Life Of Pi Religion Essay

Yann Martel’s Life of Pi and H.G. Wells’ Island of Dr. Moreau both creatively use a combination of a shipwreck and a storytelling theme to create a sense of inner struggle that questions and tests one’s own relationship with religion, faith and science. Both authors approach these matters in contrasting ways that make the reader think for themselves and question what is right and what is wrong. Wells’ approach is done through a satirical manner that mocks having faith in religion and shows a preferential approach towards having faith in science. In contrast, Martel’s story is told in such a way that suggests that all three can harmoniously exist together in peace and can “make you believe in God” (citation).

In Life of Pi, Matel addresses the significance of religion and faith in that there is no right or wrong when it comes to believing in God, and that despite the common idea that it is a confining practice, for some it can be one’s source of freedom. Matel does this by depicting Pi as a polytheist, as well as in his comparison between religion and zoos. On page 21, Pi draws a comparison between the two, stating that they do provide freedom even if they come across as confining. Pi explains that
Kumars in Life of Pi, each of them represented a different system of belief. Satish Kumar, his biology teacher, shares openly with Pi his personal story on science versus religion. When he was young, he claimed that it was science and not God who saved him from polio. His biology teacher presents the idea that we must use science and reason rather than religion to heal ourselves. However, Satish Kumar (the baker) tells a different story. Pi’s observation of Mr. Kumar’s soul healing passion for Islam is what ignites a fire in his heart to become a Muslim. Here, it may seem for the first time that Matel suggests it may not be possible for the two sides to coexist. However, in an unexpected encounter at the zoo, we see