“더 나은 이야기”를 향한 상상력의 항해

The Journey of Imagination toward “the Better Story”: Yann Martel’s Life of Pi through Fantastic Vision

This article delves into various aspects of Yann Martel’s Life of Pi from the perspective of fairy tales. The novel narrates the adventures of a boy named Pi, who wrestles with survival while adrift at sea. Richard Parker, the tiger, assumes the roles of both adversary and mentor. Once rescued, Pi attempts to recount his extraordinary experiences, yet no one is willing to entertain his ‘fantastical’ tale. Instead, people insist on hearing a “dry, yeastless factuality,” using words that solely “reflect reality.” In the ‘Author’s Note,’ as well as through the protagonist Pi, the novel emphasizes the significance of ‘imagination,’ exemplified by Pi’s initial account that defies belief for ordinary folks. The narrative employs numerous motifs found in fairy tales, including journeys, isolation (as seen in orphans), animals, and names, all in a bid to enlighten readers about the essence of storytelling.