동물, 그리고 믿음

Abstract

This paper explores the distinctive features of Yann Martel’s novels, specifically focusing on the role of animals and the theme of belief in his works Life of Pi and The High Mountains of Portugal. The analysis delves into Martel’s unconventional views on belief, which deviate from traditional religious perspectives. The study investigates Martel’s underlying motivations for consistently employing animals as vehicles for conveying his perspectives on belief. This paper argues that Martel employs animals as potent vehicles to underscore the limitations of rationality and objectivity emphasizing the role of belief in human existence. In Life of Pi, the protagonist’s survival with a Bengal tiger in a lifeboat prompts a deeper inquiry into the essence and significance of belief. Blurring the lines between realism and fantasy, Martel proposes a new idea of faith that transcends traditional institutional frameworks of religion. In The High Mountains of Portugal, Martel appropriates Christian narratives to depict the three stages of human belief. Animals are employed as symbols of the protagonists’ spiritual states. They also serve as guides in their spiritual journey, driving the protagonists toward belief Overall, Martel’s exploration of belief employing animals illustrates human need for belief and the interconnectedness of beliefs and stories.