"The lower you are, the higher your mind will want to soar. It was natural that, bereft and desperate as I was, in the throes of unremitting suffering, I should turn to God." (283-284) In the "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel, Pi possesses several characteristics, allowing him to survive his long, brutal journey across the Pacific Ocean. His great determination pushed him to the very limit and constantly fought despair. Pi practiced his pious ways and his hopes soared as he prayed to God. Also, the castaway's immense knowledge of animals saved his life; it permitted him to cope with Richard Parker, the 450-pound Bengal Tiger trapped on the lifeboat with him. It also helped him find ways to capture and nourish himself on other animals. Finally, Pi's vast imagination kept his mind busy and pushed his will to live forward.

Pi's determination was an essential factor...