Martel utilizes the tiger to display discipline, courage, primitive instincts, and the vitality of companionship, all of which are traits that embody Pi, himself. A key factor in Piscine’s survival is the pure notion that Richard Parker’s company emits a ferocious and relentless ambiance. This eventually leads Pi to make decisions regarding his well-being, despite its rationality. Each day Pi is at sea, he becomes more cognizant and aware of his basic life necessities. Often Pi says things such as, “Alone or not, lost or not, I was thirsty and hungry” and “I was continuously hungry. I thought about food obsessively” (Martel 169, 211). So, in these moments he recognizes his appetite, and like a bengal tiger, Piscine begins to think of ways …show more content…
Man is afraid of tiger and tiger is afraid of man. They are one in the same. However, Pi feels the necessity to control Richard Parker. He is aware that tigers are highly unpredictable, therefore he must find a way to successfully train him in a manner where boundaries are established. Pi’s training proves difficult, given the nature of such a massive, territorial animal. Piscine must persevere, and his plan comes into full effect when he realizes that “Either he (I) tames (ed) him or dies(ed) the next day” (Martel 206). When Pi gains ample courage, his fifth turtle shell lasts the rest of his training after “Richard Parker made his point with him (me) four times” (Martel 207). Often Pi states that he would not be alive without Richard Parker’s presence and he thanks Richard Parker for saving his life. This may seem like a bizarre thing for him to say, but the tiger’s presence on the boat keeps Piscine somewhat sane. He speaks to Richard Parker and sometimes, not always, he nonverbally communicates in return. Pi says that once, Richard Parker “looked astonished and displeased” with him and that his face inquire a “Where’s my treat?” type of look (Martel