Life of Pi Study Guide Grade 12 PDF

An original drawing by Ms K Appalsamy
Protea Secondary School
LIFE OF PI
BY YANN MARTELL
A GRADE 12 STUDY GUIDE

Contents
A MESSAGE TO LEARNERS ..................................................................................................................................... 3
LIFE OF PI - ICE BREAKER ....................................................................................................................................... 4
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS ................................................................................................................................. 5
INTRODUCTION TO LIFE OF PI ................................................................................................................................ 6
Activities ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................ 11
Bildungsroman ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
Allegory......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Alter ego ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
The Different Settings In The Novel ................................................................................................................... 12
Themes in Life of Pi ................................................................................................................................................... 13
1. Faith/Religion/Belief in God ............................................................................................................................ 13
2. Storytelling....................................................................................................................................................... 14
3. Territorialism/Boundaries ............................................................................................................................ 15
4. Anthropomorphism ....................................................................................................................................... 15
5. Hunger/Thirst ................................................................................................................................................. 16
6. Survival/Determination to Survive ............................................................................................................. 17
7. Routine And Ritual ......................................................................................................................................... 18
8. Primal/Savage Nature/Inner Beast ............................................................................................................. 18
SYMBOLS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Pi’s Names ................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Tsimtsum...................................................................................................................................................................... 19
the Colour Orange ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
The Colour Green ....................................................................................................................................................... 20
The Colour Blue .......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Allegory/The animals on the lifeboat .................................................................................................................... 20
The Algae Island ......................................................................................................................................................... 21
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN PI PATEL ........................................................................................................ 23
SUMMARY AND ANALYSES ................................................................................................................................... 25
AUTHOR’S NOTE ....................................................................................................................................................... 25
PART 1 TORONTO AND PONDICHERRY ............................................................................................................. 26
PART TWO PACIFIC OCEAN ................................................................................................................................... 49
Part Three (Benito Juárez Infirmary, Tomatlán, Mexico) ................................................................................. 90
PUZZLE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 95
TIMELINE OF EVENTS .............................................................................................................................................. 96
LET US PRACTISE FOR THE NSC EXAMINATION ............................................................................................ 98
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................................... 108
2
1. A MESSAGE TO LEARNERS
Dear Learner
We are very excited to present to you this Life of Pi guide that was tailored to facilitate
easy accessibility and enhance your performance in Section B of Paper 2.
This is a guide that should be used to supplement your reading and analyses of the
novel and will be of significant help, only once you have actively worked through the
text in class, with your educator.
We are confident that your intense engagement with contents of the guide will
consolidate what you know and highlight what you may still need to revise.
Wishing you all the best as you prepare for your Grade 12 NSC examinations.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Radeshree Naicker: Protea Secondary School

Ms Jacqueline Naicker: Durban Girls’ Secondary School
Mrs Mirosh Naidoo: Durban Girls’ High School
Mrs Sarah Colton: New Forest High School
Mrs Ishara Singh: Avoca Secondary School
Mrs Shobana Singh: New West Secondary School
Mrs T Singh Strelitzia Secondary School
Edited by: Dr S Ramnarian
3
LIFE OF PI - ICE BREAKER
Hello there, I am your study

mate Pi. Allow me to help you
navigate your way through
the novel Life of Pi.
Don’t you just love

this Fan Art
depiction of my
character? ________
Consider this question: DO YOU KNOW WHICH IS THE MOST DANGEROUS ANIMAL IN THE
ZOO?
Just beyond the ticket booth Father had painted this question on a wall in bright red letters.
An arrow pointed to a small curtain.
Behind the curtain was a mirror. Father had a sense of humour. Do you believe that there is a
deeper message?
Explain._______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
4
Life of Pi – Yann Martell
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS
START DELVING INTO AN ANALYSIS WITH THIS IN MIND..
Life of Pi is a fantastical adventure story that, among other themes, highlights religion and
spirituality, truth, nature, and growth. Although Pi faces great adversity, he is determined
to survive, following a catastrophic shipwreck that leaves him stranded on a lifeboat for 227
days with only a Bengal tiger for company.
As a grade 12 learner, you will, after a first reading, realise that there are conflicting/alternate
realities. You may find yourself in a quandary regarding which story to believe, having gone
through the better part of PART 2, with Pi being a castaway in the Pacific for 227 days. After
experiencing each nail-biting moment, choosing "the better story" may feel anti-climactic. On
the other hand, Pi's shocking revelation invites debate regarding the truthfulness of the story and
what actually happens following the shipwreck. At this point, your educator will have to navigate
the class through the probability of alternative psychological explanations (Richard Parker being
Pi's alter ego) for the story, such as coping mechanisms.
When analysing Life of Pi, it is important to examine how the narrator's spirituality and faith
manifest themselves throughout the novel. Pi is a very religious character, so you should discuss
how his spirituality plays a part in his identity and the ultimate outcome of the novel. You can also
connect Pi's faith to other prominent themes, including its relationship to the natural world, thus
helping you understand Pi's motivation.
WOW!!! This treasure chest of

words should give you an idea of
what to expect as you read the
novel.
5
INTRODUCTION TO LIFE OF PI- Yann Martel
Let’s hear what

the critics have
to say about the
novel.
A wonderful adventure tale whose originality, imaginative detail, suspense, and immediacy
will keep you turning pages breathlessly until the very end.
Roberta Rubenstein, from a review in World and I
‘… paradoxically enough, [Fairy tales] strengthen our relish for real life. The excursion into the
preposterous sends us back with renewed pleasure to the actual.’ - C.S. Lewis
GENRE: How can we categorise Life of Pi?
Activity #1: Select an option from the hands above, to motivate your choice of answer. Work in
pairs/groups.
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6
Magical Realism
Here is another fun fact…
Magical Realism depicts the natural world as having an undercurrent of magic or
fantasy. To understand this genre better, we will look at the summaries of 2 stories
below that depict Magical Realism:
Exemplar story #1: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

A young salesman, Gregor Samsa, wakes up to find that he has been transformed into a giant bug (a
beetle). He tries his best to get to work without revealing his horrifying new form to his concerned,
prying family. Eventually, they see his changed form and realise he can no longer work to support
them. At first, the other family members pity Gregor and try to care for him, but they soon lose
patience and see him as a nuisance. When Gregor realises this, he becomes so depressed that he
stops eating and dies from starvation. After being freed from their ‘burden’, Gregor’s family lives
happily ever after.
Exemplar story #2: A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia
Marquez
One day, a farmer notices a horrible smell on his property. Following the smell, he finds an ancient
man with enormous wings wallowing in filth. When the farmer tries to help the old man, he discovers
he speaks an unintelligible dialect. Unsure of what else to do, the farmer locks the old man in a
chicken coop. Miraculous things happen, like the farmer’s baby being healed from an illness.
Because of the old man’s appearance and the miraculous healing, some believe he is an angel. The
townspeople treat the old man like a cross between a holy man and a circus animal. They visit his
cage, hoping to witness another miracle. Things continue this way until a woman transformed into a
spider captures the townspeople’s attention. Seizing his opportunity, the old man escapes, flying
away.
• How credible are the stories? Discuss.
• Comment on the element of interest in the stories.
• Focus on the characters in both stories. How do they achieve an element of Realism?
Points to ponder
Exemplar story #1: Kafka’s story was set in early 20th-century Europe and reflects his dismay
with the society at that time.
Exemplar story # 2: Marquez’s story was set in mid-20th century Colombia and examines the human
response to the weak, dependent, and different.
In your reading and discussion of Life of Pi, consider the relevance of these key characteristics of
Magical Realism:
• Realistic setting
• Limited information
• Magical elements mixed with reality/mundane.
• Unique plot structure
• Author reserves comment about social/cultural norms.
• An escapism rooted in reality, e.g., Harry Potter.
• Postmodernism
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Pay very careful attention to the text and explain how magical realism is shown
in the examples below:
“I looked over the edge of the boat. The first

‘They burst out of the water, dozens of them at a time.
thing I saw was a large black object floating
Some of them flick-flacking over a hundred yards
in the water. It took me a few seconds to
through the air.’
understand what it was”.
The island was carnivorous. This explained the

disappearance of the fish in the pond. The island
attracted saltwater fish into its subterranean
”She came floating on an island of bananas in a tunnels-how, I don't know; perhaps fish ate the
halo of light, as lovely as the Virgin Mary." algae as gluttonously as I did.
You may discover other examples of magical realism. Fill in the empty blocks.
8
Activities
Activity #2 Pi is a construct. What words can you form from CONSTRUCT?
Associated ideas: Building, Creation, Making.
A construct is “an idea or theory containing various conceptual elements typically one
considered to be subjective (opinion) and NOT based on empirical (scientific) evidence.”
- Oxford Dictionary
• Consider naming and names as a construct. E.g., Pi is a self-constructed logical
shortened form of the name Piscine Molitor Patel.
As you read the novel there will be other examples of naming and names as a
construct:
Name Discussion of the name as a construct
Richard Parker
Tsimtsum
Mamaji
• Consider how the story is ‘framed’ to

create a story within a story.
Activity #3 Author’s Note

- The Author’s Note is short and helps to frame the narrative. As you read through the
Author’s Note, jot down questions you might have, relating to the following references in
the novel (Column A).
Column A Column B
QUESTIONS PREDICTIONS
1. PLOT
2. AUTHOR
3. THEMES
4. CHARACTER
9
ACTIVITY #4: Consider the following:
• The Question:
“Do you agree that a story can make you believe in God? Why or why
not?”
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• Reflection:
- In ONE paragraph write a reflection on the following: Do you agree that a story can
make you believe in God?
If YES: How would this story be told? If NO: Why not?
• Setting:
What circumstances do you think would allow a story to make an individual believe in God?
Think about:
- Time Period - Peace or War
- Geographical location
- Culture - Economic circumstances
Characters:
 What type of people would you have in this story?
 Who might the main character be?
 Think about: Age, Beliefs, Personality traits.
 Plot
 What type of events might happen in the story?
 What type of conflict?
 Think about: Fantasy or reality!
 Themes
 Good vs evil
 Death?
 Birth
 Prejudice
 Tolerance
Personal: What ideas are the most important to you?

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10
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Life of Pi may be referred to as a bildungsroman
Bildungsroman
A bildungsroman is a type of narrative that chronicles the growing up, or coming of age, of the
central character. (See pgs. 24 and 25)
ACTIVITY #5
Discussion questions:
 In what ways do relationships with your family and friends shape your “coming of age”?
 What does it mean to be a moral person? Can you develop morals?
 What determines a character’s “coming of age” journey? (person, location, purpose,
challenge)
 How do we define courage? What does it look like?
 Characterisation Tracker Chart:
Use a chart to track the growth of Pi (psychological, moral, and social) in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the
text. Create links to highlight the maturation of Pi.
Allegory
An allegory is a type of story built from an overarching extended metaphor—one in which the core
story, characters, central conflicts, and even settings are used to represent something else.
In Life of Pi, animals are allegorical. For example, in the first chapter, the observations he makes
about the three-toed sloth’s life and behaviour represent aspects of the human condition.
Activity #5
Complete the following table showing how animals are allegorical figures in the story. For each
animal or topic connected to animals, note something that Pi tells us; then abstract this into an
observation about the human condition:
Animal Observation Link to humans
E.g., Three-toed sloth (Chapter 1)
Consider the following questions as a point of discussion/debate:
* Humans and animals have nothing in common. Discuss.

* Humans are superior to animals. Discuss.
* It is wrong to anthropomorphise animals. Discuss.
* Man has nothing to learn from the animal kingdom. Discuss.
* It is impossible to lose one’s humanity. Discuss.
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Alter ego
What is an alter ego? It is an alternate self, Beyoncé is an
which is believed to be distinct from a person's introverted singer who is
normal or true original personality/the second, actually quite nervous
hidden side of one's own self. before a performance on
stage. In her earlier
years, she created an
Did alter ego called Sasha
you know? Fierce to help with self-
confidence.
The alter ego is important in the story, Life of Pi.
Comment on the above portrayal of alter egos in the novel.

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The Different Settings In The Novel
List the settings as highlighted in the visual :____________________________________________
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12
Themes in Life of Pi
1. Faith/Religion/Belief in God
Pi’s faith and religious beliefs play an important role in his life and
the novel as a whole. In the author’s note at the beginning of the book, we read the promise made
by Mamaji to the author that ‘this is a story that will make you believe in God’.
TAKE NOTE – THIS PROMISE IS ALSO DIRECTED AT YOU THE READER.

REFLECT ON WHETHER THIS NOVEL/STORY HAS IMPACTED YOUR BELIEF IN GOD.
Part 1-
 Establishes Pi’s link to the Divine by describing him being named after
the Piscine Molitor, a pool in ____________that Mamaji describes as
“__________________________________________________________________
_______________________________’ (Chapter 3). This link to purity sets Pi apart and
explains his need to be inhabited or filled with various faiths.
Chapter 1 – Pi states that his academic studies (one of which was religious studies) and the
practice of religion ‘brought him back to life’. This shows that faith and its practice are
essential to restore and heal Pi.
 Chapter 15 - shows Pi’s house as a temple/shrine to the different religions he practises,
with statues and holy symbols placed all over.
 Part 1 tells us how he comes to discover and becomes a disciple of each religion.
Chapters 16-20 show how Pi comes to discover the religions of
* HINDUISM – introduced by Aunty Rohini, his aunt. Aunt Rohini is the third female figure
that is a part of the plot. He loves the ritual and colours and the superhero nature of the
Gods. He is especially drawn to the idea of reincarnation and being able to redeem oneself
of past sins by being reborn and living a noble life.
* CHRISTIANITY – introduced to Christ by Father Martin in Munnar.

He is overcome by the show of love and humility that Christ displays by
____________________________________________________________of man.
* ISLAM – he is introduced to Islam by Satish Kumar, a baker and Sufi Muslim. He is

fascinated by his daily prayers and asks about his religion. Islam teaches Pi about
_______________and daily ______________to God.
 These are the main three religions that Pi practises. He gets into trouble with his religious
leaders, “the three Wise Men” (the priest, pundit and Imam), for practising all three
simultaneously; however he declares that he ‘just wants to love God.’
 This indicates that Pi is able to find the presence of God and the idea of faith in many
things.
13
* GNOSTICISM- the worship of nature as a representative of their Creator is displayed in
 Pi’s love and reverence for the sea.
Naming Mamaji, who introduced him to the sea as his ‘aquatic guru’ (chapter 3)
 Putting Paris, the location of the Piscine Molitor that he was named after, on a list of
pilgrimage sites he wishes to visit. The others are Mecca (Islam), Varanasi (Hinduism),
Jerusalem (Christianity) and Oxford (a shrine to Science and learning)
* ATHEISM AND THE BELIEF IN SCIENCE OVER RELIGION – is also respected by Pi,
and he has admiration for atheists like his teacher, Satish Kumar who believes in Science
and not God.
PART 2
Shows how Pi uses the practice of religion to keep sane and alert on the ocean.
His religion and faith in God gives him hope and allows him to continue in his journey.
His faith also provides the strength and redemption he requires to return to civilisation after what
he experiences and does while stuck on the lifeboat.
2. Storytelling
This novel is a story that begins with the author’s note.
The story of Pi is fictional. Therefore the author’s telling of how he meets Pi, Mamaji and the
evidence he collects about him, is also fictional.
Therefore this novel is made even more complicated than A STORY WITHIN A STORY.
LIFE OF PI is the story told by the WRITER YANN MARTEL of a FICTIONAL AUTHOR who is
writing the STORY OF PI’S LIFE while Pi is telling the TWO DIFFERENT STORIES OF HIS LIFE.
Allow me to
simplify that
for you…
THERE ARE 4 STORIES IN THIS BOOK:
1. The COMPLETE NOVEL FROM AUTHOR’S NOTE TO CHAPTER 100 as written by Yann
Martel.
2. The story of MEETING MAMAJI AND PI AND LISTENING TO PI’S STORY OF HIS LIFE.
3. The story of PI SURVIVING 227 DAYS ON THE PACIFIC OCEAN with animals on the
boat.
4. The story of PI SURVIVING ON THE PACIFIC OCEAN WITH THE HUMAN SURVIVORS
OF THE SHIPWRECK: the sailor, his mother and the French cook.
THERE ARE ALSO 4 STORYTELLERS IN THIS BOOK:
1. YANN MARTEL- THE AUTHOR
2. THE FICTIONAL AUTHOR
3. MAMAJI WHO GAINS THE AUTHOR’S ATTENTION BY TELLING HIM A STORY THAT
WILL MAKE HIM BELIEVE IN GOD.
4. PI PATEL
14
IMPORTANT ISSUES TO CONSIDER ABOUT STORYTELLING
 Stories can entertain, help us escape, heal, and change our perception of reality and our
beliefs.
 As Pi provides the choice of which story to believe to the Japanese officials, as readers, we
are also given the choice of which story we wish to remember or in which we believe.
 This is a story promising to make you believe in God, and the second story of Pi’s brutal
survival with the French cook, as told in PART 3, is also part of the story. This means that it,
too, despite being a glimpse into the beastly and depraved nature of humans, still points us
back to the power of God.
 The second story demonstrates that no matter how low we may sink in our madness and
depravity, as human beings are never out of the reach of God’s redeeming love and
restoration as Pi can cling to his faith and return to live a relatively prosperous and happy
life despite all he has been through.
 Pi’s story has a happy ending not only because he now has a family and is successful but
because he has lived to tell his tale of survival.
3. Territorialism/Boundaries
 In Part 1, Pi narrates the experiences he has of animals and their need for establishing and
maintaining boundaries.
 Remember that whatever is mentioned about his early life in Part 1 will always have
significance or impact on his choices and experiences in Part 2.
The book focuses on territory in two ways-
1. LITERALLY
 The need for it – providing safety and a sense of comfort to the animal and providing
security from, and control over the animal for the trainer (Chapter/s 10, 11 and 13).
 How to establish boundaries and alpha command (discussed in chapter 14) is shown
through Pi’s establishing of boundaries on the lifeboat (chapter/s 70-71) and the
eventual taming of Richard Parker on Algae Island.
2. FIGURATIVELY
 Pi tries to establish boundaries between Richard Parker and himself. He begins the process
of overcoming and controlling his primitive and savage nature. When he finally reaches
civilisation on the shores of Mexico, Richard Parker abandons him, indicating that Pi has
finally mastered his savage nature and he not only has no need of it but has banished it
from his future life in normal society. This plays a significant role in giving Pi his ‘happy
ending’ of being a productive member of society without living under the control of his inner
savagery.
4. Anthropomorphism
It is the tendency to see or treat animals as human beings and, as a result, expect human
reactions and motivations from them.
Pi clearly anthropomorphises animals throughout the book in the following ways:
1. As a child in the zoo
 Pi sees the animals as human beings imagining the pheasants to be uppity British people
having tea and sees the baboons as American gangsters planning a bank robbery getaway
(chapter 8).
 His father realises the danger of Pi's anthropomorphism and teaches him and Ravi the very
graphic lesson of the goat being eaten by the tiger, Mahisha. It is a warning to Pi not to
allow his view of animals to allow him to drop his guard and become the 'goat' (Chapter 8).
15
 Pi describes the aspect of zoomorphism in the zoo (chapter 34), where the animals see a
human or another species as one of their own. This foreshadows Pi being accepted as the
alpha by Richard Parker. Pi lists a mouse that remains uneaten in the viper enclosure for
weeks. Other mice are eaten as expected, but this one seems to have a non-prey
relationship with the snakes. Eventually it is eaten by a young viper. This is a reminder that
he should be wary of Richard Parker's acceptance of him.
2. On the lifeboat
 In chapter 37, the opening of Part 2, we hear Pi's retelling of surviving the shipwreck and
saving Richard Parker. The use of human pronouns 'him' , ‘he' and 'his', Pi's description of
the incident and his encouragement to Richard Parker trick the reader into believing he is
referring to a human being. His anthropomorphism takes over to such an extent that Pi
himself only realises the danger of bringing Richard Parker aboard, at the end when it is too
late to get rid of him.
 He refers to Orange Juice, the orangutan, as 'she' rather than "it", highlighting her
symbolism as representing his mother on the lifeboat. This is in direct contrast to the hyena
which he refers to as it or animal (Chapter 44- 45).
 In Chapter 84, when he thinks he sees a rescue ship, he shares his joy with Richard Parker
and points it out to him, expecting him to react to the news, in a human manner. He
expands this enthusiasm into a full-blown conversation with Richard Parker about houses in
Canada versus India.
 This conversing with Richard Parker, as if he can understand and respond continues in
Chapter 90 when he enquires into Richard Parker's blindness.
# Remember, Richard Parker represents Pi (Richard Parker is Pi's alter ego), so in many ways,
Richard Parker will reflect Pi's behaviour and mental state. Pi himself is going blind at this time
too.
Pi has a conversation regarding the different foods he wishes to eat and believes he is having a
conversation with Richard Parker. He only later realises he is talking to the blind Frenchman.
1. Adult Pi
 Despite his declaration that he 'is not one given to projecting human traits and emotions
onto animals' (Chapter 1), he ironically sees the sloths as 'yogis deep in meditation'. He
regards them as intelligent beings who have somehow discovered the secret to the
universe that we have missed.
 In chapter 33, the author tells of being shown pictures of Richard Parker, and he
anthropomorphises the tiger by showing amazement that Richard Parker looks away from
the camera and does not realise his picture is being taken. Pi's view of Richard Parker is
catching and has impacted the author to see him with human qualities. This is another
reference to the impact of storytelling and how it colours our perception.
5. Hunger/Thirst - In the Author’s note, the theme of hunger is spoken of literally and
figuratively when the author states ‘this book was born as I was hungry,’ showing motivation
for writing the tale of Pi.
 In Part one, the author makes mention of Pi’s hoarding of food items, indicating that he still
lives in fear of running out of food and being near starvation as he was a castaway.
 Food and water represent the primal needs of both man and animal. Without them, neither
would survive. Therefore, hunger and thirst are the motivations leading to the savage/primal
nature of Pi/Richard Parker taking over.
16
 Pi admits that his need for food for himself and Richard Parker overcomes his religious
beliefs.
 Pi’s routines and efforts revolve around the need for food and water. Once the water and
food supplies are depleted, his will to survive is also depleted. Later in Part 3, he faints
when he sees water come out of a tap so easily, reminding him of the anguish he endured
to get fresh water on the ocean. Ultimately, Pi fears hunger and thirst, believing they will
leave him vulnerable to his savage nature.
 Symbolically his discovery of an algae island with fresh water and vegetation and the
taming of Richard Parker on the island just before his return to civilisation, indicate that he
meets his thirst and hunger needs in ways that match his inner values and beliefs.
 He is vegetarian and has found fresh vegetation on the island to satisfy him, therefore there
is no need to fill his hunger with the savage methods of hunting meat that is represented by
the presence of Richard Parker, and he is able to tame not only Richard Parker but
symbolically his hunger finally.
6. Survival/Determination to Survive
Pi’s instinct to survive is strong and is strengthened by the people and experiences he encounters
in his childhood.
 The first glimpse into this survival instinct is recollected to us in Chapter 3 of Part 1, where
we are told how his introduction to swimming by Mamaji led to where his aquatic Guru
‘almost drowned him’. This indicates that Pi was able to swim or save himself in some way
that revealed to Mamaji that he was a potential swimmer.
 Later in Chapter 5, we see his survival instinct emerges again when his original name is
reduced to waste by merciless teasing. Once again, he shows his resilience and ability to
adapt, which play a major role in survival, when he chooses to train the class through
repetition to accept his new name of Pi, and he is able to survive the emotional upheavals
of school life by creating a new identity.
 Later on the lifeboat, his survival instinct is so strong that he attempts to rescue others.
Richard Parker becoming part of the lifeboat crew indicates the next chain in Pi’s journey of
survival. Richard Parker is Pi’s alter ego and represents the inner beast that is able to save
him from the hyena and the blind Frenchman.
Pi is able to survive because of the following aspects learnt from his childhood:
 Adaptability – he changes his methods of thinking, living and actions to adapt to his
situation. When he realises others will not rescue him, he sets about planning methods of
rescue or survival for himself. He even adapts to fishing and eating meat, even though he is
vegetarian, to survive. Not only is he adaptable, but he is able to adapt things he finds on
the lifeboat and repurposes them to become useful.
 He uses the whistle, which will no longer call for rescue, to train and tame Richard Parker.
The lifejackets are used to build the raft to provide distance between him and Richard
Parker.
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 Optimism – He is eternally optimistic and sees
even disappointments in a positive manner.
Even when the flares do not bring rescue, he
appreciates their cardamom scent, which
brings memories of his mother’s cooking.
Each new sunrise to him is a chance to try
again-a new plan to survive.
 Faith – Pi holds on to his religious beliefs and
continues with his religious prayers and rituals
in his daily schedule. This brings him comfort
and motivation to survive as he believes that
the Gods protect and provide for him.
 Pi’s perceptive nature also plays a significant
role in allowing him to survive. On the algae
island, he is able to piece together what has happened to previous visitors and is able to
save himself before the island ingests him.
7. Routine And Ritual

