Abstract

The aim of the essay is to analyze the application of symbolism in Martel Yann's novel Life of Pi, and probes into the connotations that a series of symbolic objects represent. What’s more, through the analysis of the use of symbolism in the fiction, readers will have a basic knowledge about symbolism, and have a better understanding of the theme of the fiction, that is, on the surface, it’s a survival adventure novel, but in reality, this novel is an examination of faith in all its forms. 
The study gives an introduction to the author and the fiction, and gives an overview of symbolism. And, the writer connects his work with the concrete applications and effects of symbolism. And the paper is devoted to the analysis of the symbolic meanings in Life of Pi carried by the natural surroundings such as the Algae Island, the Ocean and Zoo, and the protagonists, Pi and Tiger. In the novel, the description of the natural scenery and person’s psychology is the reflection of the physical and mental fight. The novel implicitly drives the fight of religious belief and human nature. Through the analysis of symbolism, readers can explore the theme of the novel.

Key Words:  symbolism belief humanity

摘  要

本文着重分析象征主义在扬•马特尔的《少年派》中的具体运用，深入探究小说中一系列的象征性事物所代表的实际内涵。通过分析小说中象征主义的运用，使读者对象征主义有初步的认识，并且帮助读者更好地理解小说要表达的主题思想，向读书揭示了一个表面为求生冒险小说，实则是考验信仰的故事。
本文首先简明扼要地介绍了作者的身平和小说内容，其次概括了象征主义以及象征主义在马特尔作品中的体现和作用。本文重点分析象征主义在《少年派》中的具体运用，探讨小说中主要的自然环境:食人岛、海洋和动物园，以及主要人物角色：派和老虎，所体现的深层含义。小说通过对自然环境和人物的描写，揭示了精神和肉体的抗争，以及宗教信仰和人性之间的对峙。通过象征主义的分析，读者能更深入的了解小说的内涵意义。

关键词:象征主义 信仰 人性

1 Introduction
Yann Martel is a canadian author, and was born in Canada in 1963, but since his father was a diplomat he grew up in different parts of the world. Through traveling, he increased his information of world so that he devoted himself completely to writing. Yann Martel was little known to the reading public until the novel, Life of Pi, burst on the international literary circles. It was Life of Pi that brought Yann Martel public attention but also some controversy.