The fact that his father, mother, and Ravi are so apathetic and questioning of Pi's spirituality is an example of adversity as well. It causes the family to face the idea that despite their "forward-minded" aspirations, they're son has become consumed with the "backward" and "mythicism" of religion. And this division within the family, though small at first continues to reappear again and again as Pi delves deeper into his spirituality.
Ultimately the parents must concede to Pi's persistence and allow him to get the prayer rug and allow him to become baptized. And as these things occur, they must finally face the fact that in spite of all they'd hoped, their son will live life as he pleases.
I've noticed that a common theme in literature relating to adversity is the role of faith in an individual's life. Even though it was a different unit, obviously Night was a story with quite a lot of adversity, and Elie's experiences relating to his faith were a huge part of the book. Whereas a lot of the time, it seems as though people who experience adversity deal with a strengthening or loss of faith, it's funny to me that in The Life of Pi, Pi's adversity revolves around the discovery of his faith? Although I'm not quite sure I understand the story fully as I haven't read the book.
ReplyDeleteI never really thought of the adversity that the family faced with the fact that their son was choosing to believe in something different than what the family believed in. I was so focused on the adversity that Pi went through with the fact that his family wasn't accepting of his beliefs. However you're right, I'm sure that for any parent to see that your child chooses to be different from what you brought them up believing can also be adversity for the parents.
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