Life of Pi Essay: A Reflection on Personal Values and Beliefs

This essay is a personal reflection on a quote from Yann Martel's *Life of Pi*. The student selects a quotation about how encounters change individuals, relating it to their own experiences. The essay begins with an explanation of why the quotation was chosen, emphasizing its relatability and impact. The student then narrates their personal journey, detailing how a change in family circumstances and a shift in friendships led to a new understanding of values and the importance of genuine connections. The narrative highlights the influence of a friend who helped the student broaden their perspective beyond material wealth, leading to a greater appreciation for life's complexities and the struggles of others. Finally, the essay concludes with an assessment of the honesty of Pi Patel's story, acknowledging the potential influence of hindsight while still considering the narrative's overall integrity and personal impact.

Running head: LIFE OF PI
English
Name of the Student:
Name of University:
Author Note

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Quotation: “It is true that those we meet can change us, sometimes so profoundly
that we are not the same afterwards, even unto our names.” – Yann Martel, Life of Pi.
1. Life of Pi is one of the best selling novels loved by its readers for its boldness and
adventure which makes magic realism even more profound. The story revolves around PI Patel,
who is the son of a cautious zookeeper. The story is rich in wisdom which is deeply rooted in the
story. The story is about hope and belief, to denote which, several metaphors have been
employed by the author. In the journey of life, people make ties which make them share
attachment and not easy to let go of as easily. The novel puts a sharp knife to bring out the harsh
reality of letting go even when one is not ready for it to happen. The denial of conclusion or
closure may leave a person with remorse or regret, which happens with Pi Patel and can be
related to be universal (Martel). The novel stands as the example for reminding the readers that
some meetings leave important marks in lives which make them different version of themselves.
I was compelled to choose this quote because it is relatable and struck a chord because of similar
realization and understanding of meaningful encounters in life which has compelled me to look
at things differently and value them.
2. The days spent in school were happy and delightful. I was privileged and self absorbed to
a great degree as I was mostly concerned about lighter joys and things with which I was closely
associated with. I never was provoked to thought about things which were not directly related to
me and my surrounding because of the privileges which I enjoyed. I would call them to be
privileges, now that I look back, because I am aware today that many people do not have access
to the things I enjoyed in life or were satiated with, in life, without having to struggle to have
them. In other words, I was living in my own little bubble.

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When I got into my High School years, the scenario at my household changed owing to
some of the troubles which arrives in my father’s business. The business was facing some
significant losses which suddenly made the tables turn and our lifestyles change. My mother was
never a person who would lead a luxurious lifestyle, even though she had everything thing at her
disposal. She would rather warm me against many things which she looked down upon for
wastages and high expectations of life. I remember that my mother scolded us for valuing things
lowly and later at the time of turmoil the realization struck hard. I suddenly became unwanted in
my previous friends group as they bragged and discussed their luxurious lifestyles, gadgets and
toys more rather than about their experiences and which games to play to enjoy each other’s
company.
It is at this point in time, I started feeling immensely dejected and lonely and was
embraced by a friend named Farhan, whom I did not pay attention to before. His warmth and
company made me feel rich in a time when I lost my friends for having failed to live up to their
wealthy expectations. A new door opened to my realization when I was made to feel that there
are so much more to friendship and the world to cherish rather than the riches we enjoyed which
only met our materialistic needs. Farhan helped me understand that people have several struggles
despite which fight against the odds to only overcome them. I realized, I was oblivious to his
presence because I was blinded by my own conscience. His company has helped me look at the
under privileged and poor differently which I was incapable of, before. He was changed me for
the better as my moralities are not governed by wealth. I value my parents’ efforts and
everything I have in life more than before.
The story of Life of Pi is extremely encouraging as Pi and Parker make tireless attempts
at survival after being caught in a boat (Martel). Pi and his parents leave with a few animals but

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only two remain while they sail to Canada and get hit by a storm. It is about the situations and
realities which arrive and often hard to deal with.
3. I believe, the story of Pi Patel is honest even though it can be narrated from a point of
hindsight and realization. Pi Patel has told the story with honesty as he has undergone the
experiences but might have internalized his experiences for his understanding as time progressed
and he looked back to them, even while narrating the story.

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References
Martel, Yann, Life of Pi: A Novel. New York: Harcourt, 2001.