The journey of self-discovery and survival: A structural approach to Yann Martel’s life of Pi

Abstract

This work concentrates on Yann Martel’s Life of Pi and explores the language at work. Here, the protagonist can be seen using various symbols to communicate with other characters. The study illustrates the perspectives of great philosopher like Ferdinand de Saussure who emphasized affinity to the nature for the understanding of ultimate mysteries of the world. Thus, the structural approach suggested by Saussure has been adopted as the major tool to cope with the issues raised in the study. The study further analysis and compares attitudes and beliefs of Saussure regarding the use of symbol as language. Lastly, the study concludes the notion of personal freedom from the point of view of structuralism, using the journey of self-discovery and survival.