Symbolism in Yann Martel’s Life of Pi and Guy de Maupassant’s The Necklace

791 Words2 Pages

One important element in a writing is symbolism. It can be shown in many different ways, but what exactly is it? Symbolism directs meaningful equation between a specific object, scene, character, or action and ideas, values, people, and the ways of life. In Life of Pi by Yann Martel, many symbols are used, the lifeboat, the tiger, the name of the tiger, and Pi himself. Each of those symbols are more than just a name or an object, they all have multiple meanings behind them. In “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, symbols are also used to tell the story and give the story great significance. The necklace symbolizes more than just a piece of jewelry. It might be beautiful, but it was worthless

In Life of Pi, the use of symbolism seems to be easy to find. There are multiple symbols used throughout the novel, one being Pi’s nickname. The word Pi has multiple meanings, such as the mathematical pi, using decimals, and the greek meaning of pi. Yann Martel gave Pi that nickname because Pi confuses himself by following multiple religions and believe in a numerous amount of ideals and rituals. Since the word pi has multiple meanings, Pi would be considered a multi layered kid because he has many layers of religion in his life. The lifeboat talked about in the novel serves as Pi’s and Richard Parker, the tiger, home, but also considered an important symbol. It provides support and hope for Pi by allowing him to survive and get to lane, but the lifeboat also changes his perception of Richard. He trains the tiger to behave and to be his friend. Richard Parker, the tiger becomes more than just a tiger to Pi. “If I still had the will to live, it was thanks to Richard Parker. He kept me from thinking too much about my family an...

... middle of paper ...

...ry. Using multiple symbols allows the reader to know more about the character, object, or plot of the story without actually explaining it. Even though Guy de Maupassant only used one symbol, the importance of the necklace and background of the woman’s life was still gathered by its readers.

Symbols give more attention to a specific object, person, idea, or belief. Using symbols allows the readers to associate something in the story with a material object that may or may not be visible. Even though both authors expressed symbolism differently, it was style comprehensible to the readers.

Works Cited

Martel, Yann. Life of Pi: A Novel. New York: Harcourt, 2001. Print.

Maupassant, Guy de. “The Necklace.” Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing, 4th edition. Edgar V. Roberts. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2008. 4-11. Print.

Open Document