Life Of Pi Insanity Essay

Analysis #1 Draft #1
Insanity vs Sanity

In Yann Martel’s novel Life of Pi, the story is told from the point of view of a boy who had lost his whole family in a sinking ship. He then finds himself alone with some zoo animals, his faith, and his will of survival. Though the credibility of the story is later tested, there are many examples and clues, showing that Pi had fallen victim to insanity in his devastatingly insane journey. This essay will focus of Pi’s actions, thoughts, and mentality through the length of his time on the boat.

“I was alone and orphaned, in the middle of the Pacific, hanging on to an oar, an adult tiger in front of me, sharks beneath me, a storm raging about me” (Pg. 118). Emotional and Psychological trauma is defined as the result of extraordinary stressful events that shatter someone’s sense of security and often involve a threat to life. Pi was in constant danger, throughout the book, being so close to Richard Parker. He didn’t talk about the loss of his family in the pages after the sinking of the ship, he had come into survival mode which had already changed him from whom he used to be. His survival mode is correlational to his trauma.

“I survived 227 days. That’s how long my trial lasted, over seven months” (Pg.210). Pi

It is irony of this story that the one who scared me witless to start with was the very same who brought me peace, purpose, I dare say even wholeness” (Pg. 179). Pi’s average day on the boat was spent hunting for food and praying, but most of all it was tending to Richard Parker. It was true, Richard Parker did give him purpose, a routine, which is why it gave life to Pi’s obsession. Pi had no one except Richard Parker, and spending that about of time with something, all he could do was observe the magnificent creature. The obsession becomes insanity when Pi starts to forget that the adult Bengal Tiger over time hasn’t become his friend, but is still a