Throughout the novel, Life of Pi, the main character and protagonist, Piscine Molitor Patel develops a relationship with and devotion to God. As he faces more trials and tribulations, Pi’s faith becomes stronger. This developed trust in his beliefs allows him to continue to live with a peaceful and positive attitude despite his tragic circumstances. The theme of science and religion is central in the novel. Yann Martel utilises Piscine, better known as Pi, to tell the story of Life of Pi through the perspective of a curious young boy who believes you can only reach your full potential and view the world through the combination of religion and science.
The story starts with Mr. Adirubasamy stating, “I have a story that will make you believe in God.” This quote establishes what the novel is about and the manner in which it is going to be told. Pi develops a strong faith in all three religions he encounters, those being Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
Pi develops his interest in science and religion. His influencers are primarily Mr. Kumar and Mr. Kumar, his childhood teachers. “Mr. and Mr. Kumar were the prophets of my Indian youth.” (Martel, 2015, p. 68) This quote illustrates the most important and influential teachers in Pi’s childhood, showing the significance of both Mr. Kumar, the atheist and biology teacher and the Mr. Kumar, the Islamic teacher. His biology teacher, Mr. Kumar, is described using noticeable geometric physical features that correspond to his belief in science and logical self. He represents a religious prophet in Pi’s youth as he introduces Pi to the concept of reason.
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Pi studies zoology and religious studies at university when he grows up, showing that both play an important role in his life. Mr. Kumar, Pi’s biology teacher, first introduces Pi to science and inspires his passion for science. We see this when Pi talks about his mentor and the zoo. The science behind mating instinct and habits is brought up, as well as the topic of evolution.
“Each to him was a triumph of logic and mechanics, and nature as a whole was an exceptionally fine illustration of science.” (Martel, 2015, p. 32) This quote immediately illustrates that Pi finds science interesting and important in his life. Science, along with reason, allows Pi to control and manipulate his situation. Pi expresses that science has an element of belief and faith, where people commit to not believing in God. Science can only explain the world up to a certain point and we therefore have to learn to embrace the unbelievable to fully understand the world.
Although science and reason were vital to his situation of survival, his faith was what prevented him from giving up. Pi recalls the difficulty of finding peace and love with and for God, “Sometimes my heart was sinking so fast with anger, desolation and weariness, I was afraid it would sink to the very bottom of the Pacific and I would not be able to lift it back up. At such moments I tried to elevate myself…Despair was a heavy blackness that let no light in or out. It was a hell beyond expression. I thank God it always passed” (Martel, 2015, p. 207).
During his moments of despair, he does not give up. He chooses to have faith in God, and this faith allows him to survive. At the end of the novel, Pi reaches the shore and questions God. He dwells on the thought of God abandoning him but soon finds his trust again in God by stating, “This beach, so soft, firm and vast, was like the cheek of God, and somewhere two eyes were glittering with pleasure and a mouth was smiling at having me there” (Martel, 2015, p. 277). Pi always finds himself in a constant struggle between religion and science. Throughout the novel, faith and science are presented as believing the story that strengthens you. Pi’s story with the animals allowed him to strengthen his faith in God, which in turn contributed to his survival.
