Life of Pi: Bildungsroman

Life of Pi represents a bildungsroman as it describes the growth of the boy, Pi, in his struggle to stay alive on a lifeboat for 227 days with a tiger. Pi first has to develop his survival skills such as fishing for food and hydrating his body in order to survive physically. His first attempt to catch a fish is a failure. Nevertheless, he acquires the skill and eventually catches flying fish, dorado, and turtle. However, he also has to overcome the mental problems arising when he is alone on a lifeboat with only a tiger as a companion. He first has to deal with fear of the tiger that has kept him awake during the night. He overcomes the fear so it does not strip him of hope and trust; therefore, he tames the tiger by marking his territory and showing his strength. Thus, it allows him to sleep peacefully during the night and to view the tiger as companion. Additionally, he has to forget the illusion of time, a creation of society in order to live. Overcoming time and fear has kept hope alive in Pi and has shown his coming-of-age.