Theme Of Tragedy In Life Of Pi

Despite Yann Martel’s ability to incorporate some comedic and ironic elements to the novel, Life of Pi shows a stronger sense of an Autumn Tragedy and Summer Romance. As the story progresses, it is only towards the end of the narrative where the reader realizes the horrific and shocking reality of Pi’s journey. After reading the third part of the novel and analyzing Frye’s four archetypal narratives, I believe the most fitting mythos for Life of Pi would be an Autumn Tragedy. Weather Pi lost his mother to a cannibalistic cook or at sea, the loss of his entire family is something that is undoubtedly tragic and unbearable. Before this, however, Pi experiences a childhood that tailors nicely to Frye’s first few phases of an Autumn Tragedy. As Martel takes the reader back to Pondicherry, he describes Pi’s innocent and tranquil upbringings. He is largely influenced by God and his parents while he goes through a unique spiritual journey with numerous faiths. Furthermore, he was relatively naïve to the fact that animals – especially predatory – are extremely dangerous. Also, Pi doesn’t realize how difficult the brawl against nature and spiritual devotion can be until the lion’s share of the story begins when the Tsimtsum sinks. Paralleled with the second phase, Pi’s youthful innocence and inexperience with such devastating circumstances lead him to believe that he will be rescued soon and that his parents are still alive. After a few days, he comes to terms with the sad truth that