Life of Pi is a movie about Pi, a shipwreck survivor, and his epic journey of discovery and faith. It is based on Yann Martel’s novel with the same name, and the movie, directed by Ang Lee, makes use of magical realism to convey many themes related to life and spirituality. Many significant symbols are also used to showcase the characteristics of magical realism. In particular, water and the carnivorous island were two important symbols that represented the theme of spirituality in Life of Pi. Water is a significant symbol of spirituality and religion in Life of Pi. From the beginning of the movie, where adult Pi introduces himself to the author and tells the story behind his unusual name, the theme of water makes an appearance. Pi’s given name, Piscine Molitor, is a pool in France. Pi’s father’s friend, whom he refers to as Mamaji (a Hindi word for uncle), tells Pi’s father Santosh that if one swims …show more content…
After his struggle in the storm, Pi wakes up and finds the boat near an island made of mangrove trees. Pi and Richard Parker quickly board the island, devouring the vegetation that grows on the island. They begin to explore the island, and to Pi’s relief, the island is fertile and seems peaceful with many meerkats milling around. Pi praises god for providing him with a place for him to stay, and he makes plans to settle on the island. The island represents god’s miraculous supply in times of need. However, at night, the meerkats scatter and Pi watches in horror as the paradisal island turns into a land of death. Fish in waterholes are killed as the water transforms into acid, and Pi finds out that the island is toxic by night. The carnivorous island during the day represents life, and it represents death by night. The carnivorous island as a whole represents the circle of life, or the concept of reincarnation in