Pi can turn routine into a miracle and clearly shows how his ability to keep to routine and ritual
helps him survive.
 In Part 1, he learns and gains identity and comfort of ritual from the religions he encounters
and begins practising. Later, on the lifeboat, practising the rituals of prayer and chanting
helps him focus on the positivity of God’s providence. This keeps his mind alert preventing
himself from falling into depression.
 Also, in Part 1, he is taught the importance of routine through his zoo encounters and
swimming lessons at 6 am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Mamaji. This
respect and understanding of routine allow him to create feeding and cleaning schedules
for himself and Richard Parker, similar to the zoo. In this way, he can keep Richard Parker
fed and makes himself less of a target to be eaten. He is also kept alert by rigidly following
the scheduled times, which allows him to have less time to brood or become depressed by
his situation.
8. Primal/Savage Nature/Inner Beast

 Throughout Part 1, Pi highlights the savage nature of animals and explains their animal
instincts for survival. Santosh Patel, Pi's father, highlights the savage and brutal nature of
animals. Swans although seemingly harmless, can break your arms with their wings and
crack your skull with their beaks. Chapter 8 highlights this with the feeding of the goat to the
tiger, Mahisha.
 The same chapter, however, reminds us that the most dangerous animal of them all is man.
This is a foreshadowing of the savagery of man that will be seen in Part 2 with the blind
Frenchman's attempt to kill and eat Pi and Pi's subsequent rescue by Richard Parker
attacking the blind Frenchman and Part 3, where Pi describes the French cook's killing of
the sailor and Pi's mother which causes Pi to attack and kill him. The novel highlights that
this savagery is a primal or survival mechanism in all living creatures, much like the flight
mechanism response.
 However, Pi's story, although disturbing in his journey of succumbing to his savage nature
to survive, is also uplifting as his ending shows us that the savage nature can be overcome
and tamed just as Pi is able to tame Richard Parker until there is no longer a need for him
in Pi's world.
 This story is a happy one also because despite succumbing to his primal nature, God's
redeeming love provides forgiveness for his sins, and he can tame his savagery and re-join
society, having tamed his inner beast.
18
SYMBOLS
Pi’s Names
 PISCINE MOLITOR -a swimming pool in Paris that Mamaji describes as ‘a pool the gods
would have delighted to swim in’ (Chapter3) with water so pure you could make your
morning coffee with it.
 This name symbolises the purity of Pi’s nature. His quest to ‘just love God’ is symbolic of
the pool being a delight for the Gods to inhabit, just as Pi is delighted to be inhabited by the
belief of and love for these gods.
 The purity of his name is important to him and explains why he needs to change his name
the moment it is made impure by association with the unclean act of ‘pissing’ or urinating.
 PI- he chooses this identity for himself as it is a mystical, irrational mathematical figure
much in the way he views himself with the ability to marry the belief of religion and science.
 He sees the symbol Pi which equates to 3,14 as infinite and looks at the drawing of it as a
sanctuary of a shack under which he can hide from the impurity of his old, soiled name.
 The name is also linked to his time spent on the ocean. The fractional representation of Pi
is 22/7 and this is symbolic of the 227 days he claims to have spent on the ocean with
Richard Parker.
 This number highlighted in Part 2, alerts the reader that this story of 227 days on the ocean
is an invention that Pi needs to cope with the horror of his purity being taken away from him
by his savage nature in the second story. This is similar to Pi reinventing his identity to cope
with the purity of his name being taken away at school.
Tsimtsum
 The ship is called the Tsimtsum in reference to the theory of cosmogony (the study of the
origin of the universe) by the Jewish teacher (rabbi) Isaac Luria; that God contracted
himself in order to create the world outside of and independent to himself.
 Once this happens Pi is introduced to a new world and a new life that he has to which he
has to adapt. Just as Luria believed that the act of Tsimtsum/contraction by God led to the
creation of a new world, so too does the sinking of the ship create a new, difficult world for
Pi. The theory assumes that the Divine, fills all space and comprises everything to the
exclusion of anything else. God contracted to make room for the universe. This contraction,
called Tsimtsum, was followed by light, carried in five vessels. This is related to the naming
of the ship as the ship was destroyed and life was perpetuated in 5 elements, Pi, the zebra,
the orangutan, the hyena and the Bengal tiger. This life on the ocean and world filled with a
daily fight for survival comes as a result of the ship sinking.
The Colour Orange

This colour symbolises HOPE and survival in the novel.
It can be found in the following items and ideas in the novel:
 Sunrise and Sunset give Pi hope that he has lived through another day and will live to see
another one. Sunrise especially fills him with the hope that the new day may bring a rescue
or bring him closer to civilisation.
 Religion – the flames of the Hindu rituals are comforting to Pi. He links the colour orange to
the Hindu religion, giving him hope and comfort just as his daily prayers give him hope and
fill the time.
 Lifeboat and the objects in them – he says the inside of the boat and most of the significant
objects aboard were orange, indicating that they are objects that provided him with hope
and gave him a chance at survival. The boat was a sanctuary from the ocean, and later, he
marked a territory or a sanctuary from Richard Parker. The lifeboat also provides food and
water rations, a survival guide, and ways to collect fresh water. The orange lifejackets and
oars help build the life raft to escape Richard Parker, the orange buckets are used to feed
19
Richard Parker water, the orange tarpaulin provides shelter, and Pi repurposes the whistle
to tame Richard Parker. Even the orange flares, though useless, smell like cardamom and
bring comfort and hope by reminding Pi of his mother’s cooking and home.
 Richard Parker- even though he is a savage beast and a threat to Pi’s safety, one cannot
deny that the orange beast is responsible for Pi’s survival and hope in more ways than one.
He rescues Pi from the attacks of the hyena and the blind Frenchman. His presence on the
lifeboat keeps Pi alert and provides him with a daily schedule and purpose that force Pi to
stay focused on surviving. Finally, he provides companionship for Pi on the ocean.
 Orange Juice, the orangutan, is symbolic of Pi’s mother and her maternal instinct and need
to protect him. She saves him from the hyena’s attack and loses her life in the process.
The Colour Green

Green is the colour of beauty, joy, health and hope. It is the loyalty in love. It portrays growth,
fertility and harmony. It is considered as a peaceful colour for the human eyes. It is closely
associated with Islam. It has great strength and gives more hope than any other colour. The
author symbolises green to give a new life. In his miserable journey, Pi reaches the floating island
and eventually finds the green trees, giving him new hope to survive. He describes it as ―Since
the trees continued to stand, I continued to look. “To take in green, after so much of blue, was like
music to my eyes. Green is the colour of Islam. It is my favourite colour.”
The Colour Blue

One of the main religions featured in Life of Pi is Christianity, represented by the colour blue. Pi
seems to pray to God the most and hopes he provides him with salvation.
Allegory/The animals on the lifeboat

ALLEGORY IS WHERE HUMANS ARE REPRESENTED BY ANIMALS IN A STORY. MANY OF
THE ANIMAL CHARACTERISTICS AND THE HUMAN TRAITS ARE SIMILAR. THIS IS DONE
TO HIDE THE TRUE IDENTITY OF THE HUMANS AND THE HARSH REALITY OF THEIR
DEEDS.
 The zebra – the Grant’s zebra represents the Taiwanese sailor who is beautiful and exotic
and is not understood by the rest of them. His leg is broken by the fall and is later
amputated by the Frenchman to use as bait.
 THE HYENA – the French cook and also the Blind Frenchman. He is coarse and attacks
the sailor, Pi’s mother and Pi himself. Pi kills him after he kills his mother.
 ORANGE JUICE – the orangutan represents Pi’s mother, who dies fighting the cook/hyena
in an attempt to protect Pi
 RICHARD PARKER- the tiger represents Pi’s savage nature that emerges to save him from
the hyena/cook/blind Frenchman
Discuss the symbolism in VISUAL:
A
A B C D C
20
The Algae Island
Pi’s sighting of the Algae or Meerkat Island symbolises false faith.
The island seems like the perfect answer to prayer after his blindness, near starvation and
escapes from the blind Frenchman. It offers food and fresh water for him as well as Richard
Parker and a place to rest. However, the island is not as good as it seems. Pi discovers that
something in the water turns it into acid at night, killing the fish in it. Even the meerkats and
Richard Parker refuse to remain on the ground of the island at night. Pi discovers human teeth in
the fruit of a tree on the island, 32 teeth in total, a complete human set, which alerts him to the fact
that the island is ingesting humans and that he is in danger if he does not leave.
We can conclude that island seems to have been made up as a figment of Pi’s imagination for the
following reasons:
 Meerkats do not live in island climates but dwell underground in dry, desert areas
(remember Timon from the Lion King)
 If the water remained fresh from the salt water that surrounded it, how was it contaminated
at night only by acid and able to become harmless once it was morning?
 How did the island manage to ingest the man and evenly distribute a single tooth to each
fruit to equal 32 teeth? How strange that they found a man with all 32 teeth no less, no
more?
Despite the fantastical element of the island, it did serve two significant purposes in Pi’s journey:
1. It became a place of safety where he could complete his taming of Richard Parker and
make him jump through hoops indicating he had dominance over him. It also foreshadows
the departure of Richard Parker as he is no longer needed now that Pi is about to re-join
civilisation.
2. It represents false faith or a false sanctuary that would have led to Pi’s death or an obstacle
to him completing his journey.
If he stayed on the island and accepted it as the answer to his prayers, he would accept a false
sense of peace that would lull him to his death. Furthermore, it would distract him from his ultimate
goal of reaching civilisation which in reality was close by, even though he was unaware of it.
Straight after he decides to leave the island to save himself, is when he receives the
true answer to his prayer, and he reaches land.
21
FORESHADOWING
Foreshadowing is a narrative device in which a storyteller gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the
story.
Are you a Star Wars fan?
Do you recall hearing characters saying, “I have a bad feeling about this”
just before something really chaotic happens? Well, dear Grade 12 learner,
you have just been exposed to an example of foreshadowing.
Let us analyse a few examples of foreshadowing in Life of Pi
Quotation My suffering left me sad and gloomy

Explanation Chapter 1 begins with Pi’s declaration that he has suffered a great deal, leaving
him despondent.
What does it foreshadow? The reader is not aware of the nature of his suffering. At this early point in
Martel’s novel, we have seen hints that Pi has endured something devastating
and extraordinary, but we don’t know exactly what. This technique builds up the
suspense
Quotation Father said, “"I'm going to show you how dangerous tigers are," he continued, "I
want you to remember this lesson for the rest of your lives."
Explanation
What does it foreshadow?
Quotation "I'm going to show you how dangerous tigers are," he continued. "I want you to
remember this lesson for the rest of your lives."
Explanation
Find other examples of foreshadowing in the novel. Fill in the table/s below.
Quotation
Explanation
Quotation
Explanation
Quotation
Explanation
22
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN PI PATEL
Pi is an archetypal quest hero who undergoes major character development physically, emotionally and spiritually throughout his journey
Add to Pi’s changes by filling the empty bubbles.
Through adapting and In order to survive, Pi needs

responding to the to become a strategist. He
grew to eat only as much as
extreme conditions of
his new world, Pi
Physical Change necessary and fed diluted salt
water to Richard Parker. He
undergoes great .When on the lifeboat facing becomes thin and frail but
physical change. certain death, Pi has to learn successfully lives off the bare
to adapt to his situation and necessities of life during his
faces constant trials time in the lifeboat.
Pi’s attitude towards Richard Parker
also shows emotional growth.
At first, Pi is gripped with fear at the

thought of Richard Parker’s presence,
believing that the tiger would
Pi finds himself at his bleakest
undoubtedly be the cause of his death.
moment, he describes the
Pi’s feelings change towards harrowing events of the By the end of his journey, Pi has
Canada. When it is first Tsimtsum’s sinking, how he has learned to love and be grateful towards
announced that the Patel’s Emotional Change lost his family and now finds Richard Parker, citing the tiger’s
will be moving to Canada, Pi is companionship as the reason he
himself on a meagre lifeboat with
very much against the idea. Through the course of his survived.
wild animals. Pi has hit rock
journey Pi deals with numerous
Pi did not want to leave the
raw emotions that greatly bottom and feels that because
familiarity of his home in he has nothing left to lose.
affect his views and the
India. He later grows to love
advancement of his character
Canada as he has learned to
survive out of his comfort
zone after completing his
journey.
23
Pi shows his true belief in his
When Pi kills a flying fish to use it as bait for conversation with the Japanese
fishing, he expresses the guilt he felt over Spiritual Ministry of Transportation.
murdering this fish, despite the necessity of
=
the act.
Development He ties together the themes of
Through the course of storytelling and religion, implying
Pi compares himself to Cain, a religious Pi’s journey his love of there is no proof of whether God
figure in Christianity and Islam who God strengthens and he
exists but to believe in Him as a
committed the first murder. In Pi’s mind he develops spirituality in
higher power is ‘the better story’. Pi
believes this sin he has committed is equal to the face of desperation.
.that of Cain’s, who murdered his brother. could have said that it was luck that
he survived his voyage, luck brought
The extremity of Pi’s circumstances cause
him ashore to Mexico, but Pi puts it
him to commit his first real sin, showing
as his renewed faith in God.
unwanted spiritual development
Pi’s faith is greatly tested Pi develops physically by learning the

throughout the novel, it would be rules of his new world and adapting
very easy for him to feel God has them, emotionally by experiencing
turned his back on him, and yet in unfamiliar emotions and allowing
his worst moments Pi chooses to
himself to feel freely, and spiritually
lean further on religion.
as he learns to be firm in his beliefs
Pi’s conviction that God is with and rely on religion. Pi’s quest gives
him in his darkest moments allows him an improved sense of self and a
for hope in a bleak time and further belief in the existence of
causes him to be an even more
God.
devout believer in religion.
24
SUMMARY AND ANALYSES
AUTHOR’S NOTE  Analysis Important Quotations
Summary In the author’s note, the reader is provided with many “This book was born as I was
The author describes how the failure of his second indicators of ‘evidence’ such as interviews with hungry.”
book prompts him to go to India with the intention Mamaji and Pi himself, as well as other records to “I have a story that will make
of writing a fictional novel set in Portugal in 1939. establish the idea that the story of Pi is real when in you believe in God”.
Despite his best efforts, the story is unsuccessful, fact, it is a work of fiction.
and he mails the failed manuscript to a made-up By blurring the lines between truth and fiction by
address and decides to explore India instead. adding actual events in his life to the fictional author’s
At the Indian Coffee-House in ______________, life, Martel is warning readers that the story/stories to
he meets ___________________________, who come may also be a blend of fiction and reality.
promises to tell him a story that will make him The author attempts to write a fictional story set in an
REFELECTIONS
believe in God. actual historical period in Portugal. He highlights that
How do you feel after
He is intrigued and goes on his return to Toronto every story has a grain of truth.
discovering that the
searches for Mr Patel the protagonist of the story. author’s note is fictional?
He meets Pi and is shown __________Pi kept at Themes:
______________________
sea and __________________that reported on STORYTELLING
______________________
Pi’s survival at sea. He also receives RELIGION
_________________
______________from the Japanese Ministry of HUNGER
How do you think this will
Transport and agrees that this is indeed a story to impact your expectations of
make you believe in God. fiction vs reality for the rest
of the book?
________________________
________________________
________________________
Selective transforming of reality- using familiar ideas, settings and characters from reality to create a fictional story.
25
PART 1 TORONTO AND PONDICHERRY
We meet Pi; he talks about his journey since coming to Canada. He is doing religious studies and zoology at the University of Toronto. He talks
about how he loves Canada, but he misses India. Pi describes the zoo that his dad bought. He talks about the good side of zoos that people do
not see and how they make a comfortable place for the animals. Pi talks about school and how the kids would call him “Pissing” instead of
Piscine. When he went to a new school, he decided to change his name to Pi, just Pi, like the mathematics equation of 3.14.
All animals have a different distance for danger. If animals escape from the zoo, they are trying to get away from something, not to something.
There is a description of his house in Canada. He talks about what religion he is. Catholic? Hindu? Pi talks about how he came to find the
Christian religion. Then he found Islam: Pi describes his prayer rug and why he likes to pray outside. He talks about the hard times in India in the
mid-1970s. He waits at the zoo's front gate to meet Mr Kumar and show him around the zoo. He talks about how animals adapt. They sold the
zoo and are getting ready to sail to Canada. They are getting the animals ready for a new zoo in America.
Left Madras on June 21st, 1977, in the Japanese cargo ship "Tsimtsum".
Pondicherry Pi’s home inToronto
26
CHAPTER 1 Analysis Important Quotations
Summary He is a graduate of Zoology and Religious Studies. The topic of his ‘My suffering left me sad
Adult Pi starts his tale by establishing thesis at university, “The thyroid gland of the and gloomy.
what happened after his ordeal at sea. ______________sounds scientific, but Pi Academic study and the
He establishes that suffering has had a admits that he chose the sloth because of its steady mindful practice of
negative impact on him but highlights soothing, spiritually calming nature and religion brought me
how academic study and the practice because it reminded him of God. This slowly back to life.’
of religion revived him. highlights the link between religious faith and Reflections:
He talks of his choice of studying Why is Pi so fascinated
science. Pi’s fascination with both subjects is
religion and zoology at university, two by the sloth?
sustained as the novel unfolds. He expresses his sadness that
subjects usually at odds with the other. Who is Richard Parker
His attitude to atheists and agnostics is Richard Parker (whose identity we do not yet know) leaves and does and why has his
indicated. He talks of how the patients not say goodbye to him. This creates suspense and curiosity in the disappearance caused Pi
at the hospital in Mexico welcomed reader. The reader is surprised later on to discover that Richard such pain?
him. He is still upset that Richard Parker is a _____.
Parker abandoned him. His longing for
Themes:
India and his family are shown.
SURVIVAL RELIGION ANTHROPOMORPHISM
Unceremoniously: with a lack of courtesy; roughly or abruptly:

He does not engage in small talk showing his
Summary serious attitude to life. His choice of a winter ‘No small talk.’
The narrative switches to the author’s point of view, and he coat may be a post trauma response to always Reflections:
describes the adult Pi as a small, grey-haired, middle-aged be prepared for bad weather or the cold that he How does the author’s
man. The author describes Pi and his odd choice of a experienced on the lifeboat at night. description of Pi reveal
winter coat despite it being mild autumn weather. This Themes: STORYTELLING more about him than his
reveals that Pi still holds on to the fear of
own narrative?
_______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Fall weather: also known as the Autumn, weather is usually when the temperature is cool.
27
Summary Piscine is named after a swimming pool that Pi says, ‘I remained faithful to my aquatic
Pi narrates how he came to be named after Mamaji links to divinity and purity. Pi is the only guru’
the swimming pool, _____________. He swimmer in the family, owing to the coaching
of Mamaji. This is a foreshadowing of later ‘It was a pool the God’s would have
narrates how Francis Adirubasamy known
events as it explains why Pi is the only delighted to swim in.’
as _________ a champion swimmer
enthralled Pi’s father with his tales of the _______________of his family when the ship Reflections: How has Pi‘s life been
various swimming pools he had visited. His sinks. Mamaji also teaches Pi the importance influenced by being named after a pool the
favourite was the Piscine Molitor. Mamaji of routine with regular swimming practices. gods would have delighted to swim in?
finds a willing swimming disciple in Pi and This knowledge will help Pi when
teaches him to swim in both the pools and he___________________________________ How has routine empowered Pi to survive
ocean. future events?
Themes: How has storytelling especially by Mamaji,

RELIGION ROUTINE created impact in the lives of characters and
STORYTELLING the plot?

Summary Pi’s vast knowledge of animal behaviour is
Pi describes life at the zoo and argues showcased in this chapter and foreshadows his
that zoo animals are “happy” and “free” need for this knowledge in part 2 to survive.
compared to wild animals. He believes Animals follow routine and repetition and Pi learns
animals in captivity have a structure and how to use this to his advantage. Describes his
a support system that meets their needs mum as He describes as benevolent, kind, caring
and do not need to be driven by “fear and protective.
and urgent necessity”. For this reason,
zoo animals who are released voluntarily
Themes:
go back to their confined habitat.
SURVIVAL TERRITORY Reflections:
ROUTINE ANTHROPOMORPHISM
Do you agree with Pi’s view of zoos?
28
Analysis
CHAPTER 5 Pi accomplishes a personal victory in this Important Quotations
Summary chapter. Consider the embarrassment or ‘And so, in that Greek
Chapter five highlights the importance of naming. Pi reflects humiliation that children feel when they are letter that looks like a
further on his name and all the teasing he received as a child teased. We experience this personal victory shack with a
because of it. The other children called him “Pissing,” which they with Pi as he cleverly “trains” his teachers and corrugated tin roof, in
took from “Piscine.” Eventually Pi decided on a nickname, and classmates to change his name from “pissing” that elusive, irrational
when he moved to a new school, he trained the teachers and his to “Pi”. This helps us to connect with the hero number with which
classmates to call him “Pi.” In each class on the first day, he wrote as well. It further shows us Pi’s intelligence scientists try to
the name Pi on the board. It links closely to the theme of identity. and ability to understand human and animal understand the
The symbolic meaning of Pi’s name is important to the theme of nature. “A new beginning. I repeated the universe, I found my
order/reason or logic/rationality as it captures the complicated stunt with every teacher. Repetition is refuge.”
nature of the universe. Life is not important in the training not only of animals
but also of humans.” This idea is explained in Reflections:
simple. This idea also
foreshadows the unbelievable the theory of classical conditioning in Why is Pi comparing
events of Part Two. Martel is psychology. It also foreshadows Pi’s ability to his ordeal of teasing to
stretching the reader’s understand Richard Parker later in the novel. persecution? It is a
imagination to embrace these Themes sign of the persecution
unbelievable events as truth. RELIGION REPETITION he will endure later.
Feeling like the persecuted prophet Muhammad in Mecca: Like the prophet Muhammad, Pi feels isolated.

