Editor's Choice
Is Life of Pi a tragedy, romance, or comedy?
Quick answer:
Life of Pi does not fit neatly into any of the three literary genres mentioned: tragedy, romance, or comedy. A tragedy revolves around a great hero who has a tragic flaw—a character deficit that leads to his destruction. Although Pi might be considered heroic in his story, he paints himself as a moral and resourceful person. He doesn't claim to be perfect, but he tries to be a good person, and the calamity that befalls him is not due in any way to his own hubris, or pride. A comedy can be defined in two ways, either as a humorous story or, as Aristotle defined dramatic comedy, a tale in which the good are rewarded and the evil are punished. Neither definition applies to this novel.Life of Pi does not fit neatly into any of the three literary genres mentioned: tragedy, romance, or comedy. A tragedy revolves around a great hero who has a tragic flaw—a character deficit that leads to his destruction. Although Pi might be considered heroic in his story, he paints himself as a moral and resourceful person. He doesn't claim to be perfect, but he tries to be a good person, and the calamity that befalls him is not due in any way to his own hubris, or pride.
A comedy can be defined in two ways, either as a humorous story or, as Aristotle defined dramatic comedy, a tale in which the good are rewarded and the evil are punished. Neither definition applies to this novel. Though Martel includes some humor, as all good storytellers should, it is not the overriding tone of the tale. Likewise, Aristotle's definition...
Unlock
This Answer NowStart your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
doesn't apply. Pi's family members aren't evil, yet they meet a tragic fate by accident. There are no real villains in the story, other than the blind sailor who wants to eat Pi. He does meet an appropriate end when Richard Parker eats him, but this is such a small part of the book that it can't be used to classify the entire novel.
"Romance" can have two definitions as well. A modern romance novel centers around the relationship between two lovers and follows the ups and downs of their relationship to a satisfying happy ending. Obviously, this isn't applicable to Life of Pi because Pi has no love interest that develops through the novel. Classic romance literature, which dates back to the twelfth century in Europe, involves chivalry and adventure and usually includes a love story. Often two lovers are separated at the beginning of the tale and the story follows the hero as he goes on quests or adventures and is finally reunited with his loved one.
Of all the genres examined so far, this is the one that could conceivably be stretched enough to apply to Life of Pi. Pi is separated from his family early in the story and goes on to endure and overcome many obstacles in the main part of the book. Eventually he finds a new family; the narrator meets his wife, Meena, in Toronto and learns that Pi has a son. Granted, this is not the family or lover he was separated from at the beginning, but we can see some parallels between the classic romance story and the plot of Life of Pi. Of the three choices—tragedy, comedy, or romance—Life of Pi most nearly resembles a classic romance story.
References
The novel has aspects of all three, but its most dominant themes fall in the tragedy and romance area. There are moments of comedy throughout the novel as Pi deals with his parents, his classmates, his religious muses, and even Richard Parker. However, the seriousness of the story itself lends itself better to romance and tragedy. And, depending on which ending you believe, that will lead you towards which of those two best fits.
If you believe the story that involved humans and not animals, then the story is much more tragic. Pi loses his family in the shipwreck, then his mother to a brutal man on the lifeboat. Then, he has to conquer his weaknesses and fears in order to survive against that very evil force. That has all the aspects of a good tragedy there; a huge loss, a struggle, and a protagonist struggling against the odds.
If you believe the story that involved the animals instead of the humans it is more of a romance. Romantic literature is rather fantastical, has elements of the supernatural about it, and focuses on the dignity of human nature. With Richard Parker, Pi is able to maintain his dignity and be the hero of heroes as he fights to keep them both alive. Also, there is a relationship of love between him and Richard Parker; they are reliant on each other, and when Richard Parker leaves suddenly as they approach land, Pi is heartbroken. The relationships, the heroic journey, the amazing adventure--those are elements of a good romance.
I hope that those thoughts help to lead you in the right direction; good luck!