The level of desperation that is peaked when the will of survival is high is displayed by the reoccurring motif of hunger and thirst. Being stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean doesn’t leave one fully stocked with all of supplies that are needed, thus resorting one to gain animal like instincts and take part in beastly actions to fulfill one.
Point One:
In desperation humans are willing to try things that they normally wouldn’t in hopes of satisfying their needs of hunger.
Proof One:
“I tried once to eat Richard Parker’s feces. It happened early on, when my system hadn’t learned yet to live with hunger and my imagination was still wildly searching for solutions.” (Life of Pi, pg. 237)
Comment One:
This quote is the first display of desperation to fulfil ones hunger in this novel. Because Pi is not used to going so long without access to food he tries to satisfy his needs regardless of the taste; whether it is foul or plain. The motif of hunger and thirst is a starting point leading Pi into madness. Once the state of madness has been reached, the will to survive will decrease, and thus to avoid this Pi does what he feels he has to do to survive his journey.
Point Two:
Proof Two:
“I relieved myself into the beaker…I felt the urge to tilt the beaker into my mouth once more. I resisted the temptation. But it was hard. Mockery be damned, my urine looked delicious!” (Life of Pi, pg. 190)
Comment Two:
In this situation, Pi compares his urine to apple juice and longs to drink it as it is a reminder of comforts of home. However, Pi heeds his judgement and uses the urine to mark his territory on the lifeboat as he had already satisfied his thirst.
Point Three:
Breaking something that you have strong beliefs in for the sake of satisfying your hunger
Proof Three:
“Lord, to think that I’m a strict vegetarian. To think that when I was a child I always shuddered when I snapped open a banana because it sounded to me like the breaking of an animal’s neck. I had descended to a level of savagery I never imagined possible.” (Life of Pi, pg. 218)
Comment Three:
Pi is feeling remorse for the deeds that he is taking part in. He is coming to realize that he is willing to let go of his beliefs if it means that he is increasing his chance for survival.
Concluding Sentence:
Under these conditions, as desperation for fulfilling ones hunger and thirst grows, it has been found that one will do the unimaginable and let go of their beliefs to have a chance at life.
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