Summary Chapter 6 extends the concept of foreshadowing ‘a reserve of food to last the siege of
The author interrupts again to say that the adult as the fictitious author describes the adult Pi’s Leningrad.’
Pi is an excellent cook, and he makes very spicy heavily-stocked cupboards. This arouses interest
Reflections: What does the author’s
vegetarian food. The author has noted that Pi’s /curiosity about Pi. Consider why he does this.
Themes description of Pi’s kitchen suggest
kitchen is very _________________with spare
HUNGER SURVIVAL about Pi’s attitude to hunger?
canned goods, as if preparing for a disaster.
Last the siege of Leningrad: It was a long military siege championed mainly by the Nazis. The author uses this analogy to emphasise the amount of food Pi
has stocked,
29
Summary Pi believes that having doubt prevents one “To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is
from experiencing life or taking a leap of akin to choosing immobility as a means of
Pi describes his favourite biology teacher - Mr faith. He respects Mr Kumar’s ability to take transportation.”
Satish Kumar - as having a geometric build a position in explaining the world, politics,
befitting of his logical and scientific character. Mr animals and human existence. This relates “It was my first clue that atheists are my
Kumar is interested in the biology of animals, to the theme of reason. brothers and sisters of a different faith and
which displays his scientific background. Take every word they speak speaks of faith.
note of how the other Mr Kumar (the Muslim Atheists do not believe in any gods, while Like me, they go as far as the legs of
mystic) explains the existence of animals later on. agnostics are not sure if any gods exist or reason will carry them – and they leap.”
Although Pi has strong religious beliefs, he can not. As a result, atheists typically argue that
there is no proof of a god’s existence, while "I come here all the time. One might say
accept Mr Kumar’s views of the universe and his
agnostics may be more willing to listen to it's my temple. This is interesting..."
atheism.
both sides.
Pi prefers a worldview with God in it, but he
respects those who do not. He does not respect Themes:
those who refuse to choose, who linger in doubt. SCIENCE Reflections:
Instead, Pi respects those who choose a story. RELIGION
ANTHROPOMORPHISM Comment on the significance of the
language and imagery that Pi uses to
describe Mr Kumar.
Atheist: a person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods.
Agnostic: a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God.
30
Summary “I learned the lesson that an
Pi’s experience with this tiger foreshadows his
animal is an animal,
Father teaches Pi about the brutality of animals and understanding of Richard Parker later on. We see
essentially and practically
humans by killing a goat by the tiger Mahisha. He takes that Pi already possesses immense knowledge
removed from us, twice: once
them on a tour of the zoo to highlight the brutality of about animals and animal behaviour. The theme of
with Father and once with
nature. the nature of storytelling is explored as Martel
Richard Parker.”
deliberately elaborates on Pi’s knowledge of
The concept of anthropomorphism is explained by Pi’s animals so that Part Two is authentic and
father’s declaration that the “most dangerous animal in believable. We call this technique a plot device as it
the zoo” is a human being. Pi explains that by assists with the development of the plot and ties Reflections: Why has Martel
anthropomorphising animals, humans respond to them as the story together as we read on. placed this episode in the
if they are also human beings. This is dangerous as we same chapter with the
may disrespect the animals, and they may respond The incident with Mahisha, the tiger, lends insight discussion of
violently or aggressively in return. into the character traits of Pi’s family. Father anthropomorphism?
appears to be concerned about equipping his sons
with life skills. Despite Ravi’s bravado, described in How is the brutality of
earlier chapters, he is equally fearful of the tiger humans exposed in this
and obedient to his father. chapter?
Themes:
SURVIVAL
BRUTALITY
ANTHROPOMORPHISM
31
Summary The evidence of flight distance in ‘My suffering left me sad and gloomy.
Pi explains the concept of flight distance in chapter nine – nature highlights both survival and
Academic study and the steady
“which is the minimum distance at which an animal wants primal instincts.
mindful practice of religion brought
to keep a perceived enemy”. This assists him in
Themes: me slowly back to life.’
establishing his boundaries with Richard Parker in Part
Two – foreshadowing. Pi admits that his father is “a SURVIVAL
Reflections:
natural”. He has “an intuitive gift and a keen eye.” This ANTHROPOMORPHISM
shows that Pi’s training from his father becomes a useful Why is an understanding of animals’
coping tool later on. flight distance important to a
zookeeper and to Pi later on?
Summary The importance of territory and routine is “Whatever the reason for wanting to
highlighted here. Pi’s lament of bad zoo escape, sane or insane, zoo
Pi explains why he believes that zoos are not horrible keeping prefigures his lament of bad detractors should realise that animals
environments for animals but that it is humans invading the religious practitioners – bad zookeepers, don’t escape to somewhere but from
territory of animals, which harms the animal. Pi admits that like narrow-minded, hateful religious something. “
there are still some animals who escape or try to escape people, give zoology and religion bad
from zoos. He says that this is usually the result of bad names, making people think that both
care or the animal experiencing sudden stress, especially if zoos and religion restrict freedom.
it feels that something is invading its territory. As long as
humans provide animals in captivity with food, shelter and Themes:
a stable environment, their flight distance is minimised and
the human being is not seen as an enemy. SURVIVAL TERRITORY
ROUTINE
ANTHROPOMORPHISM
32
Summary Pi talks about what you would find if you ‘Animals who escape go from the
turned Tokyo upside down. Note he known into the unknown – and if there
Pi further explains his flight distance theory with the uses this same analogy in P3. Reflect on is one thing an animal hates above all
example of the black leopard that escaped from the how the reception to this explanation still else, it is the unknown.’
Zurich Zoo. Pi describes the case of a black leopard who affects him now.
escaped the Zurich Zoo and lived in the area undetected Reflections:
(with the whole city on alert) for ten weeks. Pi wonders Themes: Who is Pi referring to when he says
that such a huge predator could live secretly for so long,
SURVIVAL TERRITORY ‘they expected to find’?
and uses this to prove that animals are always just trying
to fit into whatever environment they find themselves in. ANTHROPOMORPHISM
Summary Note the deception the author has to ‘Memory is an ocean and he bobs on its
struggle through regarding the spicy surface”
The fictitious author’s description of Pi is a reminder that food.
the adult Pi is telling the story. This technique is used to
create realism and credibility – the nature of storytelling. Think about how people react to the
The author says that “Richard Parker still preys” on Pi’s story we tell them about ourselves. Reflections: Why is telling his story so
mind. The author made the mistake of telling Pi that he important to Pi?
liked spicy food, so now Pi always serves him painfully
hot food on his visits.
33
Summary The knowledge of the alpha male “the reason the lion will tear
He says that if you fall into a lion’s pit, the lion will kill you not dominance is used by Pi on the boat you into pieces ’is not because
because it’s hungry but because you have crossed its boundaries. to establish dominance over Richard it is hungry, …but because you
Lions (like most animals) respect the territory of others as well as Parker and train him. invaded its territory”.
their own, which is how lion-tamers work. The lion-tamer enters the
cage first, so the lions see that it is his territory. Pi describes the
concept of alpha ANIMALS Themes: Reflections:
SURVIVAL
Pi describes how the lion tamer trains the lion to be obedient TERRITORY Discuss the symbolism of
because the lion accepts its lower rank in the social order. In Part Pi’s own circus
Two, Pi establishes this relationship with Richard Parker as he
takes the responsibility of meeting the tiger’s basic needs on the
boat.

There is more discussion that
Summary foreshadows Pi’s training of Richard “Socially inferior
There is further discussion on the hierarchy of the lion and its Parker. Pi’s knowledge of taming animals…prove to the ones
behaviour, (dominant leaders) and beta animals (the rest of the dangerous beasts will take on a major most faithful”.
group). He says that most animal violence is the result of “social role later. His ideas about animal-
insecurity,” or the animal not knowing whether they are alpha or training centre on boundaries and
beta. The lion-tamer reinforces his alpha status with the whistle, confidence in the trainer, and a Reflections:
whip and a calm, forceful stare. “suspension of disbelief” in the lions Why is Pi so fascinated by the
themselves alpha male?
Themes:
SURVIVAL
RELIGION
ANTHROPOMORPHISM
34
Summary The various _________ in his His house is his temple
Martel refers to the fictitious author’s description of Pi’s home indicate his need to be
surrounded by God’s. It further Reflections:
home in Chapter fifteen. The religious objects tell the reader
that it is definitely the same Pi who is telling the story. He highlights his need for Why are there so many
says the house is like “a temple,” as it is filled with religious redemption. different religious symbols in
icons and objects. The author notes paintings, statues, his home? How does it reflect
books, and photographs pertaining to Hinduism, Islam, and his views on religion?
Christianity. Pi keeps a Bible on his bedside table.
Summary Pi discusses how he is attracted to the ritual ‘‘But religion is more than rite and
and colours of Hinduism. As with his ritual’.’
Pi relates his introduction to Hinduism. Pi’s voice discussion of animals, Pi begins with the
returns. He explains that he was raised a Hindu, surface trappings of religion, associating
mostly encouraged by his mother’s sister Auntie Hinduism with its rituals and sensory effects.
Rohini. He grew up with Hindu rituals starting as an But Pi soon delves into the spirit beneath the
infant, and he immediately felt a closeness to the ritual, as he finds a deep affinity with religion.
Hindu gods and stories. He maintains that while he follows ritual, he
also has a relationship with God. He
emphasises that religion is more than ritual.
Themes:
Reflections:
SURVIVAL
RELIGION What reasons does Pi give for him
ANTHROPOMORPHISM being a Hindu?
35
Summary ‘The more He bothered me, the
Pi starts to learn that he too, is looking for something
Pi talks of his less I could forget about Him.
deeper than ritual and tradition, and he finds
introduction to And the more I learned about
different aspects of that thing – God, or universal
Christianity at 14 him the less I wanted to leave
love, or “a better story” – in Hinduism and
years old while on Him.
Christianity. Only when Pi looks past his stereotypes
holiday in
of Christians does he see the similarities in the Reflections:
_________. He is
religions, and he asks us, as readers to do the
fortunate to meet
same. Pi decides to become a Christian because he What example from the zoo
Father Martin, a Christian who is kind, patient, and
is fascinated by the love and sacrifice Christ has for does Pi use to explain how
mankind. Pi thanks Krishna for leading him to Christ ridiculous he thinks Christ’s
appreciates the love behind Christian dogma. Pi
expected to be kicked out for being a “heathen,” death is?
showing he will continue to practise both religions.
but Father Martin welcomed him into the clean,
quiet space. Father Martin tells Pi the story of THEMES: Explain why this attitude
Jesus’ death on __________ to free mankind from SURVIVAL RELIGION changes.
the punishment of sin. Pi who is used to superhero ANTHROPOMORPHISM
-like Hindu gods cannot understand how Jesus
could give up his powers to save mankind.
36
Summary It was the first time I saw a muslin pray’
As with Christianity, Pi has only an
A year passes and Pi experiences the same curiosity
outsider’s knowledge of Islam and so first Reflections:
when he witnesses the Great Mosque. He sees it but is
sees the ritual without the faith’s
afraid to enter, so enters a local bakery instead. While
essence. This is similar to the people Pi’s strength is his inquiring mind. How
talking to the bakery’s owner, the owner is called to important is this to Pi and to faith
who blithely assert that zoos are
prayer by the muezzin (the man at the mosque who calls generally?
“prisons” for animals.
the time for prayer). He witnesses the bakery owner’s
relaxed, repetitive prayer motions and later thinks on it
while praying at the Catholic Church. Themes:
RELIGION
Summary Instead of living with his stereotypes, though,

Pi seeks to learn the essence of religion. He
He goes back to the bakery to ask the baker questions clearly finds another aspect of his God ‘It is a beautiful religion of
on the religion and is led to the mosque where he reflected in the Muslim worldview. Pi is led to brotherhood and devotion.’
participates in the bowing and prayers with the other Islam through the love and dedication to the Reflections:
Muslims. Pi makes a distinction between the essence of religion by Mr Kumar. Reflect on how the
faith and the practice of faith. “I challenge anyone to people who introduce him to religion prove to How does the idea of brotherhood
understand Islam, its spirit, and not to love it. It is a be of a particular personality that is appealing attract Pi?
beautiful religion of brotherhood and devotion.” Why to Pi’s character.
might it be difficult to make this distinction?
_____________________________________________ Themes:
___________________________________________
SURVIVAL
RELIGION
ANTHROPOMORPHISM
37
The two Satish Kumars create a pleasing
Summary symmetry in their influence on Pi’s life, "If you take two steps towards
God," he used to tell me, "God
Pi relays that the baker is also named Satish Kumar, especially as they offer a harmonious duality in
runs to you!"
the same as his biology teacher and is a Sufi or Muslim comparison to the unending π. The first Mr
mystic. He begins to see Kumar’s home as a holy Kumar inspires Pi to study zoology in college,
place and after praying with him for a while, Pi feels the while the second Mr Kumar inspires him to Reflections:
profundity of those prayers and relays that he currently study theology. Pi described Mr and Mr Kumar as
practises all three religions every day. He even “the prophets of my youth”. What
describes an instance in which he witnessed the Virgin Themes: do these two men teach Pi and
Mary in Canada. why is it a peculiar combination?
SURVIVAL
RELIGION
ANTHROPOMORPHISM
Summary These two quoted phrases are some of the most ‘An intellect confounded yet a
important in the book and will be repeated. “Dry, trusting sense of presence and of
The author sits in a café after talking with the yeastless factuality” is the boring reality of doubt, ultimate purpose.’
adult Pi, and he thinks about their conversation. the agnostic’s universe (to Pi), while “the better
He notes Pi’s words about “dry, yeastless story” is a reality brought to life through Reflections:
factuality” and “the better story.” The author feels imagination and faith. Consider how Mamaji’s promise to
that his own life seems mundane compared to Themes: tell the author a story that will make
Pi’s. He considers Pi’s religious philosophies, SURVIVAL him believe in God is affecting the
which value moral truth above intellectual truth RELIGION author’s own faith.
and elevate love above all else. ANTHROPOMORPHISM
38
Summary The phrases are immediately repeated to show their to the very end lack
importance. The need to improve and order reality imagination and miss the
Pi thinks about how an atheist might experience through storytelling (or religion) is a natural human better story’
death upon that final revelation. He once again instinct, and something similar even exists in animals –
brings up his unhappiness with agnosticism and referring to Pi’s prior explanation of the “fiction” the lions Reflections: Chapter 22 holds
how an agnostic in death might cling to “dry, a key statement in the novel – if
live with in accepting their trainer as their alpha.
yeastless factuality” and miss the “better story”, we lack imagination (faith), we
as mentioned by the author in Chapter 21. He Pi here alludes to the better story, the one better than miss the better story. To what
does not appreciate their lack of imagination and rational explanations, which shows that his idea of faith extent is this true?
faith. is linked to the more unlikely belief than the more
rational response.
Themes:
SURVIVAL RELIGION
ANTHROPOMORPHISM

Summary Despite the fact that all religions preach love ‘I just want to love God’
Pi’s parents are made aware of his multiple religions when an and kindness, Pi shows how the anger and
Imam, Pandit and ________ all converge on him at the esplanade, intolerance of other religions can make even
Reflections:
believing him to be their most devout disciple. When they discover religious leaders descend into insults and
he has been attending all their services, they become upset and meanness. Pi, using Gandhi, reminds them to Compare and contrast
belittle each other and their respective religions. They force Pi to be kinder. His need to love God in every form the different religions
make a decision to choose only one religion. He uses Gandhi’s is sincere. based on the insults they
saying that ______________ and the defence that he wants to use.
Themes:
love God to silence them. SURVIVAL
RELIGION
39
Summary Martel steps back to place Pi within the “real “So Swami Jesus, will you
Ravi goes on to tease Pi about the world,” which takes a dim view of his religious go on the Hajj, this year
encounter and his multiplicity. He jokes activities, but Pi still seems to exist in his own
about religious holidays and how Pi more “magical realist” universe.
or less gets every day as a holiday by THEMES:
recognising three religion. SURVIVAL
RELIGION Reflections: What do the
insults reveal about Ravi’s
ANTHROPOMORPHISM
attitude to religion?
CHAPTER 25 Analysis
Summary Pi condemns narrow-minded, judgmental Important Quotations
Pi rails against those that do not accept his religious choices religious practitioners in a similar way that he ‘To me religion is about our
openly. He comments on their close mindedness. Regardless of condemns bad zookeepers – they give both dignity not our depravity.’
his opinions though he is not allowed in any of the standard their lifestyles a bad name. As an adult he
churches, temples or mosques and is forced to worship on his starts to recognise that everyone constrains
own. He decides that religion is played out within, not outside. their “liberty” in some way, the question is just
which worldview one chooses. Reflections: Why does
people’s judgement impact
Themes: RELIGION on faith?
40
Chapter 26 Analysis Important Quotation
Just like the religious leaders, Pi’s
Summary parents expect him to choose to follow Pi says, “"If there's only one
Pi decided that he wanted to have a Christian baptism and that one religion thereby placing restrictions nation in the sky, shouldn't
he wanted a prayer rug so he could pray outside. To get these on his worldview. Pi’s mother displays a all passports be valid for it?"
things, he had to muster the courage to talk to his father about strong maternal instinct to nurture when (Martel, 73-74)
them. His father questioned his desire. He told him that he she realises how important the discussion Pi’s words vocalise the
wanted to be baptised and pray to Allah because he loved God. is to Pi and despite her own view, thought that there can be
His father said that he could not be both Muslim and Christian. she______________________________ multiple interpretations of
Then his father told him to talk to his mother about it. He tried to _________________________________ God (religions) and none of
talk to his mother, but she avoided the subject, telling him to first _________________________________ them are more wrong than
talk to his father. _________________________________ any other.
Comment on the action of his parents in attempting to pass on . Robinson Crusoe, the famous
the responsibility of having to deal with Pi’s request to practise shipwreck narrative that in many ways
interfaith. parallels Pi’s own story. In that novel,
____________________________________________________ Crusoe too finds God in his isolation.
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Then she tried to talk to him about a book, Robin Crusoe which is
significant because ______________________. This reference to
Robin Crusoe serves to foreshadow
__________________________________. Realising that the
subject of his religion was important to Pi, she conceded to the Reflections:
discussion. She told him he must ___________________. Compare the journey of Pi
_______________________. His mother conceded to his wishes. with Robinson Crusoe.
Pi now finds out that not even his parents really support his
_____________ practices. In fact, they don't quite understand
why he's religious at all. In this chapter, his parents come off as
quite self-involved, neither of whom wants to condemn or support
him on his religious journey.
Interfaith: Relating to or involving different religions
41
Summary The Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi “Perhaps Piscine is marching to a different
Pi’s parents compare his spiritual quest to the declared a state of emergency for the country, drumbeat of progress”.
changes of the political status of India effectively suspending all constitutional rights Progress to an open-minded world.
under_________________________________ so that she would not be expelled from office Though Pi is young, he has every right to
_______. They feel that Pi is behaving in a for electoral fraud. Discuss how political believe what he wants despite his parent’s
similar manner as Indira Gandhi whose action upheaval serves to foreshadow the disruption beliefs. This really accents Pi as
can be described as foolish and impetuous. His in the Patel’s revolutionary.
parents are confident that Pi will eventually get life___________________________________ Reflections:
over it (as they hope Gandhi will), giving into _____________________________________ Why do you think the father approves of
his requests in the end. _____________________________________ Ravi’s interests more than Pi’s? How does
_____________________________________ the father’s attitude reinforce stereotypes
about male hobbies/interests?

Summary Pi focuses on the stories of his different faiths and “A zoo is a cultural institution. Like a public
Pi takes his prayer rug outside and absorbs the their different pathways to God, and he reads a library, like a museum, it is at the service of
beauty of the outdoors. His family watches him in a story of universal love in all three religions. In fact, popular education and science. And by that
mixture of curiosity and embarrassment through it it seems that faith and belief is more important to token, not much of a money-making venture
Pi than religious truth, as he also admires atheists
all, including his joy at being baptised. Eventually his for the Greater Good and the Greater Profit
parents come to accept him despite his brother’s for ___________________________________ It are not compatible aims.”
is only __________________that Pi dislikes, as
teasing. Pi talks about his prayer rug and that he lost Pi expresses his spiritual attachment to zoos
they choose doubt as a way of life and never
it. This provides further characterisation of Pi. He's AND the reverence in which he holds their zoo
still _________, loses things and his baptism was choose a “better story.” When he is stranded at Reflections:
not as glorious as it could have been. Pi lovingly sea, Pi’s faith is tested by his extreme struggles. Comment on how the prayer mat and
How does religion help Pi overcome his daily
recalls what it looked like and that it reminded him of baptism help Pi establish his faith in both
the sacredness of the earth and creation underneath tribulations as a castaway at sea? religions.
_______________________________________
it. Pi experiences loss and deals with this loss at an
early age. Why is the narration of the lost rug _______________________________________
significant?
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Qibla: the direction of the Kaaba (the sacred building at Mecca), to which Muslims turn at prayer.
42
Summary Pi asks, “Why do people move?”
Pi is happy with his life in the zoo and with God. Despite the political To Pi and Ravi, Canada was an
turmoil he is content in his microcosm. Pi’s father though is very upset unimaginable country they knew nothing Pi seems to answer the question
by Gandhi’s takeover of the government and how that will affect his about and that it was very far away. The for himself, stating “people move in
zoo. Pi’s father decides to leave India for Canada because he feared uneasiness within Pi regarding their hope of a better life”. This sheds
that ___________________________________Pi explores the shifting foreshadows his some sense of hope on Pi as he
reasons why his family needed to ________________________________ moves his life from what he has
move, that his father hoped to provide a _____in the Pacific Ocean. Pi has now always known to a foreign land.
better life for their family .There are big become one of those animals being Reflections:
changes on the horizon for the Patel displaced from his “territory,” and he will Discuss how father’s worry over
family as a result of the increasingly experience all the chaos that comes with the family safety could be seen
dictatorial actions of Mrs. Ghandi, the such a shift. In Pi’s world zoos are as ironic in view of later events
ruler of India at the time. Pi's father delicate things that cannot survive
in the novel.
wanted to raise his family in a heavy-handed governments.
progressive India, but when he saw that
that was not going to happen; he decided it was time to move.
Territoriality: the behaviour of animals or people that try to keep others away from an area that they use or control.

