The Concept of Duality in Life of Pi
Sample Essay Introduction
In Life of Pi, by Yann Martel, Pi Patel, the main character of the story, chooses a 450pound Bengal tiger to represent himself. Pi does this because of the tiger’s qualities. The
tiger has nobility, grace, and intelligence. These are all qualities that Pi demonstrates
while he is trying to survive while on a lifeboat adrift in the Pacific Ocean. Yet, these
qualities have a dark side that are also part of the tiger and Pi, which include savagery,
brute force, and instinct. Taken together, these examples of duality enable him to endure
and survive his tragedy at sea. Pi must utilize all that he has learned about reason and
religion as he encounters despair and madness to reach hope and sanity.