Semiotic Analysis of Life of Pi

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Stage 3, the return, starts with the first phase, the Refusal of the Return, where the hero must continue with his quest and metamorphosis to the real, known world, and where he finds happiness in the new, unknown world and does not wish to return. Pi discovers a magical island with food and water, where he is content and wishes to stay forever. Phase 2, the Magic Flight, the journey back to the known world, takes place when Pi and Mr. Parker follow the stream of the sea, which washes them out on another shore. The Rescue from Without, phase 3, is where someone guides and helps the hero back to his known world. Pi is rescued by fishermen who find him lying on the shore. The Crossing of the Return Threshold, phase 4, takes place when the hero re-enters his real home where he belongs, which is when Pi is rescued and taken back to his home. Phase 5, The Master of the Two Worlds, is where the hero receives the ability to alter between the unknown and known world of his adventure. Pi learns to eat fish and kill animals to survive and he can therefore move between the two worlds, the sea and his country. Phase 6, Freedom to Live, is where the hero learns to live without fear. Pi trusts that Mr. Parker will not kill him and hereby overcomes his fear of the tiger. Pi can now live his life without fear of the unknown and obstacles that could occur and he has made peace with his adventure, where he overcame his fears and uncertainties about religion and life.

This essay explains the monomyth or the hero’s journey using the film Life of Pi as an example and the steps of Joseph Campbell’s monomyth are evident.

Bibliography

Winterbach, H. 2006. Heroes and superheroes: from myth to the American comic book. SAJAH 21(1): 114-134

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