Summary The trauma of the deprivation that Pi “Life has taught him not to show
Returning to the author, he narrates the meeting of Pi’s wife. The author is has experienced at sea is evidently still off what is most precious to him.”
back at Pi's home. This time he meets Pi's wife, Meena. He didn't know Pi lingering because firstly Pi’s has
was married since he'd never mentioned his wife. He thinks that maybe stocked up on cans and his home is Reflections:
Pi’s wife was the “nemesis” of his digestive tract and that she had cooked full of _____________________ and Do you agree with the author
the spicy dishes for him, but learns later that it was in fact Pi. She's secondly Pi seems to be very that Pi has been taught by life
dressed in a white lab coat and she is a pharmacist, on her way to work. protective of his ________________. not to show off what is most
The characterisation of Pi continues and the reader now learns that Pi is precious to him?
married. The author’s words, “Life has taught him not to show off what is
most precious to him”, relates to the readers that Pi is still afraid
of________________________________________.
Conjugal: relating to marriage or the relationship between a married couple.

Nemesis : a long-standing rival; an arch-enemy
43
Summary The trauma of the deprivation that Pi While touring the zoo, the Sufi quotes a
Mr Kumar (the baker/the Sufi) requests that Pi shows has experienced at sea is evidently still passage from the Qur'an that is not about
him the zoo as he has never seen it before. Mr Kumar lingering because firstly, Pi has faith but about knowledge. "In all this, there
marvelled at everything. He was in awe of God’s stocked up on cans and his home is are messages indeed for a people who use
creation and their structural adaptations based on their full of _____________________, and their reason."
lifestyle requirements, i.e. creatures that needed sharp secondly, Pi seems to be very
beaks had sharp beaks. They discuss the different protective of his ________________.
animals and how they interact, especially the Zebras.
Finally, Mr Kumar (the teacher) arrives, and Pi lets them
feed the Zebras with a carrot. The two Kumars,
representing science and religion, interact the same with
nature in this scene but express their awe in the context
of their belief system. Mr Kumar, the teacher, remarked
about the royalty of the zebra and shared with the other
two the scientific Latin name. Mr Kumar, the baker,
remarked at its wonder and praised God. Mr Kumar and
Mr Kumar represent the two sides of Pi, his piety and his
interest in creation. One side praises God for his Reflections:
wondrous creation; the other is interested in the How do the Kumars' reactions to the beauty
biological lineage of the animal. of the Grant's zebra foreshadow Pi's
account of the zebra/sailor on the lifeboat?
The biology teacher’s remark is the scientific name of a

Grant’s zebra, separating it from other varieties of zebra.
The Sufi’s remark means “God is most Great,” including
the zebra as part of the magnificence of God’s work.
Stood squarely: with weight equally balanced on each side, not to one side ergo to stand confidently, without fear or hestitation.
44
Summary This is another essential idea that Quotes showing examples of

foreshadows Pi's ordeal of co-existing Zoomorphism:
Pi again explains zoomorphism in terms with a Bengal tiger at sea. Pi compares sloths to "upside-down yogis deep in
of the lion tamer and how a lion will see Pi says that the animals are aware of meditation or hermits deep in prayer, wise beings."
the human tamer as an alpha creature. the absolute truth – the lion cubs know Richard Parker is the part of Pi that fights for
He gives numerous examples, such as a that the dog is not their real mother – but survival.
mouse living in peace with a snake for they embrace the "imaginary" relationship "It came as an unmistakable indication to me of how
weeks. The snake, for whatever reason, to maintain order in their lives. They need low I had sunk the day I noticed, with a pinching of
does not eat the mouse. Other mice are such a comforting fiction to live happily; the heart that I ate like an animal, that this noisy,
eaten as expected, but this one seems to otherwise, the lion cubs would be terrified frantic unchewing wolfing down of mine was exactly
have a non-prey relationship with the the way Richard Parker ate."
of being motherless. He refers to the
snakes. Eventually, a second, younger Pi says," There are many examples of animals
"measure of madness" (Chapter 10) that
snake eats the mouse. He describes the coming to surprising living arrangements. All are
process in detail, and Pi motivates animals to buy into deception if instances of that animal equivalent of
anthropomorphises and suggests that it is in their best interests. A motherless anthropomorphism: zoomorphism, where an animal
upon swallowing a mouse, a viper would cub will readily accept a surrogate mother takes a human being, or another animal, to be one
feel regret for eating a mouse. He gives rather than face the reality of being of its kind".
examples of the zoo's herd of rhinoceros motherless, "the absolute worst condition In anthropomorphism, people project human traits
and goats. He says that sometimes dogs imaginable for any young, warm-blooded onto animals. In zoomorphism, animals treat
are used as foster mothers for lion cubs. life." This last comment foreshadows Pi's another species like their own. Richard Parker living
"measure of madness" yet to come. In his with Pi on the boat counts as a surprising
description of the acceptance of a zoomorphic arrangement. However, there is also
fictional life, he alludes to his incessant the oddity of Pi's spiritual life: Pi the Hindu, Pi the
need to always choose the better story. Muslim, and Pi the Christian all inhabit one spiritual
being.
Reflections:
Explain how the concept of zoomorphism helps Pi
on the lifeboat.
Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics or behaviour to a god, animal, or object.

Zoomorphism: Zoomorphism is when animals see humans or members of another species as one of their own kind.
45
In addition to losing his family and their material belongings, Pi
Summary slowly loses clear recollection of his memories as time passes. Pi's school motto is "Nil
There are two different ways to analyse this chapter: Firstly, magnum nisi bonum,"
The author returns, looking at Pi’s old meaning "Nothing is
photographs. There are pictures of Pi’s wedding Pi’s ordeal has also involved the loss of all his belongings from
India. With this lack of tangible evidence for his backstory, Pi’s great unless it is good."
and his days growing up in Canada, but four
reliability is questioned.
remain from Pi’s childhood. Richard Parker is in Reflections:
Alternatively, the four random photos, one which features
one picture, though not recognisable as the Richard Parker, together with the newspaper articles and the Comment on the irony
reader has not yet been introduced to Richard diary, serve to add validity to the stories of his childhood and of the author’s reaction
Parker. Pi comments that he has started his days as a castaway. to Richard Parker's
forgetting what his mother looks like as he has no attitude to the camera.
picture of her.

Everything is now in place to set up Pi’s unique
Summary journey. First, Pi contrasts the seeming freedom ‘Father said, ‘We’ll sail
Pi’s family sells off the zoo animals, primarily to zoos in like Columbus!’
of a wild animal’s existence with the great legal
America. Pi feels as though he and Ravi are zoo animals being hassle of doing anything with it in the human
shipped off to Canada. Because of extensive regulations and Reflections:
sphere. Second, Pi prepares the reader for a Reflect on Pi’s father’s
paperwork, the preparations take over a year. This, at least, journey. At this point, travelling to a new country
gives Pi and Ravi time to get used to the idea of moving. Three attitude to selling the
seems like it will be a geographic journey. animals.
Americans come to examine the animals. Finally, the
paperwork is complete.
The sales made enough money to fund the family’s journey.
Why is it significant that Pi’s father sells the animals to zoos
across the ocean, many in America? It is a plot device which
makes the story of having a Bengal tiger at sea, plausible. Pi
compares himself and his brother to the animals soon to be
shipped overseas; the sales made enough money to fund the
family’s journey.
46
This Chapter delivers the final beautiful
Summary descriptions of India and Pi’s mother Pi reflects “Things didn’t
The date of Pi’s family’s departure is country for the book. turn out the way they were
given as June 21, 1977 (summer supposed to, but what can
solstice) on the Japanese freighter, The sadness and longing of Pi's mother you do? You must take it
Tsimtsum, along with the animals in and the closing sentence that things don't like the way it comes at you
their cages. He is incredibly excited to turn out as planned, foreshadows and make the best of it.”
be leaving. The Patels departed for __________________________________
Canada on June 21, 1977, on a cargo __________________________________ What might explain Pi’s
ship. Before leaving, Pi made sure to say goodbye to Mamaji, his __________________________________ acceptance of the chances
mentors, Mr and Mr Kumar and all his friends. He felt excitement __________________________________ of life?
at their departure; however, his mother was sad. As the ship left ____________ Reflections:
the harbour, Pi waved his goodbyes to India. His mother is How do Pi’s words “take
dressed in her best clothing, with her hair fixed up and adorned Pi describes how his mother tried to stock life the way it comes at you
with flowers. This may foreshadow her death because she is up Indian cigarettes (even though she and make the best of it”
dressed in her best clothes to depart from this materialistic world didn’t smoke), as she was so worried about foreshadow his adaptability
and travel towards the hereafter. The closing sentence of the entering a wholly unfamiliar territory. to situations he goes
chapter may also help readers evaluate the manner in which Pi We don’t spend much time with Pi’s family, through?
made the most out of him being stranded in the Pacific by making but Gita’s last actions are poignant and
a friend of the tiger. It may also allude to Pi‘s optimistic nature show a strong love for her homeland.
and excitement at gaining new experiences in life – which may be
the reason that Pi mustered the strength and motivation to
survive all those years alone. At the same time, he was stranded
and did not give up or succumb to death. The Tsimtsum appears
now as Pi is about to experience that “contraction” of God’s
presence.
47
Summary The reader now has the complete The final line of Part 1 is also
The author returns. The author arrives at Pi's home for picture of the adult Pi's life. The author significant: “This story has a happy
another interview. He is early and quickly meets Pi's declares that Pi's story has "a happy ending.” It is a powerful sentence,
teenage son, ___________, who is leaving for baseball ending." The author promises the reader because the reader has not yet
practice. The author is welcomed into Pi's home, and a a happy ending to his tale in that he learned of any of Pi’s suffering; the
small dog rushes to greet him. He did not know Pi had a uses this chapter to reassure the reader need for such an ending is not as yet
dog. In the living room, the author spots Pi's daughter, that no matter how difficult Pi's life gets, clear. Ironically, this declaration of
_______________, who is four. She awkwardly holds an the rosy picture of Pi's current home hope and optimism spells doom,
orange cat called Moccasin in her arms. Moccasin is a comforts the reader. Martel has shown foreshadowing the devastating trials
harmless, domesticated, and good-natured animal link the Pi's happy childhood and adulthood, but and tribulations Pi must soon
cat's orange fur can be linked to vitality here, too: Usha now he will show the suffering that lies encounter.
and Moccasin are products of Pi's survival. Discuss the in between. Pi has survived whatever Reflections:
significance of Usha's orange cat in their lives. obstacles he faced. Pi takes over the The author says this story has a
_______________________________________________ narration entirely from here. There will happy ending. What is Pi’s happy
_______________________________________________ be no more interjections from the author ending? Why does Yann Martell
_______________________________________________ for many choose to end Part 1 with this scene
Toward the end of Part 1, the author offers clues that the chapters. of serenity, contentment and
crossing of the Pacific will serve as a profound loss of domesticity?
innocence and fundamental change for Pi. Note that Pi's
family, including Mocassin, comprises five members. Why
is this significant?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------END OF PART 1----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--
48
PART TWO PACIFIC OCEAN
PART TWO PACIFIC OCEAN
Hello there, I am Richard
Parker. I will be your study The ship sinks, and Pi finds himself in a lifeboat in the midst of
mate through the more utter chaos. He sees a Royal Bengal tiger named Richard Parker
challenging aspects of
Life of PI Part 2 in the water, near drowning, and urges him to save himself.
Richard Parker boards the lifeboat and suddenly Pi realises the
danger in sharing a tiny space with a vicious animal.
What does the Pacific Ocean symbolise in Life of Pi?
The Ocean. The ocean setting in Life of Pi symbolises life and its hidden depths. In the beginning of his travails, Pi looks at the Pacific and sees
''Only rain, marauding waves of black ocean and the flotsam of tragedy. '' The ocean had swallowed his family and brought him pain, and now Pi
has to endure.
The wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea.
Going about in search of things to steal or people to attack
Pi undergoes many obstacles and he has to test the five levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs to be able to survive. Maslow's hierarchy of needs consists of f
levels such as: Physiological, Safety, Love, Esteem, and Self Actualisation.
49
Let me show you how Maslow’s
Hierarchy of needs is applicable to Pi’s
experience at sea.
[Source: https://prezi.com/life-of-pi-in-connection-with-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs]
50
Chapter 37 Analysis Important
Quotation
Summary Martel abruptly changes the narrative’s tone from one Pi’s plea, “Vishnu
After the Tsimtsum sinks, Pi is stuck aboard a lifeboat with a of contemplation and coming-of-age to this scene of preserve me, Allah
zebra whose leg is broken. He sees Richard Parker in the water total chaos. We finally see who Richard Parker is – a protect me, Christ
and calls out to him. He helps get him aboard. When he finally fully grown Bengal tiger. Martel will explore many save me, I can't bear
realises what he is doing, he sees that he has helped bring ideas on Pi’s lifeboat, but one of the strongest is the it!” highlights his
belief in not one but
Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger, aboard. Pi fierce will to survive, found in all living things. Richard many religions.
immediately jumps overboard to escape. Parker is the first example of this as he swims to the
Pi questions the purpose of reason. Why does he struggle with lifeboat. The sinking of the Tsimtsum and Pi’s fate Reflections:
this? Pi addresses his questions about life and the sense of the heighten the tension in the novel. Whether or not Pi Reflect on Pi’s
tragedy to Richard Parker. survives is not at question; what captures readers’ response to rescue
The beginning of Part 2 jumps around chronologically, but only attention is how Pi will survive to tell his story to The Richard Parker and
within a short period of time. It opens with Pi encouraging Author. Similarly, the chapter describing the sinking of discuss how this
Richard Parker to enter the lifeboat. That, and not the ship’s the Tsimtsum begins by announcing that it sank. With anthropomorphism
sinking, is, in effect, posited as the representative turning point. this revelation out of the way, Martel can slow down of the tiger is a hint
If we read Richard Parker as a symbol for Pi’s survival instinct, it his telling of the story and describe the events leading of his true identity.
is interesting that Pi invites him to the lifeboat—it is an active up to the ship’s sinking in great detail.
choice to survive, to become part beast. That he quickly regrets
this decision and realises that it may imperil his spirit is also Theme: SURVIVAL
significant.
51
Summary Pi enjoyed the trip immensely, tracking

the boat's daily progress with gleeful
Returning to his days on the boat, Pi describes the voyage precision until the violent, chaotic act of
on the Tsimtsum. Taking care of the animals kept them the Tsimtsum's sinking became the
very busy, and every night they fell into bed weary to their turning point in Pi's life, throwing him from
bones. Pi alludes to some potential problem with the ship's one universe into another. In a lesser
engine when he describes their two-day stop at Manila for sense, he is suddenly made independent
food and cargo and, with a tone of sarcasm, of his family and support network and
"_________________".He describes the chimpanzee and forced to act as an adult to survive. Pi notices that the sea "looked
her bananas and Ravi's vivid interest in the engine room, rough, but to a landlubber the sea is
where he thinks something is off (further foreshadowing always impressive and forbidding,
the possible danger of the ship sinking). Then, four days beautiful and dangerous". He
out into the Pacific, some noise, possibly an explosion, convinces himself that he had "seen
wakes Pi in the middle of the night. Pi goes out to explore that on other days and the ship
what the noise is. Pi finds a severe storm out on the main hadn't sunk. A cargo ship is a huge
deck, but, as that is nothing unusual for the journey, he is and stable structure, a feat of
only excited. However, it takes little time for him to notice engineering". Pi reasons the ship is
that the ship is listing severely. He goes back inside and designed to stay afloat under the
tries to return to his family, but he finds flooding. It most adverse conditions. Although
becomes clear that the ship is sinking, and what is more, Pi had a thought about the ship
the animals have somehow gotten loose. When he tries to sinking, he dismissed it in favour of
go back below, the stairwell is blocked by water, so he the better story that the "weather
runs to three Chinese crew people who give him a life like this surely wouldn't sink a ship".
jacket and a whistle and throw him overboard. The ship is Reflections:
sinking. Comment on how the sinking of the
Tsimtsum gives birth to a new world
for Pi.
Melancholy: a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no
apparent cause.
52
Summary Pi's luck in surviving begins immediately, Pi says, "I landed with a
After being thrown, he as he falls a considerable distance but trampoline-like bounce on the half-
lands on a lifeboat's happens to land unharmed on a soft unrolled tarpaulin covering a
tarpaulin, losing his life surface. Unfortunately, the zebra is not so lifeboat forty feet below. It was a
jacket. He manages to lucky, but it also survives, showing the miracle I didn't hurt myself". This is
keep the whistle. As he extremely potent desire of living things to significant as it is the first of a
tries to recover, the keep living. series of what Pi deems miracles
Chinese crew members The image of the Grant zebra in its that help him survive 227 days at
start yelling at him. endurance of pain and suffering in the sea.
Immediately afterwards, a Zebra crashes aboard, followed pacific ocean can be juxtaposed with the Reflections:
by the boat breaking free of the freighter and hitting the wondrous creature in the Pondicherry zoo Comment on the significance of
water. that left both the Sulfi and the Biology Grant zebra becoming Pi's new
teacher in awe. companion on the boat.
Theme: SURVIVAL

Summary Pi’s situation is almost ridiculously dangerous right now, Pi reflects “I was alone and orphaned, in the middle of the
Pi clings to a buoy, back in the as he is trapped between a tiger and sharks, alone on a Pacific, hanging on to an oar, an adult tiger in front of me,
water after jumping away hoping stormy ocean. Martel has to use a lot of space describing sharks beneath me, a storm raging about me.” Why
to keep far enough from Richard Pi’s situation in the lifeboat, as the details of Pi’s setting doesn’t Pi simply give up?
Parker not to be eaten. He sees now become overwhelmingly important to his survival. ______________________________________________
though that there are sharks in Pi’s situation is almost ridiculously dangerous right now, There is a focus on water as a destructive power:
the water, so when he cannot see as he is trapped between a tiger and sharks, alone on a "forbidding, beautiful and dangerous." The water is "black
Richard Parker under the stormy ocean. Martel has to use a lot of space describing and cold and in a rage"—an enemy to be defeated. Sharks
tarpaulin, he wedges an oar Pi’s situation in the lifeboat, as the details of Pi’s setting are introduced, and they'll resurface.
under it and climbs out of the now become overwhelmingly important to his survival.
water. Themes: Reflections: Explain how Pi’s ability to adapt to his
SURVIVAL BOUNDARIES/TERRITORIALITY situation helps him survive in this chapter.
53
Pi comes aboard and comments on how Pi's will to live overwhelms his reasoning, as his adult Martel injects some humour into the
amazing the zebra looks, wondering why it self, recognises just how logically hopeless his narrative, with Pi reflecting, "I never
has not been eaten yet. He sees yet another position was. Nevertheless, Pi remains clinging to the thought that finding myself confined
animal aboard, too, a spotted hyena. He oar, trying to keep himself separate from the lifeboat in a small space with a spotted
cynically thinks that the crewmembers might and out of Richard Parker's territory. hyena would be good news, but
have tossed him overboard to get rid of the there you go." What does this say
hyena and save themselves. He assumes the Pi recognises another human trait in Part 2, Chapter about Pi's
tiger fell overboard because there is no way a 41: self-preservation to the point of depravity. The character?_____________________
tiger and a hyena could exist together. crew members were trying to kill him. He is more _____________________________
concerned with the hyena, who has no moral code _____
Pi watches the cargo ship sink completely and no reason not to kill. Its scream indicates that Visual representation of how Pi
and scans his surroundings for survivors or things will soon turn for the worse. wedged an oar into the lifeboat.
rescuers. He figures he is safe from the tiger Reflections:
below the tarpaulin if he stays out of Richard The human loss of the Tsimtsum is enormous, but Pi Explain the symbolism of the hyena
Parker's vision. The zebra, still on the boat, has to focus on his survival so much that his grief is in this chapter and the novel as a
has a broken leg. Pi cannot believe the zebra delayed. He hopes for human companionship or whole.
has survived Richard Parker's presence— rescue at first. The tarpaulin becomes a critical .
until he notices the hyena. A hyena and a boundary in the boat. Pi knows about animal
tiger cannot share such a small space. The territories and "alpha" animals from his upbringing at
weather changes quickly. It is now sunny and the zoo, so he immediately recognises that two alpha
warm in the Pacific Ocean. Pi looks around predators – a tiger and a hyena – could not peacefully
again for other lifeboats but sees none. share such a small space.
The human loss of the Tsimtsum is

enormous, but Pi has to focus on his survival
so much that his grief is delayed. He hopes
for human companionship or rescue at first.
The tarpaulin becomes a critical boundary in
the boat. Pi knows about animal territories
and "alpha" animals from his upbringing at
the zoo, so he immediately recognises that
two alpha predators – a tiger and a hyena –
could not peacefully share such a small
space.
54
Summary Orange Juice also shows miraculous Orange Juice is clearly
Pi is happy to see the zoo's prized Borneo orangutan, Orange Juice, luck and will in surviving, as she maternal as the "Great
floating toward him on "an island of somehow escapes the sinking ship and Mother" and "Pondicherry
bananas." He knows he and Orange finds a "lifeboat" of bananas. In Pi's fertility goddess." Even the
Juice will both die soon, but he is glad "human version" of his story Orange spiders gather around her like
for the company. Orange Juice is Juice is replaced by Pi's own mother, "malevolent worshippers."
surrounded by spiders and travels on a and here we already see some
nylon net. Pi says the net will later similarities, as Orange Juice had given Reflections:
become one of his most precious birth to two sons – like Pi and Ravi. What is the significance of
possessions. He will also deeply regret Pi comes across a female orangutan Pi's anthropomorphism to
not taking any of the bananas when he named Orange Juice, who is floating in Orange Juice in view of later
has the chance. Orange Juice joins him the ocean. He grabs the banana net; events?
on the lifeboat. she drifts towards him and climbs
Martel has said he wanted to portray three human traits in the three aboard the boat, causing the hyena to Why does Orange Juice bring
animals initially on the lifeboat with Pi and Richard Parker. The scream. both "joy and pain in equal
hyena represents "cowardliness," the zebra "exoticism," while the measure"? Comment on
orangutan, Orange Juice, stands for "maternal instincts." Orange Themes: Martel's choice of animals.
Juice, in the colour Pi associates with salvation and survival, is SURVIVAL/STORYTELLING What might each represent?
bathed in light like a religious vision.
55
Summary Any boundary is crucial in such a small, Pi reflects that his
While Pi convinces himself that there are likely hundreds of rescuers cramped space as the lifeboat. Pi has “sense of empathy is
out looking for him and that he and Orange Juice will be rescued from already explained how territorial animals blunted by a terrible,
their ocean prison, the hyena continues to pace the boat, at one point are, and now he must create tiny zoo selfish hunger for
jumping onto the tarpaulin for a moment before running back in fear. It enclosures within the lifeboat to satisfy each survival”.
starts barking and running around the zebra while Pi sits in fear animal and stay alive.
contemplating just how disturbing the hyena is as a creature. Pi has also already described how animals Reflections:
Eventually, the hyena vomits and lies down. As the sun rises, Pi love routine and repetition. This abrupt How has Pi changed
searches in vain for the rescue ship that he is convinced must be change of setting and situation has driven since the ship sank (in
looking for him. He sees below that the hyena is finally eating the the hyena mad. It creates its own “order” by these early days of his
zebra, even though the zebra is still alive. As the boat rocks, Pi repeating the same act over and over again. journey on the Pacific)?
becomes nauseous. When he moves, he witnesses Orange Juice
looking sick as well, wondering why she is still safe, not yet killed by Pi tries to avoid anthropomorphizing
the hyena. Orange Juice provides Pi with a moment of relief. animals, but the hyena seems like a crude,
violent creature – in Pi’s
Themes: SURVIVAL TERRITORIALITY

