Comparing Yann Martel's Life Of Pi And Chuck Noland

A survivor is a person who remains living even after an event has occurred in which others have died. Pi Patel in Yann Martel's Life of Pi and Chuck Noland in Robert Zemeckis’ Cast Away are both examples of survivors who overcame difficult circumstances and despite the odds, lived to see another day. These two castaways share similarities by not giving up when their situation seems tough, creating unlikely friends who experience their journey with them, and losing their companion without a proper goodbye. Pi Patel and Chuck Noland are both stranded at sea and barely surviving with limited resources. Despite a near death sentence, both young men chose to fight for survival because each are motivated something they love. Though their love is different- Pi's love belongs to his religions and lost family and Chuck's belongs to a long lost girlfriend- their motives help them remain living.
On the contrary, Pi “discovered at that moment that [he] has a fierce will to leave” (Martel 148). If it were not for God, Pi would have given up on life, but “so long as God is with me, I will not die” (Martel 148). While lost at sea, Pi Patel and Chuck Noland both find themselves alone, until each makes an unusual friend. For Chuck, a volleyball named Wilson keeps him company throughout his days (Zemeckis). On the other hand, Pi shares his journey with Richard Parker, a feisty tiger, who saves his life many times. Although the two friendships may seem strange and unexpected, both help Chuck and Pi cope with their circumstances. Years later, Pi recaps his time with the tiger and the importance Richard Parker has had in Pi’s life. He shares their tormented memories together and explains how “Richard Parker has stayed with me. I’ve never forgotten him” (Martel 6). However, these unlikely bonds are broken when the friendships come to an end without a proper