An Analysis Of Life Of Pi As A Bildungsroman

Based on the Canadian writer Yann Martel's novel Life of Pi and under the bildungsroman theory frame,this thesis intends to apply the framework of Bildungsroman to exploring the life experience of Pi.Meanwhile,the author hopes to analyze the depth of the work and provide the reference for further study on the novel.There are four chapters in addition to the Introduction and the Conclusion.The Introduction part includes Life of Pi and literature study.The brief analysis of the topic will be also elucidated.The first chapter summarizes the concept and common characteristics of the bildungsroman.On the one hand,the definition and concept of the growth novel are combed,and the theory foundation is laid out for the interpretation of the novel.On the other hand,combined with the classical characteristic of bildungsroman,there is enough space for the innovation of the novel.Chapter two mainly discusses the theme of Pi.The author focuses on the three main themes of the protagonist's development:the growth of the view of identity,morality and ecology.The growth of identity view comes from Pi's knowledge of name,religion and transcultural identity,and the individual consciousness formed after the ordeal.Moral growth is based on the balance of personality structure for ego,id and superego.Guided by the consciousness of the superego,Pi realizes self coordination and complete his own moral construction.Ecological view is derived from the experience of a great disaster.Pi realizes the small position of human in nature and formed the idea that human should respect nature and live in harmony with nature.The third chapter analyzes the leaders of Pi.In the process of the growth of the Pi,people,nature and animals are closely related.And initiators,guides and companions of Pi are also undertook by the three types of leaders.The initiators refer to two Mr.markku and the family of Pi family.At the beginning of the Pi growth,they guide him to make the right judgment and choice between religion and science.The facilitators include the Pacific and religious deities,reveling the spiritual power of Pi and leading him to listen to the heart.The companion is Richard Parker,who accompanies Pi in the sea and get reborned eventually.Last chapter analyzes the insight of Pi.All on Pi are the spontaneity of insight,seismic insight and instructive insight.They are discussed for cognitive identity,the forces of nature and the life of faith respectively.From the occurrence of special events,the change of consciousness of Pi ideology is interpreted.In the conclusion part,the author points out the relevance of each chapters in the thesis.On the macro level,they are all with sense of identity and religious concept and ecological consciousness as a framework,and on the micro level,process of growth is analyzed through different angles and inner clues.At the same time,the thesis illustrates the rich content and innovation points of Life of Pi with the special life experience and personal identity of Yann Martel.Finally,adding the two stories of the novel version,the thesis hopes that it can be used to extend the reader's understanding of the work and the author,through the perspective of growth to make careful analysis.Furthermore,the research can be useful for the reflection of the personal growth and progress of human civilization.