Need for Companionship

"I believe it was a whale looking for a mate. It must have decided that my size wouldn't do, and besides, I already seemed to have a mate."(Martel, 290) The mate Pi is talking about here is Richard Parker. Richard Parker is an initial threat to Pi's survival but soon becomes a friend and companion who helps him survive. Parker displays many of the same naturalistic behaviours as Pi. The two are literally and figuratively stuck in the same "boat". Both struggle through the same journey and react to threatening situations in similar ways, allowing them to become closer as friends. At the beginning of Pi's journey out onto the ocean, he is terrified and lonely. He goes from having the support of a loving family, to only the threat of dangerous animals. Of the animals he is trapped with- a zebra, orangutan, hyena- Pi feels most threatened by the 450lb Tiger, Richard Parker. I think it is safe to say that most people would have similar feelings of discomfort and fear when put in this situation. But overtime Pi loses some of his fear and his human nature comes into play. He develops a reliance on Richard Parker who, keeps him active, brings him hope, and allows him to stay mentally sane. Pi's feelings for Parker grow throughout out their journey. At one point in the novel Pi exclaims, "I love you! Truly I do. I love you Richard Parker. If I didn't have you now, I don't know what I would do. I don't think I would make it. No, I wouldn't I would die of hopelessness.  Don't give up, Richard Parker, don't give up. I'll get you to land, I promise, I promise!" (Martel, 298) Pi relies on Richard Parker to help him get through his difficult journey and uses him as motivation to keep them both alive.

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.