life of pi essay about freedom
Allan Coalla
Mrs. Green
Honors 10th Literature and Composition
August 29, 2013
Elucidating the Meaning of Freedom
In light of the recent National Security Administration (NSA) scandal and the push for gun control the proverbial line between freedom and tyranny has been blurred. “Life of Pi” is complex and exposes many different themes. Many people see Life of Pi as an account a person’s experience, balancing religion, faith and tragedy in the midst of dire situations. This is true for me as I too read stories of freedom in religious practices and life in general throughout the entire story. Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel, a Tamil boy from Pondicherry, explores issues of spirituality and practicality from an early age. “Pi” is a man of many religions. He is very subservient and accepting of an external entity controlling his life. However, practicing multiple religions is usually frowned upon by society, yet he pushes on practicing the concept of freedom in religion. Pi says, “I know zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem. Certain illusions about freedom plague them both.” (Ch. 4, Pg. 36)
"Animals in the wild lead lives of compulsion and necessity within an unforgiving social hierarchy in an environment where the supply of fear is high and the supply of food low and where territory must constantly be defended and parasites forever endured. What is the meaning of freedom in such a context? Animals in the wild are, in practice, free neither in space nor in time, nor in their personal relations." (Chapter 4, page 31)
In the quote above, Pi is challenging the views of those who say zoos are oppressive to animals by implying that, by giving the animals an enclosed environment free of danger they are freer than their counterparts in the wild. He wrestles with the question of that being a free man really mean. Does it mean being allowed to do what he pleases with his time? Does it mean that it is
Mrs. Green
Honors 10th Literature and Composition
August 29, 2013
Elucidating the Meaning of Freedom
In light of the recent National Security Administration (NSA) scandal and the push for gun control the proverbial line between freedom and tyranny has been blurred. “Life of Pi” is complex and exposes many different themes. Many people see Life of Pi as an account a person’s experience, balancing religion, faith and tragedy in the midst of dire situations. This is true for me as I too read stories of freedom in religious practices and life in general throughout the entire story. Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel, a Tamil boy from Pondicherry, explores issues of spirituality and practicality from an early age. “Pi” is a man of many religions. He is very subservient and accepting of an external entity controlling his life. However, practicing multiple religions is usually frowned upon by society, yet he pushes on practicing the concept of freedom in religion. Pi says, “I know zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem. Certain illusions about freedom plague them both.” (Ch. 4, Pg. 36)
"Animals in the wild lead lives of compulsion and necessity within an unforgiving social hierarchy in an environment where the supply of fear is high and the supply of food low and where territory must constantly be defended and parasites forever endured. What is the meaning of freedom in such a context? Animals in the wild are, in practice, free neither in space nor in time, nor in their personal relations." (Chapter 4, page 31)
In the quote above, Pi is challenging the views of those who say zoos are oppressive to animals by implying that, by giving the animals an enclosed environment free of danger they are freer than their counterparts in the wild. He wrestles with the question of that being a free man really mean. Does it mean being allowed to do what he pleases with his time? Does it mean that it is