As an expert in literature and narrative analysis, I can provide an interpretation of the character of the tiger in Yann Martel's novel "Life of Pi." The tiger, named Richard Parker, is a central figure in the story and can be seen as a symbol with multiple layers of meaning.

In the novel, Richard Parker is not just a physical creature; he represents several key themes.
Firstly, he symbolizes the instinct for survival. Pi's struggle to coexist with the tiger on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a testament to the human will to live and adapt under the most challenging circumstances.

Secondly, Richard Parker can be seen as a manifestation of fear. The tiger is a constant reminder of the dangers that Pi faces, and his fear of the tiger pushes him to take action and maintain the lifeboat, which in turn keeps him alive.

Thirdly, the tiger also represents the unknown and the wilderness within. Pi's journey with Richard Parker is a metaphor for the human soul's encounter with the unknown aspects of existence and the untamed parts of our own nature.

Lastly, some readers and critics have suggested that Richard Parker might be a figment of Pi's imagination or a psychological coping mechanism. This theory is supported by the alternative story Pi tells at the end of the novel, where the characters on the lifeboat are all humans, and the tiger is absent.

In conclusion, the tiger in "Life of Pi" is a complex character that serves as a symbol for survival, fear, the unknown, and perhaps a coping mechanism. The ambiguity of the tiger's true nature is part of what makes the novel so intriguing and thought-provoking.

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Eventually, we realize that the zebra is the sailor, the hyena is the cook, and the orangutan is Pi's mother, and the tiger, Richard Parker, is actually Pi.read more >>