Summary Pi has been thrown into a world totally devoid of Pi says, “There were also noises coming from
Pi still sits on the oar when the sun humans but teeming with animal life. He sees the beneath me, from the water, sudden flapping
comes up, afraid to enter the boat reflection of his struggle to survive – even against his sounds and swishing sounds that were over
with the predators. He wonders what hope and reasoning – in all the animals "battling for and done with in an instant. The battle for life
the dark will do to the animals before life" around him. Pi's father taught him about the was taking place there too”. Pi is very aware
hearing the hyena's barking and the violence in nature with the tiger-and-goat lesson, but of the struggle to survive in his surroundings.
orangutan's grunting. Beneath the now Pi is immersed in this world of savagery. Reflections:
boat, water predators continue to Theme: SURVIVAL How does the animal’s battle for life affect Pi’s
make noise as well. Pi is surrounded decision to fish?
56
Chapter 45 Analysis Visual
Summary Pi clings to hope, a critical element
Pi is still relatively naïve in clinging to the hope of of surviving the 227 days lost at
With the rising of the sun comes the return of immediate rescue, but this naivety is swiftly crushed sea with a Bengal Tiger. He says,
Pi’s hope. He feels sure he will be rescued soon by the violence taking place in the lifeboat. When the “Today I would be rescued. To
and thinks of his family. When he looks into the two Mr Kumars visited the zoo, it was the Grant’s think that, to string those words
lifeboat, Pi sees that the hyena has bitten off the zebra that they marvelled at, and now Pi sees that together in my mind, was itself a
zebra’s broken leg. The zebra is still alive and ideal of animal beauty and grace being defiled. source of hope. Hope fed on
grinding its teeth in pain. Pi feels anger and hope”.
sadness on the beautiful creature’s behalf, but Pi finds some comfort at first in Orange Juice’s
then he drops these feelings to focus on his presence, as she is the most human-like of the Pi slowly declines into a world of
survival. Pi starts to feel seasick, and he animals in the lifeboat. Moreover, because of her savagery, and the reader sees one
changes position on his oar. He sees Orange appearance, he is able to forget temporarily that she, of the first signs of Pi’s dark
Juice and crawls closer to look at her. She is too, is a wild animal. thoughts when he says,” I felt
clinging to the boat’s gunnel and panting with intense hatred for the hyena. I
seasickness. Pi cannot help laughing at how Connected with their extreme will to survive, Pi also thought of doing something to kill
human the orangutan looks in her position of starts to see how differently animals can act when it”.
discomfort. Pi finds some comfort at first in thrown out of their natural environment. Pi himself
Orange Juice’s presence, as she is the must take advantage of this kind of zoomorphism in
_______________________on the lifeboat. Pi is order to live peacefully with the other species.
surprised that the hyena has not attacked
Orange Juice, and he muses on how these two
species have never interacted in the wild, as an
ocean usually separates them. He imagines a Themes: SURVIVAL TERRITORIALITY
zoo enclosure where orangutans and hyenas
live peacefully together. That afternoon a sea
turtle bumps against the lifeboat. Pi tells it to go
find a ship, and it disappears. Reflections:
How does Pi‘s hatred of the hyena
become more justified when you
realise it represents the cook?
57
Summary Orange Juice's humanity is no longer Pi says that, “Still, that second
In his memory, the second night aboard the boat was the comedic but only emphasises Pi's tragic night at sea stands in my
worst of them all, regardless of the 226 other nights. He situation. He, too, is looking for his lost memory as one of exceptional
sees more sharks in the water and watches as Orange family, but he has been clinging to a foolish suffering, different from the
Juice searches for her sons (as he puts the emotion to her). hope that the orangutan seems to have frozen anxiety of the first night in
As the zebra continues to protest being eaten, the hyena given up. being a more conventional sort
becomes enraged and tears into the animal noisily. The of suffering, the broken-down
hyena slips and slides in blood, eating the zebra from the Just as with the tiger and goat, Pi again kind consisting of weeping and
inside out while it is still alive. The sight angers Orange witnesses the savagery of wild animals sadness and spiritual pain, and
Juice, causing her to roar, and the hyena roars back. When when they are faced with danger or thrown different from later ones in that I
the zebra spouts blood, the sharks react in a frenzy of their out of their natural territories. Even Orange still had the strength to
own, and even more, noise ensues. Finally, after a long time Juice, the peaceful orangutan, suddenly appreciate fully what I felt”.
of ample noise, it all stops and Pi is left with his thoughts, loses her "humanity" and becomes a
crying in the night over the loss of everything he knows. dangerous animal. Pi exposes the oddity of
What is it about the second night that leads Pi to The zebra now shows the extreme, often awarding one night or the other
remember it being a night of "exceptional suffering"? unreasonable, will to survive. It has no the label of "worst night."
________________________________________________ chance of outlasting this ordeal and must
________________________________________________ be in excruciating pain, but it keeps Reflections:
________________________________________________ breathing. All this savagery has Explain how the diction: "frozen
________________________ extinguished Pi's fantasy of hope, and he anxiety" versus a more
accepts that he is alone. conventional "broken-down kind
Why does Orange Juice react the way she does to the consisting of weeping." Indicate
zebra's demise? There's "no order" to how the hyena eats Pi’s the extent of Pi’s suffering?
________________________________________________ the zebra, which is "appealing to heaven"
____________________________________________ with no luck. What's more, Pi realises he
has lost his family and community. He'll
At first, nights in the lifeboat are hopeless, and days are have to find a new community with his
more hopeful. Later, Pi will feel the opposite way, agonising animal companions.
over his situation by day and accepting it at night.
Pi's journey is spiritual just as much as physical, complete Themes: SURVIVAL
with spiritual pain. The lack of purpose for evil confounds TERRITORIALITY
him.
58
Summary Pi assumed he knew Orange Juice's Pi says," Orange Juice lay next
When the sun dawns again, Pi sees that the zebra is still personality, but now he is reminded that to it, against the dead zebra.
moving. It does not die until noon, but as soon as it does, theshe is a wild animal, so subject to instinct, Her arms were spread wide
hyena attacks Orange Juice. The two fight for a while as and can be violent when provoked. open, and her short legs were
Orange Juice attacks the hyena, beating him. He also Because these events might also be folded together and slightly
remembers that she was once a pet who became too big for its taking place with humans (as Pi's later turned to one side. She looked
owners. Eventually, the hyena snags her throat, so Pi is afraidstory implies), it also shows how humans like a simian Christ on the
he will be next. He moves toward the Hyena to do what he can. can become "wild" and dangerous when Cross. Except for her head.
In doing so, he sees that Richard Parker is still beneath the threatened. She was beheaded. The neck
tarpaulin. He struggles back up above and collapses into The image of Orange Juice's headless wound was still bleeding. It was
delirium for the rest of the night. body is one of total horror, as the a horrible sight to the eyes and
orangutan is a sympathetic animal, and killing to the spirit. The animals
What side of Orange Juice do we see in this Chapter, and what her final pose seems like a mockery of are expanding the boundaries
does it suggest about animal instinct versus human instinct? Pi's faith. He is alone now, seemingly of what Pi knows is possible.
__________________________________________________ robbed of companionship and religious Orange Juice displays uncanny
__________________________________________________ comfort. Tellingly it is at that moment that courage in standing up to the
__________________________________________________ Richard Parker appears – especially if the hyena. She may be protecting
__________________________________________________ tiger is actually the brutal part of Pi's soul. Pi, though he is not sure.
________________ There is "no order" to how the hyena eats
the zebra, which is "appealing to heaven" Reflections:
What function do the grizzly details of the death of the zebra with no luck. What is more, Pi realises he Explain the significance of Pi's
and Orange Juice serve in the story? has lost his family and community. He will comparison of Orange Juice to
__________________________________________________ have to find a new community with his Christ on the cross.
__________________________________________________ animal companions.
__________________________________________________ .
____________ Themes: SURVIVAL TERRITORIALITY
The animals act like humans, and the ecosystem on the RELIGION AND FAITH
lifeboat is falling apart. Richard Parker represents a more
significant danger than just a tiger—he represents every large
force working against Pi's survival.
59
Summary Richard Parker now starts to appear as a Of hunger and thirst,
Naming by default: We uncover how Richard Parker came by significant character as the other inhabitants of the thirst is the greater
a human name. Half a dozen people were found dead in a lifeboat are swiftly dying off. He is a royal Bengal imperative. Only once
mountain area of Bangladesh, and a hunter was hired to tiger, but not the same tiger that Pi watched kill the the tiger had
capture the panther they believe did it. Instead, it turns out to goat. quenched her thirst
be a Tiger with her cub. The hunter captures the two and sends This amusing backstory is contrasted with the did she turn to the
them off to Pondicherry zoo. On the paperwork, the names of terrifying reality of Richard Parker's presence on goat to satisfy her
the hunter and the tiger cubby (Thirsty) are mixed up, and Pi's the lifeboat. Martel found the name Richard Parker hunger.
father finds it amusing enough to leave it as is. Like Pi, Richard in several shipwreck narratives and felt that the
Parker has an origin story behind his name; the tiger's first name must be significant.
encounter with humans was a kind of rebirth and Reflections:
transformation. Themes: STORYTELLING SURVIVAL Reflect on how the
Moreover, like Pi, Richard Parker has lost his mother in the theme of hunger and
event that changed his life. The tiger becomes thirst are used
anthropomorphised (taking on characteristics of a human) with throughout the novel.
a pedestrian, generically Western human name. Just as
Orange Juice's name denotes a human affection for her,
Richard Parker's name reduces some of Pi's fear. The tiger's .
original name, Thirsty, reinforces the symbol of water and the
idea of thirst. He is not the only character affected by mix-ups
and confusion. Mix-ups abound in the book: for instance, Pi's
Auntieji thinks Hare Krishnas are "Hairless Christians." Pi
records such errors out of a keen sense of the world's
irrationality and absurdity.
60
Summary Pi has already presented the story of the Pi says, ”How I had failed to
Pi realises that he has been awake and has not eaten or panther in Zurich to set up Richard Parker’s notice for two and a half days a
drunk anything in three days. For some reason, the ability to stay undiscovered. Pi gains a kind of 450-pound Bengal tiger in a
situation with Richard Parker, as hopeless as it seems, courage by accepting the hopelessness of his lifeboat twenty-six feet long was
perks up Pi, who begins to look for a source of drinking situation – he can take action now that he is a conundrum I would have to try
water. He no longer fears the hyena because of the no longer paralysed by uncertainty. to crack later when I had more
tiger’s presence, and he now figures out that the prior odd energy. The feat surely made
behaviour of the other animals was likely in response to The hyena has been acting so strangely Richard Parker the largest
the presence of the tiger. because it confined itself to a tiny territory, stowaway, proportionally
trying to avoid crossing into Richard Parker’s speaking, in the history of
Pi cannot, however, figure out why the tiger is acting so territory and being killed. Richard Parker is navigation.”
strange, assuming it is either the sedatives or under the tarpaulin, which acts as the primary
seasickness. Pi says that having “lost all hope”, he boundary within the lifeboat.
“perked up and felt much better”. Explain this apparent Pi says, ”How I had failed to notice for two Reflections:
contradiction. and a half days a 450-pound Bengal tiger in a Discuss why Pi considered the
______________________________________________ lifeboat twenty-six feet long was a conundrum tiger’s lack of movement
______________________________________________ I would have to try to crack later when I had ‘unnatural’.
______________________________________________ more energy. The feat surely made Richard How is this linked to Pi’s own
______________________________ Pi rationalises that Parker the largest stowaway, proportionally state of mind?
the hyena’s behaviour can be explained because “in the speaking, in the history of navigation.”
face of such a superior predator, all of us were prey”.
What does this suggest about nature and our place within
it? Themes: SURVIVAL TERRITORIALITY
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
61
Summary The lifeboat is the ultimate microcosm, a It seems orange-such a nice Hindu colour-is the colour of
Here, Pi describes every aspect of the small, enclosed space that is now survival because the whole inside of the boat and the
lifeboat in detail, from the size to the shape housing a boy and two dangerous tarpaulin and the life jackets and the lifebuoy and the oars and
and room Richard Parker is taking up under predators. Every detail becomes most every other significant object aboard was orange. Even
the tarpaulin. He notes there are five oars but incredibly important for Pi’s survival. Pi is the plastic, beadless whistles were orange.
that he has no strength to row. slightly comforted by the colour orange,
Reflections:
which is also the colour of tigers (and of
the adult Pi’s housecat). Discuss how the colour orange is a symbol of hope for Pi.
Summary Much of the following sections concern the ‘ A sense of well-being quickly
details of Pi’s struggle for survival. He overcame me’.
Pi does not see any supplies at first, so he assumes they repeatedly finds that his will to live cannot be
must be under the tarpaulin in Richard Parker’s “den.” Pi overcome by fear, as he braves the tiger’s
feels the urgency of his thirst more than his fear of the presence and enters his territory to look for
tiger, so he unrolls the tarpaulin a little bit and looks Reflections:
water. Comment on Pi’s reaction to
underneath. Pi gets his first glimpse of Richard Parker’s It has only been a few days, but already Pi is
full size and shivers with awe and fear. He sees a lid on finding food.
ecstatic at the most basic of human How does this attitude impact his
the bow’s bench and carefully opens it to find a locker full necessities – he has
of supplies. long-term attitude toward food?
quickly_________________, like an animal He joyfully mumbles “thank you!”
Pi is ecstatic to find many cans of water and greedily in his constant quest for food and water. Pi’s aloud.
drinks a few of them. There are packages of biscuits as vegetarianism is one of the
well, and he eats some even _________________________he must give
though__________________________________. Pi up.
then calculates his rations and figures that he has
enough food to last 93 days and enough water to last
124 days.
He joyfully mumbles, “thank you!” aloud.
62
Summary This list condenses many of the elements of ‘1 lifeboat

Pi gives a complete list of all the contents of the the book, combining the 1 ocean
lifeboat. This includes anti-seasickness medicine, __________________, wild animals, and Pi’s 1 God’
blankets, “solar stills,” flares, food and water, ropes, ______________. The contents of the locker Reflections:
life jackets and oars, fishing paraphernalia, rain seem like a huge windfall, and they give Pi Comment on Pi’s need to
catchers, a knife, a notebook and pen, a bar of some hope. highlight God’s presence
chocolate, a survival manual, and “1 God.” Pi eats on the lifeboat?
Themes:
some of the chocolate and falls asleep.
SURVIVAL ROUTINE ADAPTABILITY
63
Summary Pi’s recognition of his seemingly inevitable “I was giving up. I would have
death allows him to act without fear of given up – if a voice hadn’t made
Pi recognises his inevitable death and starts to cry, but consequences, as his situation could not get itself heard in my heart. The voice
something within himself steels itself for survival. He any worse. Just as _________________must said, “I will not die. I refuse it. I will
________________not to die, realising that he has a often move outside of__________, so the will make it through this nightmare. I
powerful instinct for staying alive. Pi starts to live must also go against reason will beat the odds, as great as they
___________________so he can put some distance sometimes – Pi has no ________________of are. I have survived so far,
between himself and Richard Parker. He uses the oars, the surviving, but he decides to struggle on miraculously. Now I will turn
lifebuoy, and life jackets. He has to enter the tiger’s den for nonetheless. All the other elements have now miracle into routine. The amazing
the lifejackets and does so. Pi lashes his raft together with been removed from the story, and only the will be seen every day. I will put in
the rope, and as he works, the hyena starts to whine, and boy, the tiger, and the Pacific remain. In Pi’s all the hard work necessary. Yes,
Richard Parker growls. Suddenly the human version of the story, this scene so long as God is with me, I will
tiger_______________, who dies without a sound or a involves Pi killing the French cook, leaving not die. Amen.”
struggle. Richard Parker then turns and looks at Pi, who is him alone on the lifeboat. He gets the first .
struck by the tiger’s power, beauty, and grace. Richard inclination of how he will “tame” Richard
Parker bares his teeth and prepares to attack, and at that Parker by throwing him the rat, and he learns
moment, a rat climbs onto Pi’s head. Richard Parker that the tiger does have a weakness which
approaches Pi, who prepares for death, but the tiger is is________________. Pi has now
distracted by the softness of the tarpaulin and the rolling of created______________________. The raft
the lifeboat. In this moment of hesitation, Pi grabs the rat is divided from Richard Parker and the sharks Reflection: Explain how Pi turns
and throws it to the tiger. Richard Parker eats the rat and by the flimsiest of boundaries, but for now, it miracle into routine.
seems satisfied, turning back to devour the hyena. Pi is enough to save him.
notices vomit on the boat floor and realises that Richard
Parker has been seasick.
64
Summary Pi is once again hoping against reason that Do you really think you can
he can survive, despite his earlier outlast his kidneys? I tell you,
It rains all night and Pi stays on the raft, cold, wet and unable to
acceptance of death. His final plan will if you wage a war of attrition
sleep. He begins ____________________________________
seem foolish in the light of day, though. you will lose it!’
Richard Parker. He considers pushing him off the lifeboat or
attacking him, but rejects these as suicidal. He finally decides to Reflection: Discuss how Pi’s
wage a “war of attrition” and wait for the tiger to run out of food constant plans indicate an
and water. Pi just needs to stay alive for this plan to work. attitude of determination.
Summary In terms of survival instinct and brute strength, Pi “I hatched several

