This document entails a detailed analysis of the representation of Richard Parker and the meaning behind him and what he means to Pi. It also delves into what Richard Parker meant for Pi's survival. I achieved an A grade using this document.
Pi vs. Richard Parker
Piscine Molitor Patel:
● When the ship sinks, Pi is torn from his family and left alone on a lifeboat with
wild animals. The disaster serves as the catalyst in his emotional growth; he
must now become self-sufficient. Though he mourns the loss of his family and
fears for his life, he rises to the challenge. He capably protects himself from
Richard Parker and even assumes a parental relationship with the tiger,
providing him with food and keeping him in line. The devastating shipwreck turns
Pi into an adult, able to fend for himself out in the world alone.
● Richard Parker = his closest friend and worst enemy
● Towards the end of his journey, he almost gives up, unable to bear the loss of his
family and unwilling to face the difficulties that still await him. At that point,
however, he realizes that the fact he is still alive means that God is with him. He
also feels it is his responsibility to keep Richard Parker alive and this thought
gives him strength, and he decides to fight to remain alive.
Richard Parker:
● Pi’s companion throughout his ordeal at sea, a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger.
● Richard Parker acts like a tiger. He doesn't possess any non-tiger characteristics.
○ He hides when he's scared or the weather is too hot or rainy
○ He's aggressive when he's hungry
○ He sulks around when he's restless or bored
○ He purrs or growls accordingly.
Pi and Richard Parker’s relationship:
● In the beginning, Pi doesn't even know a tiger is on board, because Richard
Parker is hiding scared under the tarpaulin. When Richard Parker reveals
himself, it's Pi who's afraid. Thus, at first, fear is the nature of their
relationship.
● Pi finds himself stranded on the furthest point of the lifeboat trying to avoid the
claws and teeth of the tiger; he even spends several days floating on an
improvised raft to avoid being near him.
● However, Richard Parker is completely dependent on Pi for food and water, and
knows it. So their relationship eventually becomes one of compromise, wherein
two individuals each give a little to get a little.
○ Richard Parker doesn't attack Pi, and Pi continues to provide him with
food and water.
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