ourselves." (Sense of Purpose) Different people have different goals in life. For instance, some people feel the need to help others and may become doctors, human rights activists, scientists, human aids workers, etc. Personally, I am still trying to find out what my sense of purpose is. Soon I will need to decide what I want to do in the future, but with so many options it is hard to figure out will make me happy. In the past year I've wanted to be a veterinarian, a real estate agent, an architect and business women. Obviously I am still very indecisive. However, since it is in our nature, everyone goes through this struggle, Pi included.Need for Companionship
Not only in Life of Pi do animals of different species find companionship in one another. While interactions between different species sometimes go against science and logic, the need for companionship brings them together. The video below shows many real life examples of this.
The video clip says "...despite their differences, natures unlikeliest companions pair up because, for whatever reason, they fulfill each other's needs, whether emotional or practical". Parker does this exact thing for Pi and my family and friends do the same for me. If I didn't have them my life would be very lonely and I wouldn't be happy. Like Pi needs Richard Parker, I need my family to help me get through difficult times in my life and to help me better enjoy the good times. Included in my family is our dog, Ginger. The domestic dog is often called "man's best friend", a fitting title for a beloved pet. Many people find happiness in their dog companions, including myself. Ginger, is always excited to see me when I get home from school and keeps me company when I am home alone. In fact, studies have shown that dogs can help improve people's mood and help lessen tension. It is also possible that dogs may be able to help with depression and anxiety disorders. The director of the Depression Research and Clinic Program at UCLA, Dr. Ian Cook says that "Pets offer an unconditional love that can be very helpful to people with depression."This is exactly how Richard Parker helps Pi from becoming depressed and maintaining a positive attitude.Companionship is in our human nature. It is always comforting to know you are not alone in life. Whether you find that comfort in another human being, or like Pi, an animal, it is the idea behind companionship that allows us to tackle the tough situations in life and be happier in the simple ones. Like Mark Twain said, "To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with."
The will to survive, the pursuit for purpose and need for companionship are a few aspects of human nature that Piscine Molitor Patel demonstrates. Being part of our human nature, these aspects are common to everyone.
Works Cited
Benoist, M.. N.p.. Web. 3 Jun 2013. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/08/0830_040830_aronralston.html>.
Hammer, Frank, and Lydia Hammer. "What is Human Nature." Sacred Texts. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Jun 2013. http://www.sacred-texts.com/nth/aec/aec05.htm.
Martel, Yann. Life of Pi. 1st ed. Toronto: Harcourt Incorperation, 2001. Print.
"Sense of Purpose." HandsOnScotland. Playfield Institute, 02 Jul 2012. Web. 3 Jun 2013. <http://www.handsonscotland.co.uk/flourishing_and_wellbeing_in_children_and_young_people/sense_of_purpose/sense_of_purpose.html
Squires, N.. N.p.. Web. 3 Jun 2013. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/1515759/Lost-man-survives-in-Outback-on-raw-frogs-and-leeches.html>.
Hammer, Frank, and Lydia Hammer. "What is Human Nature." Sacred Texts. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Jun 2013. http://www.sacred-texts.com/nth/aec/aec05.htm.
Martel, Yann. Life of Pi. 1st ed. Toronto: Harcourt Incorperation, 2001. Print.
"Sense of Purpose." HandsOnScotland. Playfield Institute, 02 Jul 2012. Web. 3 Jun 2013. <http://www.handsonscotland.co.uk/flourishing_and_wellbeing_in_children_and_young_people/sense_of_purpose/sense_of_purpose.html
Friday, 24 May 2013
The Infinity of Pi Through Belief
It would be hard not to go crazy if you were stranded on a lifeboat, in the middle of the ocean, with only a 450 pound Bengal tiger for company. You would need to find a way to survive physically; find food and water, and not get eaten by a hungry tiger. At the same time, you would need to find ways to survive mentally. Being without human contact for long periods of time can make a person insane. Just watch the movie Castaway.
One thing is certain, there wouldn't be much to do but think. The Life of Pi is filled with two major themes, religion and zoology. The animal background of Pi's upbringing helps him survive physically, while his interest in religion and strong sense of belief is what helps him survive mentally.
