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  • Smitha, G

    Language in India, 06/2024, Letnik: 24, Številka: 6
    Journal Article

    "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel and "Zlateh the Goat" by Isaac Bashevis Singer, though set in vastly different contexts, both profoundly explore survival themes and the human-animal bond. "Life of Pi" follows the survival journey of Pi Patel, a young Indian boy stranded in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The narrative delves into the challenges of surviving at sea, including hunger, thirst, exposure, and the constant threat from the tiger, highlighting Pi's resourcefulness and the evolution of his relationship with Richard Parker from fear to a symbiotic coexistence. In contrast, "Zlateh the Goat" is set in a wintry rural landscape where a Jewish boy, Aaron, becomes lost in a snowstorm with his family's goat, Zlateh. Seeking shelter in a haystack, Aaron's survival depends on the warmth and companionship of Zlateh, leading to a deep emotional bond that underscores their confinement. Both stories emphasize resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity, illustrating how unexpected bonds with animals can provide strength and solace. Additionally, both narratives highlight the significance of storytelling. "Life of Pi" presents different versions of Pi's survival tale, challenging perceptions of reality and exploring themes of faith, resilience, and the nature of reality through its unique narrative style. "Zlateh the Goat" draws on Jewish storytelling traditions to preserve history and offer hope, focusing on familial bonds and cultural resilience. In summary, "Life of Pi" and "Zlateh the Goat" depict survival through resilience, unexpected human-animal bonds, and the transformative power of storytelling. They celebrate the human spirit's ability to find hope and meaning in adversity, inviting readers to engage with deeper themes and explore the multifaceted layers of meaning within these narratives.