Life of Pi part 1 paper

I think science is benefited through being explored through literature because it integrates science into a story that holds our attention. “Naked science”, the bare facts and principles, can be fascinating in their own right. Unfortunately, for many of us, it is difficult for scientific concepts to hold our attention in this way. By integrating scientific information into Life of PI, Yan takes the effort out of learning. Scientific principles that normally would have to interest us based on their own merits suddenly become beautiful descriptions of what is happening around Pi, or important elements to the story. If we are interested in the plot and want to fully understand Yan’s writing, we must pay full attention to the scientific tidbits abounding in Life of Pi. Thus, the less scientifically inclined are “tricked” into learning about science of their own free will.

Playing opposite to the role of science is religion. The protagonist Pi is both deeply scientific and religious, which appears to be a contradiction. However, it is quickly apparent that Pi is the ultimate contradiction when it comes to religion. He purports to be Muslim, Christian, and Hindu. Belief in any one of these religions should necessarily negate belief in the other two, however this is not the case. Similar (though obviously with much more innocent and virtuous intentions) to the concept of “double think” in 1984 by George Orwell, Pi completely believes in each of these religions and devoutly observes each. To Pi, belief is necessary to have a meaningful life. He has no problem with atheists, he says, because they believe, even if it is in the power of science. He dislikes agnostics because they do not know what they believe in. When Pi is shipwrecked, he must combine both his beliefs in science and religion in order to find what Yan portrays as perfect balance.