Pi's religious views can be very confusing. He is a follower of Hindu, Islam AND Christianity. Most people would find this strange but Pi believes that people have the freedom to believe what they wish. He wants to love God, in a more general sense. It is difficult to describe Pi's religious views. For more information watch the video at the link below.
At the end of chapter seven, Pi describes his opinion of belief and his disapproval for agnostics saying, "It is not atheists who get stuck in my craw, but agnostics. Doubt is useful for a while... But we must move on. To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation". Pi has a strong passion for belief, and disapproval of doubt. He preaches that people need to believe in something, whether it is science or religion. If Pi were to have the perspective of an agnostic, later in his story it would be less likely for him to survive. When Pi becomes stranded on a lifeboat faith gives him hope. It makes him not give up and yearns him to push for survival instead of giving in to the ocean and its hardships.
Having faith in God, no matter what religion(s), gives Pi the hope that he will survive, and make it through with His help. While on the boat, Pi has a moment of clarity in the midst of his struggles. He prays "The amazing will be seen every day. I will put in all the hard work necessary. Yes, so long as God is with me, I will not die. Amen". If it weren't for his strong belief that there is a God watching over him, Pi would give up. He would let himself die, as he almost does before his belief takes over and hope returns to him.
It is not to say that Pi never has doubt. Like anyone would, Pi becomes torn with grief, fear and anxiety. He goes from being safe with his family on a cargo ship, to being stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean, practically alone. He is surrounded by sharks, a hungry hyena and tiger, and a vast ocean. He has no help and barely any chance for survival. His family is likely dead, and soon he will likely be too. In this situation, it is hard to have any spirit. It would be easy to take an agnostic view and doubt God. Questions like; Why would God let this happen? And what did I do to deserve this? would come to mind. However Pi passes the test of doubt. Yes he questions his survival and negative thoughts play on his mind, but he manages to overcome all of that and keep faith.
In the quote from chapter seven, Pi explains that it is natural to have doubts, but you must move on from that. This is exactly what he does. He pushes through the hardships and manages to survive. He doesn't stray from his original values of what he wants himself to be and he does not chose "doubt as a philosophy in life". It is because of this that Pi is able to survive.
With doubt you have no belief. Without belief you have no hope. Without hope you have no spirit and without spirit you lack the will to survive. Pi has the will to survive.
Pi's religious views can be very confusing. He is a follower of Hindu, Islam AND Christianity. Most people would find this strange but Pi believes that people have the freedom to believe what they wish. He wants to love God, in a more general sense. It is difficult to describe Pi's religious views. For more information watch the video at the link below.
At the end of chapter seven, Pi describes his opinion of belief and his disapproval for agnostics saying, "It is not atheists who get stuck in my craw, but agnostics. Doubt is useful for a while... But we must move on. To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation". Pi has a strong passion for belief, and disapproval of doubt. He preaches that people need to believe in something, whether it is science or religion. If Pi were to have the perspective of an agnostic, later in his story it would be less likely for him to survive. When Pi becomes stranded on a lifeboat faith gives him hope. It makes him not give up and yearns him to push for survival instead of giving in to the ocean and its hardships.
It is not to say that Pi never has doubt. Like anyone would, Pi becomes torn with grief, fear and anxiety. He goes from being safe with his family on a cargo ship, to being stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean, practically alone. He is surrounded by sharks, a hungry hyena and tiger, and a vast ocean. He has no help and barely any chance for survival. His family is likely dead, and soon he will likely be too. In this situation, it is hard to have any spirit. It would be easy to take an agnostic view and doubt God. Questions like; Why would God let this happen? And what did I do to deserve this? would come to mind. However Pi passes the test of doubt. Yes he questions his survival and negative thoughts play on his mind, but he manages to overcome all of that and keep faith.
In the quote from chapter seven, Pi explains that it is natural to have doubts, but you must move on from that. This is exactly what he does. He pushes through the hardships and manages to survive. He doesn't stray from his original values of what he wants himself to be and he does not chose "doubt as a philosophy in life". It is because of this that Pi is able to survive.
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