Survival Traits in "The Story of Keesh" and "The Life of Pi"

In the short story "The Story of Keesh" and the novel excerpt from "The Life of Pi," authors Jack London and Yann Martel explore the development of specific qualities in their characters, Keesh and Pi, respectively. These qualities enable the characters to find the inner strength necessary for survival in extreme and challenging circumstances. Keesh and Pi both exhibit three key traits that play a crucial role in their ability to endure and overcome adversity: bravery, intelligence, and strategic thinking.

Bravery in the Face of Danger

One of the most essential qualities that both Keesh and Pi possess is bravery.

In "The Story of Keesh," Keesh's courage is evident when he declares, "Bok, my father, was a great hunter. I, too, his son, shall go and hunt the meat that I eat." This statement showcases his unwavering determination to follow in his father's footsteps, even though he knows that his father perished while hunting a polar bear—a testament to the bear's formidable strength and danger.

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Similarly, in "The Life of Pi," Pi demonstrates immense bravery when he remarks, "And so I pushed aside all thoughts of Richard Parker and fearlessly went exploring for fresh water." At this moment, Pi sets aside his fear of the tiger, Richard Parker, and focuses solely on the urgent need for water. His fearless pursuit of this vital resource, even at the risk of encountering the tiger, underscores his remarkable bravery.

Intelligence: Making Informed Choices

Both Keesh and Pi exhibit intelligence as a key factor in their survival.

In "The Life of Pi," Pi's intelligence is evident when he discovers a stash of food on the lifeboat. He wisely chooses not to consume it all at once, recognizing the need to conserve his resources for the uncertain days ahead. He states, "the whole package disappeared in a few minutes, wrapping paper flying away in the wind. I considered opening another carton, but I thought better." Pi's decision to ration his food reflects his strategic thinking and intelligence.

In "The Story of Keesh," Keesh also demonstrates intelligence by refusing to rely solely on the meager portions of meat provided by the council. Instead, he proclaims, "I, too, his son shall go hunt the meat that I eat." Keesh's realization that he must take initiative and hunt for his own sustenance illustrates his intelligence and self-reliance. He understands that depending solely on others for survival is not a viable option.

Strategic Thinking: Adapting to Challenges

Both characters display strategic thinking as they adapt to the challenges they face. In "The Life of Pi," Pi devises a plan to control and condition the tiger, Richard Parker, using the resources available to him. He reflects, "don't I have here a perfect circus ring, inescapably round, without a single corner for him to hide in? I looked down at the sea. Wasn't this an ideal source of threats with which I condition him to obey?" Pi's strategic approach to managing the tiger and maintaining his own safety showcases his resourcefulness.

In "The Story of Keesh," Keesh's strategic thinking is highlighted through his invention of blubber balls to hunt predators effectively. He explains the process, stating, "One takes a small chunk of blubber, thus, and thus makes it hollow. Then into the hollow goes the whalebone. After that, it is put outside where it freezes into a little round ball. The bear swallows the round ball, the blubber melts, the whalebone with its sharp ends stands out straight, the bear gets sick, and when the bear is very sick, why, you kill him with a spear." Keesh's invention of blubber balls demonstrates his ability to adapt to the challenges of hunting in a harsh environment, ultimately enhancing his chances of survival.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Keesh in "The Story of Keesh" and Pi in "The Life of Pi" exhibit remarkable qualities that enable them to endure extreme situations and emerge as survivors. Their bravery, intelligence, and strategic thinking are essential components of their resilience. Keesh's determination to hunt, Pi's careful rationing of resources, and their shared ability to strategize demonstrate the critical role these traits play in their respective journeys of survival. These characters serve as powerful examples of human resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, inspiring readers to consider the extraordinary capacities within themselves to confront challenges head-on.