has no chance against a wild animal. He must use plans to get rid of him
Dawn breaks and it starts raining harder, but then it suddenly
his ____________________and so that the lifeboat
stops. Pi warms up and takes stock of his situation. He
________________. might be mine.”
recognises that his raft is too flimsy to last long. He thinks of his
plan to______________________, but then remembers that Reflection: Comment
tigers can drink salt water, and he realises that if Richard Parker on Pi’s resolution to
gets hungry, he will just swim over to the raft and kill Pi. abandon Plan 6 with
reference to Richard
Parker as his alter-
ego.
65
Summary As a narrator, the adult Pi can relate to the fear that ‘Only fear can defeat
almost killed his younger self. Richard Parker is life’
Pi reflects on fear, which now totally overwhelms him. His
also just trying to survive – fear is the most
crippling terror overwhelms his reason and saps the energy Reflection: Reflect on
_________________in the lifeboat
from his body. Finally, the adult Pi comments on how how fear is the biggest
________is the “only true opponent” of life, and so we threat to Pi’s survival.
must_____________________________.
Summary As if in answer to Pi’s extreme fear, “I had to tame him. It was at that
Pi is cured of his hopelessness and terror by Richard Parker Richard Parker suddenly reveals that his moment that I realised this
himself. The tiger seems sated with rainwater and hyena, and intentions are benign (non-threatening). necessity. It was not a question
he looks at Pi and makes a strange sound. Surprised, Pi Martel continues to blur the lines of him or me, but of him and me.
recognises this sound______________, a very rare noise that between ___________ and We were, literally and
tigers sometimes make to express friendliness and peaceful ___________ (anthropomorphism and figuratively, in the same boat. We
intentions. At that moment Pi decides zoomorphism), as the tiger acts almost would live – or die – together…”
to____________________. He knows that he cannot kill the rationally in agreeing to live in peace on
tiger, so he _______________________________. the lifeboat. Pi comes to the crucial
Pi admits that part of him is glad that Richard Parker is still alive, Richard Parker is a constant danger to realisation that, in order for him
as he is a _______________and a ______________ from grief Pi, but he also saves Pi’s life with his to survive – both physically as
and insanity. Pi then remembers everything he has learned very presence. Pi now has a reason to well as mentally, it is imperative
about taming wild animals. He takes a whistle from one of the live – to tame Richard Parker and live that he and Richard Parker co-
life jackets and shouts across the water about the “greatest peacefully with him – and a constant exist on the life boat.
show on earth,” standing and blowing the whistle to show his distraction from ________________and
alpha status. The tiger roars angrily at the sound, but then he his own___________________. All of Reflection: Comment on how
backs away and lies down at the bottom of the lifeboat. Pi’s earlier digressions about animal the mutual dependence between
. Pi and Richard Parker is
training have now become important.
symbolic of their alter-ego
relationship.
66
Summary Pi now has work to keep him ‘If you have the will to
Pi reads the survival manual that he found in the locker. busy, which is his greatest survive, you will.’
It advises him about what kinds of fish not to eat, to not defence against despair and
Reflection: Why do you
drink urine, and that the horizon, when seen from near loneliness. Pi decides to stop
think yarn-spinning is
sea level, is only two and a half miles away. After hoping to be rescued, as
considered a survival
reading it watching the horizon is just a technique?
Pi___________________________________________ waste of time and energy. He doesn’t know that he How does this information
____________, to improve the raft, to build himself a will soon be desperate enough to want to drink urine add to your view on the story
shelter, and to stop hoping for rescue. He realises that Themes: STORYTELLING SURVIVAL Pi is telling you as the
he is totally alone, and he weeps. reader?
Yarn spinning – telling a long and unlikely story
67
Chapter 59 Analysis Quotation
Summary: The sheer will to survive can overcome fear, ‘I stole another two
depression, and even reason. This seems _____by beakers of water
Pi’s __________________overcome his_____________, and
the cockroaches, however, who act as Pi is tempted from Richard Parker’
he climbs onto the lifeboat The lifeboat is rolling in a different
give in and die instead of going about the wearying
direction now, which seems to have made the tiger seasick Reflection: What
work of survival. The contradictions of the setting are
again – Pi makes a note of this. Pi watches several motivates Pi to
heightened in this scene. Pi is surrounded by the
cockroaches, the last living things on the boat except for regain territory on
boundless sky and sea but is ___________on a tiny,
himself and Richard Parker, suddenly throw themselves the lifeboat?
enclosed territory within this expanse, and now the
overboard and get eaten by fish. Pi smells urine and realises
lifeboat itself has become divided into
that Richard Parker has marked his territory by urinating below
__________________for boy and tiger. Despite his
the tarpaulin. Pi is comforted by this, as the tiger seems to
penchant for contemplation and self-awareness, Pi
have claimed only the floor of the boat. Pi eats and then drinks
must now spend most of his time working just to stay
from a puddle of rainwater. He urinates into a beaker and
alive. Pi has little faith in the solar stills at first, but
notices how clear and appetising it looks, but he resists
they will soon be_________. After marking the
drinking it. He splashes the urine over the tarpaulin
boundaries of his territory as an animal would, Pi now
to______________. Pi examines the solar still in the locker. He
makes it more comfortable. Pi was despairing of life
discovers that they are devices that turn salt water into fresh
just hours ago, but Richard Parker’s peacefulness
water through evaporation and condensation. Then he
and Pi’s own busyness have drastically improved his
improves his raft, carving an oar into a makeshift mast,
mood. By travelling so slowly and unobtrusively
hanging a blanket from it as a canopy, and adding an extra life
across the ocean, Pi sees the full range of sea life on
jacket to the floor. Pi eats more rations. Richard Parker
his journey.
appears and makes the prusten sound again. Pi marvels at the
abundance of sea life below him. Night falls and he goes to
Themes: TERRITORY THIRST/HUNGER
sleep on the raft.
68
Summary Pi already has a mind that leans toward ‘Life is a peephole, a single tiny entry into a
Pi wakes up once in the night and is religion and philosophy, and now he vastness – how can I not dwell on this cramped,
terrified by the sublimity of his experiences the true terror and ecstasy of view I have of things? This peephole is all I’ve got!’
surroundings, the vastness of the sea and the “sublime” – a philosophical concept
Reflection: Comment on the significance of the
sky. He realises that his suffering is “taking referring to an aesthetic greatness beyond
crescent moon and Pi’s ability to appreciate it
place in a grand setting,” which makes it all measure.
despite his suffering on the life boat
seem small and mundane. He prays and
Themes: RELIGION
falls back asleep.
ROUTINE
69
Summary The manmade tools Pi finds (like the solar stills) “It is simple and brutal: a
Pi cuts up his leather shoe and tries using it as bait on the fishing certainly help him survive, but he still must rely on person can get used to
tackle, but he has no success. Despite his new hope Pi realises that nature and luck. The fishing tackle fails and he is anything, even to killing.”
he needs ______________________Richard Parker soon, or he only saved by a chance school of flying fish.
risks being killed. After a few hours of growing despair, Pi climbs Richard Parker’s “prusten” feelings last only while
onto the lifeboat to look for bait. He finds himself staring straight into he is being___________________.
Richard Parker’s eyes, but at that moment Pi is struck on the face by
Pi has been growing
a flying fish. A whole school
_______________________in his actions (like
of flying fish then leaps into
using his urine to mark his territory) but he still
and over the boat, some of
clings to his humanity in many ways, the most
them hitting Richard Parker.
notable being this unwillingness to kill another living
Pi throws fish to the tiger as
thing even when he is starving. But in the end
a “treat” to help tame him.
hunger wins out.
Pi realises that the fish are
being chased by dorados. In Pi’s “human version” of his story he has already
Richard Parker eats his fill killed and eaten the French cook by this point, and
of flying fish. Pi gathers up now is weeping over a flying fish. It may be that Pi
some fish and tries to make projected his first kill onto a later date, or that he
himself kill one, but this is has so thoroughly cut off the “Richard Parker” side
very______________, as he has been a __________________all of his soul that the “Pi” side remains pacifistic and
his life. Pi finally wraps the flying fish in a blanket and breaks its vegetarian. Reflection: Explain the
neck, weeping. He feels that he significance of the flying fish in
has__________________________, but after the fish is dead Pi Pi’s realisation that he can quickly get used to the story as a whole.
finds it easier to cut it up and use it for bait. He hooks a three-foot- anything is very important. In this way Martel
long dorado, fights it, and brings it into the boat. He admires the gradually lowers Pi’s humanity, as Pi gets used to
fish’s beautiful colours, and thanks Lord Vishnu for “taking the form new levels of savagery as his desperation grows. Pi
of a fish.”Pi kills the dorado with a hatchet from the locker. He finds it uses the same ________________________that
much _____________ to kill for the second time, and he muses he used to “train” his classmates to call him “Pi.”
sadly on how quickly people can get used to things – even killing. Pi Themes: STORYTELLING
throws the dorado to Richard Parker and blows the whistle as the SURVIVAL HUNGER
tiger eats, hoping to show that ________________who provides
food. Night comes again and Pi returns to his raft
70
Summary Pi’s sense of time and the outside world quickly ‘Richard Parker was
fades in his new universe of constant struggle. restless’
Pi awakes before sunrise and sees Richard Parker pacing In the microcosm of the lifeboat and Pi’s
around, growing thirsty. Pi checks the solar stills and is tenuous hold on life, the smallest relief – like a Reflection: Reflect on how
excited to see that they have actually full bag of fresh water – seems_____________. Pi is able to drift off to sleep
produced_______________, as he had not expected them to Pi uses the whistle as his “lion-tamer’s whip,” easily once he has attended
work. Pi drinks from one of the bags with relish. He returns to teaching Richard Parker to to the tiger’s needs?
the lifeboat and gives Richard Parker some flying fish and a _________________with
bucket of the new water. Pi _________________as the tiger Pi’s__________________.
drinks. The day passes uneventfully, and Pi realises it has Themes: THIRST/HUNGER
been a week since the Tsimtsum sank. SURVIVAL
Summary The longest surviving castaway (at the time of Life ‘I kept myself busy.
of Pi’s publication) is Poon Lim, a Chinese sailor That was one key to
Pi lists other famous _______________________, and says who lived on a raft for_____________. The book’s my survival.”
that he ended up surviving 227 days at sea. He says that following chapters are brief episodes that break up
keeping a _____________was the key to his survival. He lists the ________________of Pi’s ordeal. Even though Reflection: Study
his daily chores, including feeding himself and Richard Parker, he has a routine of repetitive acts, Pi is still Pi’s schedule.
praying, and keeping his raft and equipment properly constantly_______________________, as there is Comment on the
functioning. Pi also spends hours just observing Richard no “routine” way of procuring food and water, even importance of
Parker. Pi soon ___________________for ships on the though he and the tiger must regularly eat and activities that are
horizon, and he comes to _______________________ time, drink. repeated.
which he says helps him to survive. This makes all his Themes:
memories blur together, however. RELIGION ROUTINE
STORYTELLING
71
Summary The repetition of the same clothes and the same ‘My clothes disintegrated, victims of
Pi’s clothes eventually disintegrate from the sun uncomfortable positions is a negative part of Pi’s the sun and salt.’
and salt, and he gets salt-water boils on his skin routine. In his nakedness, another divide is Reflection: Reflect on how the
from being constantly wet. These burst painfully broken down between Pi and Richard Parker. disintegration of Pi’s clothes is a
and Pi often cannot find a comfortable position in foreshadowing of more physical and
Themes: STORYTELLING SURVIVAL
which to lie. moral disintegration to come.

Summary Pi wisely gives up____________________, ” I spent hours trying to decipher the lines in the
like hoping for rescue or trying to steer the survival manual on navigation.’
Pi pours over the survival manual, trying to decipher its lifeboat. The only things he can control are
advice about navigation, but he knows nothing about Reflection: Why do you think Pi spent so much
his own daily acts
stars or currents. Pi eventually gives up, recognising that of_______________________. of time studying the survival manual?
he has no way to propel or steer the lifeboat anyway.
How helpful is the survival manual?
Later he would learn that he drifted along the “Pacific Themes: STORYTELLING SURVIVAL
equatorial counter-current.”
Summary Pi quickly ____________to killing Lord, to think I’m a strict

sea life with impunity in order to vegetarian. To think that when I
Pi keeps fishing, often using a gaff that he finds in the locker. feed himself and Richard Parker. was a child I always shuddered
He pulls the fish aboard and then kills them with the hatchet. He has even moved quickly from when I snapped open a banana
He has lost all qualms about touching sea life or killing living being a _______________to because it sounded to me like the
creatures. He improves at hunting and starts using the net as breaking of an animal’s neck. I
a lure to attract more fish. Some days he catches more fish ___________________whenever he can. Pi has lost descended to a level of savagery I
than he can eat, but often there is nothing to catch. He some of his _____________________in this, but his never imagined possible.”
sometimes catches turtles as well – he finds it easy to grab ______________________and ability to
them but difficult to pull them aboard, as they are so big. Pi _______________show a different kind of humanity. Reflection: How would the above
sadly compares his new level of ______________to his words impact the readers’
earlier lifestyle of ____________________. Themes: STORYTELLING SURVIVAL emotional response to Pi?
BRUTALITY
72
Summary Pi’s desperate hunger becomes the norm, and he ‘I became attached to
Pi observes the underside of his raft and finds algae, shrimp, will eat anything and everything without qualms. the oceanic
and crabs living on it. He eats some of these, but only the crabs Any kind of distraction also becomes entertainment hitchhikers.’
taste good. Barnacles grow on the lifeboat, and Pi sucks the for him.
Reflection: Reflect on
fluid out of them on occasion. These small diverse creatures
Themes: STORYTELLING, HUNGER why distraction is
offer _______________________from his predicament.
SURVIVAL important to Pi’s
survival.
Summary With these short chapters Martel recreates the Reflection: Reflect on
_________________that Pi experiences, a why Richard Parker is
Pi survives on very little sleep, and usually only gets about an
monotony of suffering only occasionally interrupted. able to sleep better
hour at a time. Richard Parker, on the other hand, sleeps all the
than Pi?
time in various favourite positions. Themes: STORYTELLING
SURVIVAL
Summary Pi puts all his hope into ______________instead ‘They smelled exactly like
of__________________. In the brain, smells can be cumin. It was intoxicating’
On some nights Pi thinks he sees light in the distance, and he closely related to___________________, so the flares
sends up a flare, but nothing ever comes of it. He recognises Reflection:
(which smell of cumin, a spice often used in Indian
that the area he can see is only a five-mile circle, so he has food) conjure up Pi’s childhood at Pondicherry. Discuss the significance of Pi’s
little hope of___________________________. The flares association of the smell of the
always smell like cumin to Pi, and they make him dream flares with cumin? How does
of____________________. this show his longing?
73
Summary As Pi and Richard Parker move ‘Butchering a turtle

One day Pi catches a hawksbill sea turtle. It is too large and _______________closer – with Pi deciding to live was hard work’
unwieldy to deal with on the raft, so he has to pull it onto the on the lifeboat more in case he should have to
Reflection: Explain
tarpaulin of the lifeboat. Richard Parker growls but allows it. venture onto the tiger’s territory in rough weather –
the literal and
The survival manual had suggested that Martel emphasises in another way that Pi becomes
figurative significance
________________was good to drink, so Pi goes about the more _________________in his constant quest for
of the above quote.
gruesome and difficult business of butchering the turtle. He survival. He has quickly gone from weeping over a
drinks all the turtle’s blood and throws the rest to Richard flying fish to drinking all the blood from a sea turtle. Consider the emotive
Parker. Pi decides that he needs to “carve out” impact of the word
Themes: BRUTALITY HUNGER
__________________________and train Richard Parker to
SURVIVAL ‘butchering’.
allow him on the
lifeboat______________________________________.
Summary The lifeboat now becomes a sort of zoo enclosure ‘Treatment should be
or tiger cage, and Pi adapts his training methods to repeated’
Pi presents a list of training suggestions for taming a wild
this environment. The essentials of animal taming
animal at sea. First, he suggests using a sea anchor to make Reflection: Discuss
that he outlined before, are still the same, though –
the lifeboat roll in a way that makes the animal (Richard Parker) the importance of
he shows ________________and takes dominative
seasick. Then one should blow a whistle furiously and stomp, repetition on training.
action, and repeats the lesson over and over until
and when the animal steps onto your new territory, blow the
the animal learns.
whistle more and make the lifeboat roll. The animal will then
_____________its nausea with the sound of the whistle. Next, Themes: STORYTELLING
Pi suggests making the boat roll until the animal is vomiting but SURVIVAL REPETITION TERRITORY
then stop. Finally, he says to repeat this routine until the animal
learns to retreat at the whistle.
74
Summary This is the only real physical contact Pi makes with ‘My fifth shield lasted
Richard Parker, and it is a reminder of the tiger’s me the rest of his
Pi fashions a shield from a turtle shell to protect him during these awesome power. Richard Parker at least respects Pi’s training.’
training sessions. On his first attempt Richard Parker ___________________even as he lashes out, for Pi
________________________________________. Terrified, Pi Reflection: How does
can always retreat to his raft. Richard Parker is only
swims to the raft and stays there in shock for an entire day and fighting to defend his_________________– Pi is the the number of shields
night. Pi explains that the tiger didn’t really want to kill him, as one seeking to shift the boundaries between their
used indicate the
animals generally prefer to avoid violence. Pi tries this again four respective domains. increase in Pi’s ability to
times, and each time Richard Parker knocks him into the water. On hunt and consume?
the fifth try, Pi backs down at the right time, and then Themes: STORYTELLING
begins_____________________________. After this Richard SURVIVAL REPETITION TERRITORY
Parker never strikes him again. HUNGER
Summary We have briefly seen Pi’s love of reading through the ‘A long book with a
Pi longs for a book, scene where his mother offers him books. Pi especially never ending story,’
particularly a book of wants a story that is worth revisiting over and over, like
Reflection: How does
_______________. He a___________________.
diary-writing prove an
takes notes in the little
Themes: STORYTELLING important tool in Pi’s
diary, but soon they
SURVIVAL survival and
grow scattered and he
storytelling?
loses track of dates or
time. He mostly writes
about
_____________________like the weather and Richard Parker’s
activities.
75
Summary Pi has become more animal-like in his “The blackness would stir and
diet and territorialism, but he also eventually go away, and God would
Pi practises his usual religious rituals, but he adapts them to his
shows a very human adaptability in remain, a shining point of light in my
situation. He has solitary Mass without bread or a priest, prays
transferring his religious practices to heart. I would go on loving.”
to Allah without knowing where Mecca is and uses turtle meat
the lifeboat. The repetition of
as prasad, a Hindu offering. These
constantly seeking food and water is a
rituals__________________, but he still finds his faith sorely
source of stress, but the repetition of
tested by his suffering. Sometimes he places himself within
religious rituals is a comfort to Pi. He
creation by labelling the sky “God’s ear” or Richard Parker
shows the same resilience in his faith
“God’s cat.” Pi still has to battle regularly with despair, but
as in his will to live.
always _______________overcomes.
Themes:
RELIGION
ROUTINE Reflection: Discuss the
STORYTELLING significance of giving God
ownership of everything on the
lifeboat?
CHAPTER 75 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER Analysis Visual
Summary His singing the song illustrates that he also

misses the celebrations and the family time
Pi understandably misses and mourns his family, especially his
together. He reaches out for those
mother. He is hurt that he is alone and will never see them expressions in singing this song to honour
again. He estimates his mother’s birthday and sings happy and remember his mother.
birthday to her. An image of a sad, lonely boy is created. His
singing the song illustrates that he also misses the celebrations
and the family time together. He reaches out for those
expressions in singing this song to honour and remember his
mother.
76
CHAPTER 76 – TRAINING Richard Parker USING HIS FAECES Analysis Important Quotation
Summary The training of the tiger “I made it clear to Richard

continues, and Pi’s Parker that it was my right, my
Pi describes the task of removing Richard Parker's faeces which he knowledge of the animal's lordly right, to fondle and sniff
describes as a "risky operation" Pi's knowledge of zoos and animal behaviour behaviour allows him to bully his faeces if I wanted to.”
is crucial in this chapter as he knows that leaving faeces in an animal's Richard Parker
enclosure will invite parasites and the opportunity for the animal to eat them psychologically over the Reflection: What is Pi’s
and become ill. matter of his defecation. Pi motivation to clean up after
Pi holds the faeces in his hand and stares at Richard Parker to show his has become more Richard Parker after the tiger
dominance. This works in the training of Richard Parker. opportunistic and has become
At the end of the chapter, Pi comments that he is also constipated and defecates?
alert to any chance to exert
describes his monthly relieving as a long-drawn and painful event that leaves further domination over
him exhausted. The training of the tiger continues, and Pi's knowledge of the Richard Parker.
animal's behaviour allows him to bully Richard Parker psychologically over
the matter of his defecation. Pi has become more opportunistic and has Themes: STORYTELLING
become alert to any chance to exert further domination over Richard Parker. SURVIVAL REPETITION
deference –polite submission ominous – threatening arduous – difficult
77
CHAPTER 77 – DETERIORATION OF PI Analysis Important Quotation
Summary By the end of this chapter, Pi learns what it takes

As the days go by, the rations that Pi has diminishes. He to survive and what he needs to do to survive. Pi
has to give more significant portions to Richard Parker. learns that although religion and God mean
Pi reduces his rationing of biscuits to two biscuits every 8everything to him sometimes, he has to break
hours. Due to his starvation, he begins to fantasise about the rules for the sake of his own life.
Indian food obsessively. In order to survive, he has to put aside
everything he has ever learned regarding his
“I was eating everything a turtle had to offer.” To Pi, moral beliefs and rely on his instincts to survive.
turtles were a saving grace. They offered him so much This chapter is significant because he mainly
more than just food and blood to drink, e.g. shield, mixing learns what he needs to do to live, like eating
“I was continuously hungry. I
bowls, shelter. He is no longer as discerning as he used meat. "Gutted fish and peeled skin fastidiously,
thought about food
to be. Now he eats anything he can lay his hands on. His soon I no more that rinsed off their slimy
obsessively.”
desperation is seen in the way he eats. His desperation slipperiness before biting into them". He
is so deep that he even tries to eat Richard Parker’s ultimately puts moral beliefs aside in order to live “My fantasy meal grew to be
faeces. the size of India.”
Fastidiously: in a way that gives too much attention to small details and wants everything to be correct and perfect
78
CHAPTER 78 – A CASTAWAY IS AT THE CENTRE OF A Analysis Important Quotation
CIRCLE
Summary “You are always at the centre”
Once again, we are reminded of the He feels that he is never close
In this chapter, Pi launches into an analysis of the castaway’s
significance of Pi’s nickname. He looks to the edge/end. He is never
loneliness. At the beginning of the chapter, he describes the comfortable and always
around him and is reminded that he is
changing skies and seas he faces, which leads to extreme exposed to the elements.
always in the middle of the ocean. “Death is
emotions and discussion of boredom and terror; the two
constantly on his mind even though he has Reflections
opposites Pi often feels simultaneously. Finally, Pi describes his
a strong will to survive. “Only death
life as “a game with few pieces.” 1. Why are there “many
consistently excites your emotions” Life for
skies” and “many seas”?
Pi has become one of the constant
He is a victim of contradictions; his life as a castaway is a life of 2. Explain the mathematical
contrasts of highs and lows. He has to
opposites. EXAMPLE allusions Pi makes in
make the best of everything and motivate
→ He wishes to be wet when it is hot but wishes to be dry describing the role of a
himself to keep on going.
when it rains. castaway. Why are they
particularly appropriate for Pi?
3. How has Pi’s outlook on
the ocean changed since he
was first shipwrecked?
abates – lets up conversely – oppositely perpetually – continually
79
CHAPTER 79 – AN EXPERT ON SHARKS Analysis Important Quotation
Summary This passage is significant because we see Pi says after killing his first fish he
a change in Pi's hierarchy of needs. At "wept heartily over this poor little
Pi observes everything around him and, as a result of
first, we see that Pi prioritises self- deceased soul. It was the first sentient
the time spent looking at the marine life, becomes an
actualisation of morality over his being I had ever killed. I was now a
expert on sharks. He can identify the different types and
physiological needs being, food in this killer...and now I had blood on my
eventually catches them. “I caught them with my bare
hands. It's a terrible burden to carry.
hands as they came close to the lifeboat”. The first one case. However, eventually, he does not
All sentient life is sacred. I never forget
that he catches “was my largest”. Richard Parker feel a sense of guilt invading his morality,
to include this fish in my prayers"
attacks it and is hurt in the process but manages to kill and he does not care how he kills them. In
and eat it. Pi is happy with the shark meat as it “was the passage, he says he kills baby animals Reflection: Does Pi continue to react
tasty and unfishy and the crunchiness of cartilage was a and stabs them in the eye, very carefree. in the same way after killing other
welcome respite from so much soft food.” Moreover, no sign of remorse is shown. fish? Why?
CHAPTER 80 – ULTIMATE MASTERY OVER Richard Analysis Important Questions

Parker
Summary Once more, Pi's acceptance of his impending Pi says “Suddenly his brute
The chapter starts with Pi and Richard Parker in the middle death causes him to act hastily, but this time it strength meant only moral
of a storm of flying fish. Richard Parker was actively ends up saving him. Richard Parker is an weakness. It was nothing
swatting at them while Pi hid behind a turtle shell. "omega" animal, just like the ones Pi compared to the strength in my
Suddenly a huge dorado fish jumps into the boat while mentioned in his earlier account of lion-taming. mind”.
trying to catch the flying fish. Pi picks up the fish, rejoicing However, because of its inherent nervousness,
1. Why does Pi say that he
and thanking God, but then he notices Richard Parker is the tiger is easily manipulated by an alpha.
is “more set on eating than on
no longer interested in the flying fish but rather in the fish in
THEME OF SURVIVAL AND BOUNDARIES: staying alive” when he catches
Pi's hand. He was in a crouched position, meaning he was
Pi's acceptance of inevitable death leads him the dorado?
about to pounce. Pi thought this would be the end; he did
to take a rash action that ends up saving him
not even have time to blow his whistle. In a moment of 2. What is significant about
from Richard Parker
insanity brought on by hunger where food was more the fact that Richard Parker
significant than survival at this point. does not fight Pi for the dorado?
gregarious – outgoing, talkative
80
CHAPTER 81 – WHY Richard Parker DOES NOT Analysis Important Quotation
ATTACK PI
Summary Pi acknowledges that many people Pi says, “I know my survival is hard to
may have doubts about his claim believe”.
Thinking back, Pi admits that his survival is hard to
that he survived the Pacific with a
believe, but he explains how he maintains his dominance
tiger after he has
over Richard Parker. He attributes his survival with
already supported the veracity of his
Richard Parker, to two things, Richard Parker's
tale by describing his time spent
tendency toward seasickness and the fact that Pi
growing up at the zoo and
provided all his food and water. Richard Parker was
the various techniques, with
used to this kind of treatment at the zoo. He would not
which he is familiar.
have survived had it not been for Pi providing for him.
These actions gifted Pi with the power over him. But the
only proof of Pi’s story is that he lived to tell it. In this
chapter, Pi explains how his survival depended on
gaining power. As we read at the beginning of the book, Earlier on in the book Pi already
Theme: SURVIVAL
gaining power was about conquering his will and finding addressed the validity of his story by
that he had a strong will to live. To live, he had to gain explaining his childhood at the zoo and
power over the tiger, which he has been able to do by the different ways he knows to train
making the tiger dependent on him. animals, but now he admits that many
people might doubt him about his
surviving the Pacific with a tiger.
81
CHAPTER 82 – INDISCRIMINATE EATING Analysis Important Quotation
Summary This shows his decline To Pi water is more precious than

into savagery. He “gold, sapphires, rubies an diamonds”
Pi has an obsession with fresh water for a very valid reason. Even
though he keeps all the rainwater he can get, they constantly suffer a becomes like an animal. Reflection: When we first meet Pi, he
shortage of it. There was also always a shortage of food as “Richard He survives on instinct is an intellectual, bookish boy. How is
Parker took the lion’s share”. Thus Pi constantly shoves food into his and slowly starts to lose Pi different now? What were the top
mouth before Richard Parker can see. Finally, he realises that he has his human qualities and three most significant things that have
sunk to the level of an animal on “the day I noticed, with a pinching of characteristics. happened to him that has affected
the heart that I ate like an animal that this noisy, frantic, unchewing him the most?
wolfing-down of mine was exactly the way Richard Parker ate”.
torrential – violently gushing
CHAPTER 83 – THE STORM Analysis Important Quotation
Summary “The loss of the raft was

