Ang Lee and an anonymous author advocate how characters overcome adversity through their texts, Life of Pi and Daniel. Both creators show adversity is overcome through the use of faith and how difficulties build key components within character. Lee and the author of Daniel firstly depict that adversity builds character through the way it builds independence. Lee depicts this through the protagonist of the film, Piscine Patel, using panning-shots and mid-shots while Daniel’s author presents this idea through the use of symbolism. The creators also illustrate how faith is used to overcome adversity. This is explored through the use of close-up shots of the protagonist within Lee’s film and imagery in Daniel. Lastly, the creators use the characters within the texts showcase that adversity leads to the ability to confront the antagonist. This is presented through the use of full-shots in Life of Pi, and dialogue within Daniel. Both creators suggest that adversity is overcome by the protagonists of the texts through a range of techniques.
Lee and the author of Daniel use stylistic features within their texts, to portray the idea that adversity builds character and independence. Lee uses panning shots to depict how determination and fortitude lead to success. In contrast, the author of Daniel uses symbolism to illustrate that the refusal to succumb to Babylonian society results in blessings from God. Lee’s protagonist, Pi Patel, was initially called ‘Pissing’ due to the pronunciation of his real name, Piscine. Pi learns to disregard the bullying through character development (Life of Pi, 2012). Daniel also builds character through adversity. Within Babylonian society, it is expected to conform to society, however, Daniel refuses to change his name. During his youth, Pi endures adversity due to his classmates calling him Pissing. Pi decides to turn the negative attention he receives into an ‘inspiring’ figure to his peers, provoking his character development. The panning shot of him writing the whole Pi number showcases the effort and time he has put into changing his name ‘…I was Pi Patel, school legend’ (Life of Pi, 2012). As the viewer watches him complete the number a sense of amazement is felt despite his previous fortitude. In contrast, the author of Daniel uses symbolism. Daniel does not conform to society when he sticks to his Hebrew name. The adversity of pressure within Babylonian society does not alter Daniel’s independence. Symbolism showcases the importance of names and highlights why Daniel retains his Hebrew name, meaning ‘God is my judge’. His name is symbolic to his faith and his refusal to succumb to the society’s expectations ‘he is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god…’ (4:8). In Daniel and Life of Pi, the use of different devices portray character development. Lee’s use of panning shots allows the reader to recognize Pi’s character development, and Daniel’s author uses symbolism to showcase how he overcomes advers...
