Critical Analysis
In the telling of the story, the narrator gives us many chances to believe in God. He shows us the world of Islam, the influence of Hinduism, and the saving grace of Christianity. Pi defines religion as “showing love for God,” while his religious leaders think of religion as the one true path to salvation. But just like there is not only one right way to solve a problem, so is there flexibility in the saving of a soul.
Hinduism presents Pi with a multiplicity of gods, some comedic, some mischievous, some stoic and imperturbable. Islam lets Pi feel the comfort of frequent prayer to a specific God and place. Christianity gives Pi a Savior, someone to feel indebted to, someone to be His advocate to the Father, someone who cared so much for him that He would sacrifice himself, make himself “unholy” to redeem the world. Christ led a difficult life, because He believed that we we more important that His own personal comfort.
Personal Reflection
To me, Life of Pi is first and foremost, a story to make you believe in God, because that is what I think each person needs most. Even if you already have a testimony, you could always use another reason to believe in God and rejoice in His goodness. After reading the first hundred pages, I recommended this book to a friend going through a rough patch in her religious life, hoping it would help her at least as much or more than it helped me.
