Discussion Topic
Symbolism of Color in Life of Pi
Summary:
In Life of Pi, colors carry significant symbolism. Orange, the predominant color on the lifeboat, symbolizes survival, passion, and optimism, highlighted by objects like the life jackets and the orangutan, Orange Juice. Red represents joyful occasions in Hindu culture and is linked to Pi's early religious experiences. It also symbolizes the bloodshed necessary for survival. Blue symbolizes peacefulness, reflecting the ocean and sky, which are central to Pi's journey. The transition from vegetarianism is symbolized by the fish Pi catches, marking his shift to survival mode.
What is another symbolic color in Life of Pi, besides orange and green?
Another color that is symbolic in this novel is the color red. The Hindu use it as an expression of joyful occasions. Pi's early religious experience involved is grandmother taking him to the temple and his vision of red in the ceremonies remained with him throughout his experiences. The red blood shed in the lifeboat would be symbolic of another animal sustaining its own life.
Blue would also have to be symbolic as much of the story takes place in the ocean. Blue would be symbolic of peacefulness as the sky being blue would reflect fair weather.
In Life of Pi, what does color symbolize on the lifeboat, particularly in relation to fish?
While Pi is on the lifeboat, the color that predominantly surrounds him is the color orange. Pi even says:
It seems orange—such a nice Hindu colour—is the colour of survival because the whole inside of the boat and the tarpaulin and the life jackets and the lifebuoy and the oars and most every other significant object aboard was orange.
The color orange also signifies his passion and strong will to live. Additionally, the color also symbolizes positivity and optimism. This is presented through Orange Juice—the orangutan that floats near Pi on a nest of bananas and joins him on the lifeboat. The female orangutan reminds Pi of happiness, laughter and friendship.
The fish that Pi catches symbolize his transition from a man who lives to a man who survives. Before being forced to catch, kill and eat the flying fish, Pi was a vegetarian and believed that no animal should be harmed in any way. On the lifeboat, however, Pi must eat to survive, and he feels like a sinner when he kills the fish. He also uses the smaller fish as bait to catch bigger fish and tame Richard Parker's hunger, which technically keeps him alive because the tiger won't attack him when he's full.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.