Life of Pi - Why Does Pi Survive?

Piscine Molitor Patel says it himself that his survival is “hard to believe” and can hardly comprehend it looking back. Yet, the readers are promised with a happy ending, and a happy ending with Pi’s survival is what we get. However, it raises the incredible question of just how Pi managed to survive the hardships, loss, pain and suffering, all in the Pacific Ocean’s harsh, unforgiving environment. The first explanation involves Pi’s inborn desire to survive at all cost and to resist giving up. Also, Pi’s versatility to change from a life-long vegetarian to a meat eater and his creativeness in making the best out of a horrible situation are some of the key factors that contribute to his survival. Furthermore, the role of Richard Parker in keeping Pi motivated to survive cannot be overstated enough because even Pi mentions that he would have died without his sole companion at sea. In addition to that, Pi’s prior knowledge of animals serves him well. Coupled with the information and facts gained from the boat’s survival manual, Pi becomes well equipped to survive. Lastly, with faith as a central theme of this text, readers can see how Pi owes his ultimate survival to his steadfast faith in religion and God.

Firstly, Pi’s innate desire to survive at all costs, his ability to adapt his diet to suit the harsh environment and his resourcefulness is crucial in his ultimate survival. He is a person that has an instinctive conditioned desire to survive no matter how dire the circumstance. While others may give up on life after a while, Pi feels like he is one of the others who ‘never give up’ and ‘fight to the very end’. It is this inexplicable yearning to continue living that keeps him alive. Furthermore, he manages to modify from being a peaceful vegetarian to a ‘carnivore’ who will eat anything and everything. When contemplating why he is still fighting, Pi is somewhat humble and says it is not due to courage but ‘‘life-hungry stupidity’’. For Pi, whose own life is