Reimagining Human-Animal Narrative: A Posthumanist Reading Of Yann Martel’s Life Of Pi

Abstract

This paper presents a posthumanist critique of Yann Martel's novel Life of Pi. Drawing on posthumanist theory, the paper examines the novel's representations of nonhuman animals, the human-animal relationship, and the power of storytelling. The paper argues that Life of Pi offers a complex and nuanced portrayal of the relationship between humans and animals, challenging conventional views of hierarchy and domination. At the same time, the novel highlights the potential for storytelling to shape our perceptions of reality, to create empathy and understanding, and to connect us with each other and with the world around us. Through its exploration of the interdependence of all creatures, the novel offers a compelling case for the importance of cultivating compassion and recognizing the agency of nonhuman animals. The paper draws on a theoretical framework that combines posthumanist theory with critical animal studies and narrative theory. By analysing the novel through this lens, the paper offers a unique perspective on the ways in which narrative can be used to challenge dominant discourses and create new forms of knowledge and understanding. Ultimately, the paper argues that Life of Pi offers a powerful example of the transformative potential of storytelling, and highlights the urgent need for new narratives that can help us to rethink human-animal relationship beyond anthropocentric bias.