The turning point in Pi’s life at sea is a specific storm that The storm tears apart the boundary between Pi perhaps not fatal to my
damages everything for which Pi has worked so hard. It and Richard Parker, forcing them both to take body, but it felt fatal to my
forces him to live with Pi on the lifeboat as the life raft is refuge under a tarp. Again, Pi decides to avoid spirits”
destroyed. Pi is “bruised and cut by bones and turtle more immediate danger in the face of the To Pi the life raft symbolised
shells.” lingering tiger threat. some degree of safety away
To Pi, the life raft symbolises some degree of safety away from Parker.
from Richard Parker. It gave him a sense of 1. According to Pi, what
accomplishment and hope. However, he is disappointed happens to us when we face
when it is lost, which adds to his declining mood. The only continual terror?
thing that survives that gives him hope is the whistle. It is
the only thing that will help keep him safe from Richard 2. Why is an orange whistle
the only thing that “remain(s)
Parker – essential considering that they now share a
between (Pi) and death”?
lifeboat.
hillocks – small hills hovering – hanging
82
CHAPTER 84 – ENCOUNTER WITH A WHALE Analysis Important Quotation
Summary This deals with Pi's attempts to Pi says, “I believe it was a whale looking for
Pi’s imagination is clearly seen in the way he views the communicate and relate to the a mate. It must have decided that my size
encounter with the whale. His creation of the story when he outside world. He imagines wouldn't do, and besides, I already seemed
sees the whales is amusing and one of the ways in which he whales talking about him and to have a mate”.
occupies his time. He sees only six birds on the ocean – trying to help him, and their
which tells of his distance from land. majestic size and rarity make Reflection: How does the above quote
He catches one bird and eats it. He is disappointed as “there them look like divine reinforce that Pi has a sense of humour?
was a disappointing amount of flesh”. Pi eats “the bird’s messengers.
heart, liver and lungs”, which prepares us for his encounter
with the Frenchman who intends to eat Pi’s heart, liver and
flesh
alighted – landed archipelago – a group of islands behemoths – giants
CHAPTER 85 LIGHTNING HITS THE WATER Analysis Important Quotation
Summary "Praise be to Allah, Lord of All Worlds, the

Pi experiences lightning hitting the water. He associates it Compassionate, the Merciful, Ruler of
with something “celestial”. He is in awe of the experience. Judgment Day!" I muttered. To Richard Parker I
Shows that to Pi, all experiences are linked to God – he shouted, "Stop your trembling! This is miracle.
never loses his faith. Pi is able to see beauty in the face of Reflection: Why does Pi praises Allah when
his extreme suffering. This is indicative of his religious and he sees lightning?
optimistic character.
celestial – above the Earth; heavenly
83
CHAPTER 86 – A SHIP Analysis Important Quotation
Summary This is the most agonising failed The only way he can survive
communication of Pi's journey. He the disappointment is to focus
At sea, Pi only encounters a ship once. He is so excited when he
comes very close to rescue, but is not on Richard Parker. “If I didn’t
sees it, and his hope that he will be rescued and find his family alive
seen or heard by the tanker people. have you now, I don’t know
and well is restored. He does not see the need to fire a flare as he is
Pi responds to this disappointment what I would do. I don’t think I
confident they would see him. By the time he realises that the
with a newfound love for Richard would make it. No, I wouldn’t. I
occupants of the ship have not seen him, it is too late. He finally
Parker, rather than despairing again. would die of hopelessness”
decides to fire a flare “but aimed it poorly,” so “Instead of surging
over the bulwarks and exploding in the captain’s face, it ricocheted Reflection: At the end of this
off the ship’s side and went into the Pacific, where it died”. Ironically, chapter, Pi tells Richard Parker
when he thought he saw a ship, he would fire off a flare, but this that he loves him. Why does Pi
time when there is a ship, he fails to do so. The ship passes him: love Richard Parker?
and his chance of rescue is dashed.
bulwarks – the section of a ship’s side rising above the upper deck languishing – becoming depressed or weak
CHAPTER 87 – ASPHYXIATION Analysis Important Quotation
Summary This shows Pi’s strong desire to escape his reality. ‘I called it my dream
The dream rag shows Pi’s interest in storytelling rag’
Pi develops a method of slightly asphyxiating himself. He takes
a piece of cloth, called his “dream rag”, wets it with seawater, and how he chooses a pleasant fiction over a cruel Reflection: Reflect on
and drapes it over his face as he rests. This cloth and his and boring reality. The daze he experiences may Pi’s need to escape
current state allow him to fall into a pleasant daze easily. He link back to his religion which is the “pleasant into dreams?
has strange thoughts and dreams in this meditative state, and fiction”, as opposed to having no religion, which is a
time seems to pass by more swiftly. His feelings also improve “cruel & boring reality.”
after the daze.
84
CHAPTER 88 – TRASH Analysis Important Quotation
Summary: As we get closer to the end of the novel, Pi encounters more This is another attempt, albeit Pi says the smell of the waste
human things. First, he encountered the ship, and now he encounters relatively futile, to communicate “assaulted my senses with a
trash. This prepares us for the arrival of the Frenchman in Chapter 90. with the outside world. Pi gets the pent-up rage that made my
Unfortunately, even though this is obviously human trash, nothing is of any mark from humanity, but that is head reel, my stomach churn
and my legs wobble”. Pi finds
value to Pi. He does, however, put a message in a bottle that he finds in just Trash and useless.
floating waste indicating the
the hope that it will elicit a rescue. He still has some hope that his family is
presence of humans. How does
alive. this sight make him feel?
Reflection: What kind of
language does he use to
describe it?
CHAPTER 89 – FADING ORANGE, FADING HOPE Analysis Important Quotation
Summary: Pi's entries in his diary are a sort of self- Everything became sun-
Richard Parker has become a shadow of his former self and “his fur lost its disclosure or message to future third bleached and weather-
lustre, and some of it even fell away from his shoulders and haunches”. Pi beaten”. Things that
parties, but he is also unsuccessful in
starts to sleep for longer periods of time, much like Richard Parker. He were “orange became
this due to lack of ink. Pi's strong will to whitish orange”.
starts to daydream. This puts into question whether he really encounters live and heroic ingenuity do not last
the Frenchman in chapter 90 or not. Pi’s last entry in the diary is “I die’. He forever. Reflection: Why does Pi
writes in tiny script on the paper as he was afraid that he would run out of start to imitate Richard
paper ironically, he actually runs out of ink. With the running out of pens Parker in his daily
and the fading of the orange, Pi’s hope fades as well. routine?
85
CHAPTER 90 – THE FRENCHMAN Analysis Important Quotation
Summary: Pi realises that Richard Parker has gone blind, and he goes Richard Parker gave Pi a reason to live “Something in me died
blind shortly after. He was desperate for water and food. Sadly, Pi feels because without Pi as a regular and then that has never come
that “this physical suffering was nothing compared to the moral torture I steady source of food and water the back to life”.
was about to endure”. He eventually resolves to die. However, he is tiger would die. Blindness is due to
REFLECTION: Who does
disappointed that he “could do no more for “Richard Parker. As he lies, extreme dehydration and malnutrition.
the Blind Frenchman
waiting to die, he suddenly hears a voice. At first, he thinks it is his Pi’s hope for survival is dwindling.
represent? Why does he
imagination. Then he believes it is Richard Parker. “It was Richard
Pi has failed to communicate with the appear at this point in the
Parker who was speaking to me!” He only later realises it is another
outside world and now seems to have story?
human being when he realises that the accent is not Indian but French.
gone mad with solitude and starts
“It was utterly incongruous. Richard Parker was born in Bangladesh and Why is it significant that
talking to the tiger. This part of Pi’s
raised in Tamil Nadu, so why should he have a French accent?” the Frenchman, Richard
narration is steeped in surrealism and
Pi is ecstatic because he believes that, finally, he is with another human. Parker and Pi are
magical realism, and it is unclear if Pi
“It was someone else!”, “we have each other. That is something. experiencing blindness?
actually hears the French castaway
Something precious” He introduces himself to the man, but the man
from the start, or if it's all just a
does not introduce himself – he is not interested in being Pi’s friend.
hallucination.
Fortunately, before he can harm Pi, Richard Parker attacks and kills him. Comment on the
While Pi is grateful that he was saved, he is sad to once again be alone. This is especially surreal given the significance of their
“This was the terrible cost of Richard Parker. He gave me a life, my own, alternate history we hear at the end of conversation about food?
but at the expense of taking one” Pi is deeply traumatised when Richard the novel. The castaway appears to be
Parker eats the man. a French cook. It's killing people.
Unlike Pi, the castaway refuses to be
Consider: Is the Frenchman an alter ego? distracted from reality.
Is the appearance of the blind Frenchman in the Pacific Ocean
probable?
Would you agree that Pi is projecting his intense hunger and longing for
home on the Frenchman?
If Richard Parker, as an alter ego, helped give Pi confidence and
strength, what purpose does the Blind Frenchman, as a possible alter
ego, serve?
amoral – being outside the concepts of right and wrong Infernal – hellish
86
CHAPTER 91 – RESTORED SIGHT Analysis Important Quotation
Summary Pi’s humane side is implicity shown as he cries Pi cries because of the
for the dead Frenchman. This proves that ordeal and this helps to
Pi boards the blind man’s boat and “found he had lied to me”.
despite his perceived moral devolution, his restore his sight. “Crying
Whilst the man had earlier told Pi he had “no food either”. Pi
humanity still exists. This is similar to the as I had done, did my
finds “turtle meat, a dorado head, and even – a supreme treat –
biblical scene where the scales fell from the eyes some good. The
some biscuit crumbs. And he had water”.
eyes of the Apostle Paul, who became a small window at the top
Christian. For Pi, the "enlightenment" moment is left of my vision opened a
When he regains his sight, Pi is horrified by the sight of the
much more terrifying. He rinses his eyes with crack”.
Frenchman’s “butchered, dismembered body” Pi uses “his flesh
seawater and his vision returns. Pi weeps for Richard Parker has
as bait” and in his desperation “and driven by the extremity of
the dead man and his tears clear out his eyes a disposed of most of the
my need and the madness to which it pushed me, I ate some of
little. He rinses his eyes with seawater and his human flesh from the
his flesh”. To Pi, “it looked like ordinary animal flesh” He is
vision returns. Pi immediately sees the other shipwrecked man.
really upset by this and explains that his “suffering was
butchered body of the castaway on the floor of
unremitting and he was already dead” This lives with him
the lifeboat. Pi confesses that he later used one Reflection: What does Pi
constantly and in the same way he constantly prays for the soul
of the castaway’s arms as fishing bait, do with the rest of the
of the first fish he killed and the zebra, he also prays “for his
flesh? Why?
soul everyday”. The blind Frenchman is an unapologetic
Theme: SURVIVAL
carnivore who will eat every part of an animal. As he and Pi
discuss food, Pi imagines
the Frenchman's voice to be the voice of Richard Parker
87
CHAPTER 92 – ALGAE ISLAND Analysis Important
Questions
Summary: At the height of his desperation, Pi makes “an Pi's stay on the algae island is another surreal time ‘I preferred to set off
exceptional botanical discovery”. and the most extended chapter of Pi's journey. The and perish in search
This part of the story creates a hole in Pi’s story as this is algae island becomes a complex and often opaque of my own kind than
unbelievable, and the island is never found again. When Pi first symbol, first appearing as a kind of paradise for Pi. live a half-life of
sees the trees, he does not react as he thinks “it was an Yet, in its very strangeness, the island always seems physical comfort and
illusion”). He is extremely excited to find that the island is not unreal, despite its promise of food and shelter. spiritual death on this
an illusion. After eating his fill, he tries to walk further in but can
Algae island, whether religious or just fantasy, often murderous island.’
only crawl because of his weakened state. This is the same
symbolises some easy, shallow faith or easy survival Reflections:
state he is in when he eventually gets to real land, Mexico.
Richard Parker also goes onto the island, and Pi spends the that distracts Pi from his journey. It seems too good to Pi decides to leave
rest of the day “eating, resting and attempting to stand. To him, be true initially, but then it rewards Pi with immediate the island. He
the island is paradise. Nothing but the strange trees, the algae gratification when he steps on firm ground. gathers as much
and meerkats existed on the island. The healthier Richard First, Pi (and perhaps Richard Parker, too) return to supplies as he can.
Parker got, the more dangerous he became, but strangely, he the lifeboat at night out of habit to keep his territory. A But he “could not
returns to the boat every night. Finally, Pi realises the need to mirage, a miracle, or a warning, the island offers a abandon Richard
reassert his authority over Richard Parker. So he starts his welcome respite from Pi's struggle for survival. Parker”.
training of Richard Parker again. Richard Parker also gets a chance to revert to his Contrast Pi’s loyalty
That night he notices the meerkats running up into the trees. former self, and the tiger poses a new threat to Pi as to the tiger at this
He goes to sleep with them “snuggled up to me”. This happens he can now feed and drink without an Alpha. Algae point in the novel to
every night. One night he wakes up and sees dead fish rising
island keeps getting stranger and more surreal. It is the devising of plans
in the pond. He finds the sight “sinister” and disturbing. He had
so mysterious that it seems like it must be a delusion to get rid of him.
intended to remain on the island “for the rest of my life,” but
or a made-up story, but at the same time, Pi's
what he finds in the tree causes him to leave the island.
attention to detail in describing this place suggests
that it may be a reality.
The island symbolises false faith or the temptations of
giving into despair and fantasy. These two are
related, as they both involve avoiding harsh reality to
indulge in something evil but comfortable.
88
CHAPTER 93 Analysis Important Symbolism/Themes
Summary Pi maintains his faith in God, who is his only resolve Pi describes his situation as, “as pointless as the
at this point. This is the healthiest way for Pi to deal weather.” Just as Pi is helpless in his situation as a
Pi’s built-in determination to live is the only castaway, the weather cannot be controlled. This
with this situation, when he is suffering so much.
thing keeping him alive at this point. His time period of his time at sea is so unbearable that
It is easier to turn to higher power that to dwell on a
mentality makes him unable to let go of life, he does not want to think back on it, or talk about it
situation. Faith provides refuge and distraction.
despite his suffering, which is emphasised in in detail. This explains why the chapter is so short.
Emphasises the role faith plays in Pi’s ultimate
this chapter.
survival. Reflections: Do you agree with Pi’s observation
Themes: SURVIVAL FAITH that the lower you go the higher you soar?
CHAPTER 94 – MEXICO Analysis Important Quotation
Summary Pi is deeply affected by the loss of Richard They came up to me with their hands covering their
Parker. He feels this abandonment so noses and mouths’.
He eventually acutely, that it plagues him for the rest of
lands on the his life. Even when he is found he cries Pi describes his life from the hospital to the
shores of Mexico. university of Toronto as “one long, easy corridor” he
not out of relief but “because Richard
It is ironic that it Parker had left me so unceremoniously”. had to walk down. This image strongly contrasts
was so with his surroundings as a castaway. He
He wants the author to tell his story in
dangerous for exactly 100 chapters so the story doesn’t appreciates the security of the confinement.
him to land on go on forever like his nickname, Pi. It is .” This indicates primal conditions on the lifeboat,
shore. He was important for Pi “to conclude things rotting of meat, little or no hygiene maintenance. Pi
afraid that he would drown. More significantly, it is here properly” as he never got to say goodbye compares the beach on the Mexican coast to the
that Richard Parker leaves him without looking back at to his family. He desired a closure with cheek of God. Although Pi states that he “barely had
him. This hurts Pi greatly because to him Richard Richard Parker that he never got. Pi finally the strength to be happy about it,” this description of
Parker was the “companion of my torment, awful, fierce reaches Canada where he initially set out the beach shows the sense of relief and happiness
thing that kept me alive”. to 227 days ago. Sadly, he is there on his that the beach brings to Pi.
Theme of anthropomorphism. He expected Richard own. Reflections: How does the reaction of the
Parker to feel the same way about him as he felt for Themes: ANTHROPOMORHISM patients towards Pi reinforce the power of
Richard Parker. stories?
SURVIVAL
89
Part Three (Benito Juárez Infirmary, Tomatlán, Mexico)
Mr Okamoto and Mr Chiba of the Maritime Department in the Japanese Ministry of Transport come to Tomatlán, Mexico, to interview Pi about the
sinking of the Tsimtsum. The Japanese officials are sceptical about Pi’s first story, which includes the tiger, the hyena, the zebra and the
orangutan. They are more convinced of his second story, in which the Chinese sailor breaks a leg jumping into the lifeboat, the cook then
amputates the sailor’s leg to use as bait, and when the sailor dies, he butchers and eats him. Pi and his mother, both horrified, try to stop him.
The cook kills Pi’s mother and throws her head in Pi’s direction. Soon after, Pi fights the cook and kills him. Then, as Pi says to Okamoto and
Chiba, “Solitude began. I turned to God. I survived.”
Okamoto and Chiba are appalled but notice all the parallels between the characters and actions of this second story and the first story. They ask
more technical questions, but Pi can tell them nothing to help solve the mystery of the Tsimtsum’s sinking. Finally, Pi asks them which story they
prefer: the one with animals or the one with humans. Both Chiba and Okamoto agree that the one with animals is “the better story.” In his report,
which he sends to Martel years later, Okamoto writes that Pi’s story of survival at sea with an adult Bengal tiger is astonishing and unique.
Pi’s behaviour does make sense to the reader. “I know what you want. You want a story that won’t surprise you. That will confirm what you
already know. That won’t make you see higher or further or differently … You want dry, yeastless factuality.” The parallels between the first and
second stories may be summarised as follows: the zebra breaks a leg jumping into the lifeboat; the hyena eats the zebra; the hyena and the
orangutan fight; the hyena kills the orangutan, and the tiger kills the hyena.
In comparison, the two stories highlight the theme of heart and reason. The story with animals requires heart, whereas the second story supports
reason a logical account). Pi’s story requires heart – hence, a story that “will make you believe in God”.
90
PART 3 Chapter 95 Analysis Important Quotation
Summary Pi’s rescue is anticlimactic, but fitting for the turbulent, The author says, “I am
meaningless movements of the ocean and fate. Pi has grateful to Mr. Okamoto for
This chapter, the first of Part 3 is written in italics, indicating it is reached land at last, but he still has one last failure to
the author’s words. In it he explains the dialogue he had with Mr
having made available to
communicate – Richard Parker leaves without saying me a copy of the tape and
Okamoto and Mr Chiba, both sent by the Maritime Department in goodbye. We realise how invested we are in Richard
the Japanese Ministry of transport to talk to the lone survivor, of his final report”. Part 3 is
Parker as a character because this slight seems so
Piscine Molitor Patel, of the Tsimtsum. The infirmary was in written as the transcript of
tragic and callous, though it is also a reminder that the
Tomatlan which they misunderstood as Tomatan and ended up tiger is still a wild animal. (Though this scene might Pi’s interview with the
getting lost and rerouted on their way there and their rental car also be read as Pi’s animal will to survive, as Japanese officials which
broke down. The author receives tape recordings from the embodied by Richard Parker, is no longer necessary was mentioned as a source
interview between the investigators and Pi and acknowledges once he reaches land). of information for the book.
them in this chapter thanking them.
Reflection
What do you predict this
part of the book will reveal?
Summary The investigators don’t seem very considerate towards ‘I’m a little hungry.’(283)
Pi sometimes. This might just be because as the reader,
This is the introductory part of the interview between the Reflections:
knowing what Pi has gone through, we in a way take
investigators and Pi Patel, recorded and translated by the offence to some of the comments they make. Pi doesn’t Why does Pi feel the need to
author. They make simple conversation before starting and Pi seem to be that affected. Mr Okamoto makes the inform them of his hunger
gets offered a cookie. comment he is “so tired ” (although he’s not saying this when he is in an infirmary that
to Pi) we know that Pi is far more exhausted than he is. provides food?
The paradox between their answer to Pi’s question about
their trip “we had a beautiful trip, Its was a beautiful drive
” and Pi’s answer – “I had a terrible trip ” creates a divide
and shows the reader what different worlds the two are
from and how their experiences are different.
91
Chapter 97 Analysis Visual
Summary This can be seen to act as a title. It could also build

tension. Maybe “THE” makes it seem like this story, the
This chapter is the shortest. It says “The Story” one with the tiger, is the one in Pi’s head and the one
he has made his story and he believes this is THE true
STORY. At this point the reader only knows this first
story and therefore it works to refer to it as THE, one
and only story.
Themes:
STORYTELLING
Summary ‘He thinks we’re fools.’
The investigators don’t believe Pi’s first story but pretend to, Pi does not actually eat the cookies but REFLECTIONS:
just so they don’t lose him as it is their job to return with the hides them away and keeps them. This
Why is the hoarding of the
answers and a report. Pi asks for a cookie and they leave for a links to the theme of survival as Pi still
cookies by Pi, a
while. feels he has to store food for later when
foreshadowing of Pi’s
he needs it. This primal behaviour response to food in later
shows the reader how affected Pi was by years?
the ordeal.
Reflect on how the response of
Themes: the Japanese agents to Pi’s
HUNGER first story become more
accepting after hearing the
second story.
92
Summary The interviewers start by nit-picking

at details, which leads to some
The interviewers tell Pi that they do not believe his
humorous scenes and Pi defending
story. As an example of its impossibility, they claim
his story in its every aspect.
that bananas don’t float. Pi challenges this and
Eventually they get around to the
pulls two bananas from under his bed sheet for
larger idea here, which is about
them to test. Okamoto fills the sink and puts the
learning to process and improve an
bananas in, and they float. Okamoto responds to
unbearable reality through
this by challenging the existence of the algae Reflection: Which of the two stories do you
storytelling. believe is the better story?
island.
Has the book fulfilled the promise of a story that
will make you believe in God?
Summary This final report adds dimension and poignancy to “Story of sole survivor, Mr Piscine
The author then gives Okamoto’s report of the Okamoto’s character, as the official chooses to Molitor Patel, Indian Citizen, is an
interview. Okamoto says that the possibility existed believe Pi’s animal story as the “better” truth astounding story of courage and
that the Tsimtsum sank because of an engine despite his natural scepticism, and so it is the endurance in the face of
problem, but he admits that the cause of the animal version that is marked down in the official extraordinarily difficult and tragic
shipwreck is unknown. He adds a personal note documents. Martel ends on this slightly hopeful circumstances.”
about Pi, saying that his ordeal at sea was
note after crushing our perception of truth, Reflections: What story writing
exceptional and astonishing. He says that Pi’s
suggesting that choosing “the better story” is just techniques has the writer used to
story is totally unparalleled, as few castaways have
as important as finding out the facts of reality. create ‘an astounding story of
survived as long as he did, and none of them did
Themes: SURVIVAL STORYTELLING courage and endurance’?
so “in the company of an adult Bengal tiger.”
unverifiable – cannot be proven
93
Now that you are familiar with the text, let us attempt to describe each
character.
Name of Character Role in the Key Character traits

novel
Piscine Molitor Patel (Pi)
Richard Parker
Francis Adirubasamy
Ravi
Santosh Patel
Gita
Satish Kumar (Biology
teacher)
Satish Kumar (Muslim mystic)
Father Martin
The Hindu Pandit
Meena Patel
Nikhil Patel (Nick)
Usha Patel
The Hyena
The Zebra
Orange Juice
The Blind Frenchman
Tomohiro Okamoto
Atsuro Chiba
The Cook
The Sailor
94
PUZZLE
95
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
November 1, 1954 1961 Birth of Pi 1968 Pi learns to swim.

