Loneliness

Loneliness is a deep theme in the Life of Pi. For a young boy is faced with life alone in a vast sea where he is left with no control over his situation or the elements at work around him. How does one deal with the depths of loneliness? Pi comes up with a daily routine; he keeps himself occupied with something to do every hour of the day so that life does not seem so meaningless. When we are faced with utter loneliness we feel rejected by the world and left with out purpose. Left without interaction Pi’s survival must surpass lack of physical necessities but also lack emotional and spiritual support. He lives with out anything and his spirit becomes extremely fragile. This loneliness is seen today, it surrounds us. People are faced with this loneliness even while surrounded by people. Pi finds coping mechanisms similar to Paul Berlin and his company in war. He is also faced with the same fear and needs. How is Pi's reaction when he faces his situation different from how Paul and his company deal with the horrors of war? Can Pi be seen as an allegory for the war faced in Going after Cacciato?