Perseverance In Yann Martel's Life

Throughout life, events happen that can greatly affect the quality of a person’s day. Everyone has their own perspective which determines how they view these events. An optimist and a pessimist can have the exact same day and have completely different opinions on how it went. If approached with optimism, events in life become more manageable. The themes of staying positive and being thankful even in the worst of times are shown in Yann Martel’s novel, The Life of Pi, by Piscine’s perseverance when facing unexpected events. These themes are demonstrated by the use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and in intense moments of action.
Pi’s full name, Piscine Molitor Patel, is the cause of teasing and bullying in his younger years. When children would call him “Pissing”, Pi “… would freeze or, the contrary, pursue my activity, pretending not to have heard. The sound would disappear, but the hurt would linger, like the smell of piss long after it has evaporated” (pg. 20). Martel uses an effective simile that provides a strong mental image of the hurt that Pi feels. Although Pi acknowledges that the rude remarks hurt, he never complains about having such a name. Instead, Piscine introduces the nickname of
Pi asks, “Can there be any happiness greater than the happiness of salvation? The answer—believe me—is No” (pg. 234). Pi is understandingly very excited. After the boat does not see Pi and Richard Parker’s lifeboat, does Pi respond with negativity? No, he does not. He instead tells Richard Parker, “don’t give up. I’ll get you to land, I promise, I promise” (pg. 236)! Pi’s attitude of being positive even in the worst of times is demonstrated here. He sets the goal of saving Richard Parker instead of giving up to provide a purpose for himself. Pi later achieves this goal when the lifeboat lands in Mexico, but he must go through more obstacles before that