The tone of despair becomes synonymous with the motif of religion in its appearance throughout the novel. As Pi finds himself overwhelmed with grief and hopelessness, he turns to religion to seek an answer. When Richard Parker emerges from under the lifeboat for the first time, Pi exclaims, “Jesus, Mary, Muhammad, and Vishnu!” (Martel 150). Pi fears for his life as he understands that Richard Parker can easily attack both him and the hyena. He feels desperate and calls on God for salvation whenever he unexpectedly finds himself in a dreadful situation. As Pi continues describing his story, he remarks, “the rest of this story is nothing but grief, ache, and endurance” (Martel 283). It was times like these, times of despair, where he knew he …show more content…
For instance, Pi discovers an algae island (which he later finds is carnivorous) and is overjoyed by the notion of finally reaching land. As he stepped onto the island, he was dumbfounded by all it had to offer and “babbled incoherent thanks to God” (Martel 258). While readers cannot prove that this island was a direct result of God, Pi believes that his belief in religion has allowed for him to come across this island. Before he allows him to indulge in the benefits of the island, he makes sure to thank God for providing assistance as he was beginning to succumb to his weakness. Richard Parker was a Bengal tiger that entered Pi’s life as a blessing disguised as a curse. Pi was originally frightened when he found the tiger aboard his lifeboat but he later realized that Richard Parker kept him from drowning in his own despair and gave him the will to live (Martel 164). He claims, “without Richard Parker, I wouldn’t be alive today to tell you my story” (Martel 164). By accrediting Richard Parker for saving him from existential loneliness, Pi connects the story with animals in it to God. Pi’s faith in religion brings him a sense of purpose along his journey where he was able to let go of his vegetarianism and apply his skills for the sustenance of both him and the tiger. Through the symbols of the algae island and Richard Parker, Martel indicates that Pi’s faith in religion gave him a sense of purpose and support when he felt lonely and