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Life Of Pi Theme Essay

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Life Of Pi Theme Essay
Throughout the novel Life of Pi the author Yann Martel uses the colour orange to symbolize the major themes of both, hope and survival. Reference to the colour orange is made in the description of both the zoo animals that are apart of Pi’s world and the inert objects that are used by Pi in his struggle to survive. It is no coincidence that the colour orange was chosen, this essay will outline some of these examples and how they relate to the themes of hope and survival. Firstly, Yann Martel uses the colour orange in the story to act as a symbol for the theme of survival. When stranded in the Pacific Ocean, following the tragic event of the sinking ship, Pi’s only concern is survival. There are frequent references to the colour orange - the …show more content…
I was feeling fine now” (Martel 135). In this incredibly stressful moment, Orange Juice provided a channel for Pi, which aids in his survival. She provided a measure of emotional support that helps the young Pi maintain hope in the face of a horrific tragedy. Thus, the usage of the colour orange is to symbolize the theme of survival. Secondly, Yann Martel strategically references the colour orange in the novel to act as a symbol of hope. A few moments after the ship sinks and Pi lands on an orange tarpaulin he explains that he: “ lost the life jacket, except for the whistle, which stayed in my hand”
(Martel 116). Here, faced with diversity and great risk Pi hangs on to the orange whistle. This acts as a symbol of hope for Pi’s future and that he will survive even though he may find himself in tough situations .While on the rough waters Pi is accompanied by a large orange tiger named, Richard Parker. Pi states; “ It’s the plain truth; without Richard Parker, I wouldn't of been alive to tell you my story today” (Martel 182). Although at times Pi feared Ricard Parker, it was him who kept Pi alert and hopeful at all times on his journey to survive. The tiger also provided a sense of emotional support and companionship in a time of fear and loneliness, touching Pi on a spiritual level due to the fact that he studied Hindu. Therefore, the colour orange is used to represent the theme of hope in the

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