He is named after a __________ He is seven years old and a family
Pondicherry joins the Union of India, in Paris called the friend, ________, gives him his first
Pi's parents open the ______________ ____________. swimming lesson in the ocean.
1975 Religion February 1976 June 21, 1977

Pi grew up in a ________family, but he during Political unrest and after the
a family holiday in Munnar, he finds a church declaration of a The Patel family leaves
and decides to be a _________as well. The _____________________in India, India for _______.
following year he walks into a mosque and ______takes over the Tamil Nadu
adds Islam as a religion he will follow. government.
21 June 1977 Reason for his voyage 02 July 1977 Shipwreck

When Pi is a teenager (16), his father decides to
Pi hears a noise in the night and goes on ____, only to
close the Pondicherry Zoo and to ______to
find a storm raging. When he gets back to the cabin
Canada because of political uncertainty in the
that he shares with his brother, Ravi, he notices there
country. Pi, his mother, father, and brother Ravi
is water on the floor. He then returns to the deck where
all board the Tsimtsum, along with the zoo
the sailors throw him into a lifeboat.
animals, who are to be sold along the way.
09 July 1977 Kills his first __________ 17 August 1977 Stopped looking for ships
Pi kills a _________by breaking its______. At this stage, Pi stops looking for a rescuer almost
This saddens him but soon after, he kills the entirely. After expending all of his flares (which
______- by beating it with an axe hilt - and he happen to smell like ________), he realises the very
feels__________________. high improbability of being rescued by a ship.
20 September 1977 No more raft 30 September 1977 Pi trains Richard Parker

Pi gets under the ________with Richard Pi wants to be able to get onto the lifeboat more
Parker, during a brutal storm. The raft often, so he starts to assert his ________by
breaks free and the lifeboat is slightly ________________loudly while rocking the boat
damaged. and making Richard Parker feel _________. He is
finally able to gain complete dominance
over_____________ during a stare down, over a
___________________________
02 October 1977 Mortality 10 October 1977 The Oil Tanker

Pi is reminded that Richard Parker is not as Pi and Richard Parker finally encounter a ship
all-powerful as he appears to be they think is close enough to see and rescue
as_________________________________ them. Pi becomes absolutely distraught when
_________________________________. 96 _______________________________________
_______________________________________
25 October 1977 Pi and Richard Parker go blind 27 October 1977 The Frenchman
Pi is weak and when he hears a voice, he decides
Richard Parker is the first to go blind and then Pi to talk to it. At first they talk about _______ but Pi is
finds that a black dot grows in his vision until he too delusional and thinks that ____________is talking
is unable to see. They are both in a very bad to him. Pi finds out that the Frenchman has killed a
_______________________________________. man and a woman. The man boards Pi's lifeboat,
and tries to kill him. Richard Parker then
_________________.
29 October 1977 Returning Vision 14 December 1977 Algae Island

Pi regains his vision as he continues to rinse his Pi and Richard Parker come across the algae
eyes with _____________. island.
05 January 1978 The Fruit 06 January 1978 Pi and Richard Parker leave the
Pi encounters a tree with some fruit. He climbs the island. They leave the island together. They take
tree and notices that it has several stems and as he some algae (tied on a rope behind the boat) and
picks it up what seems to be fruit, is actually as much ______as will fit in the lifeboat.
_______________ covered in leaves. There are 32
teeth- an entire human set. Later that evening he
realises that the island is____________________.
14 February 1978 Journey on the sea ends 19 February 1978 Benito Juarez Infirmary,
As they land on a beach in _______, Richard Parker Tomatlán, Mexico Two men (Mr Okamoto, and
leaves the boat and goes__________________. Pi Mr Chiba) visit Pi in hospital,
never gets a chance to say goodbye. He is found to______________________
some hours later. Pi survives at sea for 227 days ________________________________ Pi is
asked to tell his story. The men are not
convinced by Pi’s story as they do not believe
that bananas float, they do not believe in the
19 February 1978 " …dry, yeastless factuality" Pi carnivorous island and they are unconvinced
decides to tell the Japanese officials a different story. about the tiger in the story. Pi realises that the
This one, however, replaces the animals with men want a story that _______________.
___________. After the ship sinks, he falls into the water
and is pulled aboard with a _____thrown by the
___________. There is already a Chinese sailor, who 1978
has broken his femur while jumping onto the lifeboat.
Pi moves to Canada and attends university.
They find Pi's mother floating on a______________. The
Frenchman is a vulgar man who wants to cut off the
sailor's1996
leg, to use for bait. The sailor suffers long and
excruciating painmeets
from his 1996
The visiting writer Pi wound, before he finally dies.
in Toronto
After he dies, the Frenchman mutilates and cures the The visiting writer meets Pi in Toronto
1996
sailor’s flesh so that he can use it as bait and eat it as
well.
The Pi’s horrified
visiting mother
writer meets Pi slaps the Frenchman. He kills
in Toront
Pi's mother and throws her head at Pi. The following day,
fight and Pi ______________________. 97
LET US PRACTISE FOR THE NSC EXAMINATION
QUESTION 7 CONTEXTUAL LIFE OF PI
Extract A
My guess was that Richard Parker was on the floor of the lifeboat beneath the tarpaulin, his back to
me, facing the zebra, which he had no doubt killed by now. Of the five senses, tigers rely the most
on their sight. Their eyesight is very keen, especially in detecting motion. Their hearing is good.
Their smell is average. I mean compared to other animals, of course. Next to Richard Parker, I was
deaf, blind and nose-dead. But at the moment he could not see me, and in my wet condition could
probably not smell me, and what with the whistling of the wind and the hissing of the sea as waves
broke, if I were careful, he would not hear me. I had a chance so long as he did not sense me. If he
did, he would kill me right away. Could he burst through the tarpaulin, I wondered. Fear and
reason fought over the answer. Fear said Yes. He was a fierce, 450-pound carnivore. Each of his
claws was as sharp as a knife. Reason said No. The tarpaulin was sturdy canvas, not a Japanese
paper wall. I had landed upon it from a height. Richard Parker could shred it with his claws with a
little time and effort, but he couldn't pop through it like a jack-in-the-box. And he had not seen me.
Since he had not seen me, he had no reason to claw his way through it. I slid along the oar. I
brought both my legs to one side of the oar and placed my feet on the gunnel. The gunnel is the
top edge of a boat, the rim if you want.
Chapter 40
7.1 Place the above extract in context. (3)

7.2 Why did the Japanese sailors throw Pi off the Tsimtsum and into the lifeboat? (2)
7.3 Critically comment on how Pi’s scientific knowledge and childhood experiences is beneficial to
him in the extract above. (4)
7.4 Discuss why Pi’s current situation can be regarded as being ridiculously dangerous?
(2)
7.5 Explain why the details of Pi’s setting now become overwhelmingly important to his survival.
(3)
AND
98
EXTRACT B
It's no use. Today I die.

I will die today.
I die.
This was my last entry. I went on from there, endured, but without noting it. Do you see
these invisible spirals on the margins of the page? I thought I would run out of paper. It was
the pens that ran out.
Chapter 90
I said, "Richard Parker, is something wrong? Have you gone blind?" as I waved my hand in
his face.
For a day or two he had been rubbing his eyes and meowing disconsolately, but I thought
nothing of it. Aches and pains were the only part of our diet that was abundant. I caught a
dorado. We hadn't eaten anything in three days. A turtle had come up to the lifeboat the
day before, but I had been too weak to pull it aboard. I cut the fish in two halves. Richard
Parker was looking my way. I threw him his share. I expected him to catch it in his mouth
smartly. It crashed into his blank face. He bent down. After sniffing left and right, he found
the fish and began eating it. We were slow eaters now.
I peered into his eyes. They looked no different from any other day. Perhaps there was a
little more discharge in the inner corners, but it was nothing dramatic, certainly not as
dramatic as his overall appearance. The ordeal had reduced us to skin and bones.
I realized that I had my answer in the very act of looking. I was staring into his eyes as if I
were an eye doctor, while he was looking back vacantly. Only a blind wild cat would fail to
react to such a stare. I felt pity for Richard Parker. Our end was approaching.
Chapter 89, 90
7.6 Why does Pi feel that he has failed as a zookeeper? (2)

7.7 Explain how this extract proves the theory that Richard Parker has been giving Pi a reason to
live. (3)
7.8 Comment on the importance of the keeping of the diary to Pi’s survival? (3)
7.10 In light of what Richard Parker symbolises in the story, why is it significant that Pi starts
talking to Richard Parker in the extract above? (3)
SUBTOTAL: 25
99
Suggested Answers
QUESTION 7 CONTEXTUAL LIFE OF PI
Extract A
7.1 Place the above extract in context. (2)

The Tsimtsum starts to sink and Pi is thrown overboard by Japanese sailors into a lifeboat. √ Pi
jumps out of the lifeboat to escape being eaten by the Bengal tiger Richard Parker. He then
lodges the oar into the tarpaulin of the lifeboat and holds onto the end of it. √ (any two points)
7.2 Why did the Japanese sailors throw Pi off the Tsimtsum and into the lifeboat? (2)
They were aware that the hyena was already in the lifeboat, and the crew members threw him
down as bait for the hyena, √ hoping to clear the lifeboat for themselves. Pi is afraid of the
hyena but less so than he was of Richard Parker √
7.3 Critically comment on how Pi’s scientific knowledge and childhood experiences is beneficial to
him in the extract above. (4)
His childhood experiences with animals at the zoo and learning from his father, Pi is able to
assess the degree of danger he is in. √ His knowledge of the senses of the tiger is likely to be
drawn from both his childhood experiences and his scientific knowledge.
He then uses his knowledge to assess the likelihood of Pi tearing through the tarpaulin, this gave
Pi the initial hope that surviving was in the realm of possibility. √
His knowledge of territoriality is gained from his studies in zoology and experiences with animals
at the zoo. √ He therefore uses this knowledge to establish a small territory for himself separate
from that of Richard Parker’s territory in the lifeboat.
(any two well-substantiated answers with reference to the extract)
7.4 Discuss why Pi’s current situation can be regarded as being ridiculously dangerous? He is
trapped between a tiger and sharks, alone on a stormy ocean. (2)
7.5 Explain why the details of Pi’s setting now become overwhelmingly important to his survival.
Pi remains clinging to the oar, trying to keep himself separate from the lifeboat and out of Richard
Parker’s territory. √He eventually uses net and a life buoy to create a little raft which is key to
his survival. He does not need to compete with Richard Parker for territory and the tiger does
not feel the need to defend his territory. √
From this little safe niche that he has created, he can enter Richard Parker’s territory only as the
need arises. √He goes to the lifeboat to train and feed Richard Parker but when things do not
go his way he has this safety spot to return to. √(any 3 ideas) (3)
AND
100
Extract B
7.6 Why does Pi feel that he has failed as a zookeeper? (2)

He no longer has the energy to feed Richard Parker. √Richard Parker is going blind and Pi is
severely emaciated and weak so his responsibility towards Richard Parker cannot be fulfilled. √
7.7 Explain how this extract proves the theory that Richard Parker has been giving Pi a reason to
live. (3)
Richard Parker has been giving Pi a reason to live, as the tiger would die without Pi as a source of
regularly consistent food and water. √The blindness has come from extreme dehydration and
malnutrition. √Pi loses hope of survival and even says he is going to die. √
or
Only by caring for the tiger can Pi protect himself from being killed and eaten by him. √All of Pi’s
efforts, then, become focused on finding a way not just for himself to eat, drink, and sleep, √but
for Richard Parker to do so as well. √
or
After choosing Richard Parker as his companion instead of fear, Pi goes on to credit the tiger with
relieving his anxiety. √Pi can identify, analyse, train, and control Richard Parker, all of which he
can’t do with fear or his own base instincts. √ His concentrated effort on training, feeding,
providing for, avoiding, and working with Richard Parker is the main reason Pi remains vigilant
and focused, which is what eventually saves his life. √
7.8 Comment on the importance of the keeping of the diary to Pi’s survival? (3)
The diary occupied Pi’s mind. √He used it to record the supplies as well as his inner feelings. √ It
offered him normalcy and kept him mentally alert. √
7.9 What does Richard Parker symbolise in the story (2)
In Pi’s second account of his ordeal Richard Parker is actually a part of Pi himself, √ and a
representation of the violent things Pi had to do in order to survive. Richard Parker represents Pi’s
alter ego. √
7.10 In light of your answer to 6.1, why is it significant that Pi starts talking to Richard Parker in the
extract above? (2)
Richard Parker was crucial to Pi’s will to survive. √The fact that Pi becomes desperate to talk is a
sign of weakness setting in. It marks Pi’s descent into madness /insanity. √
SUBTOTAL: 25
101
Life of Pi CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
Read the extracts below and answer the questions that follow.
EXTRACT A
It was my turn. Time to put down Satan. Medina, here I come. I got up from my desk and hurried to
the blackboard. Before the teacher could say a word, I picked up a piece of chalk and said as I
wrote: My name is Piscine Molitor Patel, known to all as -I double underlined the first two letters of
my given name- Pi Patel.
For good measure I added Pi=3.14 and I drew a large circle, which I then sliced in two with a
diameter, to evoke that basic lesson of geometry.
5
There was silence. The teacher was staring at the board. I was holding my breath.
Then he said, "Very well, Pi.
Sit down. Next time you will ask permission before leaving your desk."
"Yes, sir."
He ticked my name off. And looked at the next boy. 10
"Mansoor Ahamad," said Mansoor Ahamad.
I was saved.
"Gautham Selvaraj," said Gautham Selvaraj.
I could breathe.
"Arun Annaji," said Arun Annaji. 15
A new beginning.
I repeated the stunt with every teacher. Repetition is important in the training not only of animals but
also of humans. Between one commonly named boy and the next, I rushed forward and
emblazoned, sometimes with a terrible screech, the details of my rebirth. It got to be that after a few
times the boys sang along with me, a crescendo that climaxed, after a quick intake of air while I
underlined the proper note, with such a rousing rendition of my new name that it would have 20
been the delight of any choirmaster. A few boys followed up with a whispered, urgent "Three! Point!
One! Four!" as I wrote as fast as I could, and I ended the concert by slicing the circle with such
vigour that bits of chalk went flying.
When I put my hand up that day, which I did every chance I had, teachers granted me the right to
speak with a single syllable that was music to my ears. 25
[CHAPTER 5]
1. “It was my turn. Time to put down Satan. Medina, here I come.” (Line: 1)
In these lines Pi compares himself to the Prophet Mohammed who underwent great
persecution before his escape to Medina.
1.1. Briefly describe the experiences at this stage in Pi’s life that cause him to make this
comparison. (2)
1.2. In this extract, Pi devises a plan of action to overcome the challenges surrounding his
name. Comment on how this ability to plan and devise aids him later in the novel. (2)
2. “My name is Piscine Molitor Patel, known to all as -I double underlined the first two letters of
my given name- Pi Patel. For good measure I added Pi=3.14” (lines 3-5).
The main character is identified by two names. Explain the significance of both these
names to the character and the novel as a whole. (3)
102
EXTRACT B
There is a photo taken at the zoo during the visit of a V.I.P. In black and white another world is
revealed to me. The photo is crowded with people. A Union cabinet minister is the focus of
attention. There's a giraffe in the background. Near the edge of the group, I recognize a younger
Mr. Adirubasamy. "Mamaji?" I ask, pointing.
"Yes," he says. 5
There's a man next to the minister, with horn-rimmed glasses and hair very cleanly combed. He
looks like a plausible Mr. Patel, face rounder than his son's.
"Is this your father?" I ask.
He shakes his head. "I don't know who that is."
There's a pause of a few seconds. He says, "It's my father who took the picture." 10
On the same page there's another group shot, mostly of schoolchildren. He taps the photo.
"That's Richard Parker," he says.
I'm amazed. I look closely, trying to extract personality from appearance. Unfortunately, it's black
and white again and a little out of focus. A photo taken in better days, casually. Richard Parker is
looking away. He doesn't even realize that his picture is being taken. 15
The opposing page is entirely taken up by a colour photo of the swimming pool of the Aurobindo
Ashram. It's a nice big outdoor pool with clear, sparkling water, a clean blue bottom and an
attached diving pool. The next page features a photo of the front gate of Petit Seminaire School.
An arch has the school's motto painted on it: Nil magnum nisi bonum. No greatness without
goodness. And that's it. An entire childhood memorialized in four nearly irrelevant photographs.20
He grows sombre.
"The worst of it," he says, "is that I can hardly remember what my mother looks like any more. I
can see her in my mind, but it's fleeting. As soon as I try to have a good look at her, she fades. It's
the same with her voice. If I saw her again in the street, it would all come back. But that's not likely
to happen. It's very sad not to remember what your mother looks like." 25
[CHAPTER 10]
3. “There is a photo taken at the zoo during the visit of a V.I.P.” (Line 1)
Discuss how the experiences and lessons gained from living and working in the Pondicherry
Zoo provided skills or knowledge that later helped Pi to survive.
Justify your answer with a reference to at least two incidents from the novel. (4)
4. “Near the edge of the group, I recognize a younger Mr. Adirubasamy."Mamaji?" I ask, pointing.
"Yes," he says.” (Lines 3-5)
Comment on the importance of the character, Mamaji, to the narrative. (2)
5. “That's Richard Parker," he says. I'm amazed. I look closely, trying to extract personality from
appearance. Unfortunately, it's black and white again and a little out of focus. A photo taken in
better days, casually. Richard Parker is looking away. He doesn't even realize that his picture is
being taken.” (Lines 12-15)
5.1. Explain the significance of Richard Parker in Pi’s life. (3)
103
5.2. The author expresses disbelief that Richard Parker looks away and ‘doesn’t even
realise his picture is being taken. Comment on the irony of this reaction. (2)
5.3. Explain how these lines reinforce the theme of anthropomorphism in the novel.
In your answer refer to one other example of this theme from elsewhere in the novel. (4)
6. “It's very sad not to remember what your mother looks like." (Lines 24-25)
6.1. Account for Pi’s remorse at not being able to remember his mother. In your answer
make reference to why the loss of his mother has affected him more than the loss of his other
family members. (3)
[25]
SUGGESTED ANSWERS
Contextual – Life of Pi
1.1. He was teased mercilessly about his name Piscine. Children called him ‘pissing’ a slang for
urinating. This persecution hurt him deeply. (2)
1.2. He is always coming up with new plans to survive and change his situation. When his plan to
tame Richard Parker fails, he invents more. He also comes up with the plan to build a raft in order
to put distance between him and the tiger. (Any one or similar) (2)
2. These names symbolised the different aspects of Pi’s character and his ability to embrace both
God and science.
• Piscine Molitor – is a swimming pool in France that was considered the best swimming pool
in the world by Mamaji his guru.
-Like the pool is described as pure and so beautiful that the gods would swim in it, the character
Piscine is also a pure soul who seeks to be filled by gods and their love.
-His ability to see God in all creatures and study of religion as a major are examples of this.
• Pi – is a mathematical symbol.
-This name is a sanctuary to Pi just as the symbol itself looks like the door to a house or shack.
He is able to hide from his teasing reinventing himself as Pi.
- Pi is symbolic of infinity. Pi is a character that does not allow his circumstances to limit him.
- Pi is a symbol that scientists use to understand the universe. Likewise Pi seeks to know more
about nature through his study of zoology (any one for each name with explanation). (3)
3.
• Animal behaviour and habits- From the zoo he learnt how the animals usually behaved and
what they required. This helped him in his care of Richard Parker. Also helped in knowing when
the animals were seasick or ill.
• Territory – he learnt that animals are territorial and can attack due to the need to protect
their territory. This knowledge helps him maintain boundaries with the tiger and prevents him being
attacked.
104
• Taming and training – the lessons on training animals helps him gain knowledge which he
uses to establish himself as alpha male and train Richard Parker.
• The killing instincts of animals – the killing of the goat by the tiger which his father forced
him to watch taught him that animals are ruthless and not friends to humans. This lesson kept him
alert on the lifeboat and made him exercise caution with Richard Parker (any 2). (4)
4.
• He launches the story by telling the author to listen to and write Pi’s story.
• He provides the description of the pool Piscine Molitor that inspires Santosh to name his
son Pi.
• He teaches Pi to swim and this skill is pivotal to his survival on the boat.
• He is the only surviving member of Pi’s ‘family’ from Pondicherry. Serves as a link to the life
he lost.
• As an honorary member of the family and link to the past, he provides a sense of credibility
to Pi’s story and the events of his past. ‘This story will make you believe in God.’ is so
convincing that the author makes the trip to see Pi and write the story (any 2)
(2)
5.1.
• Richard Parker is symbolic of the family Pi has lost on board the ship and a link to his
father’s legacy of zoo keeper. He becomes his new family. He looks after him and shares
his sorrows and joys with him. He anthropomorphises him becomes devastated when he
leaves him without a backward glance- sees this as a betrayal of their kinship or
brotherhood.
• The tiger is Pi’s saviour as he provides him with purpose and keeps him alert and thus
alive. Also rescues him from the hyena and the Frenchman who want to attack Pi. Richard
Parker, if the second version of events of the book is to be believed, is an allegory of Pi
himself. The tiger represents the ruthless, daring person Pi becomes in order to survive. It
is a representation of the primal instinct within Pi that allows him to abandon his old
character and humanity in some instances to survive. It is an extension of himself. His
sadness at his desertion by the tiger can be explained as a loss of a part of himself that will
not return as he no longer needs it in civilised society (any 2 with explanation). (3)
5.2. It is ironic as this is typical tiger behaviour. It is humans who pose and react to their
pictures being taken. The writer’s reaction shows that he has also has begun to expect
human characteristics and behaviour from the tiger after listening to Pi’s story. (2)
5.3 The reaction of the writer shows that Pi’s story has caused him to anthropomorphise
Richard Parker as well and expect human reactions from him. He sees the tiger as a
human ‘trying to extract personality from appearance’- he has come to believe Pi’s version
of the story. (2)
• Pi anthropomorphises the animals of the lifeboat – Orange Juice is seen as motherly and
caring. Dies trying to defend Pi and the zebra.
• At the zoo Pi imagines the pheasants to be British tea party attendees and the baboons as
American gangsters planning to rob a bank.
105
• At the beginning of Part 2, Pi talks to Richard Parker and encourages him to survive as if he
is a fellow human passenger from the shipwreck. It is only after he comes aboard that we
realise he is talking to a tiger.
• Pi describes the tiger with human features e.g. a goatee and formidable sideburns.
• On board the boat he talks to Richard Parker as if he is human and even creates dialogue
between them about the food they have eaten.
• Pi seeing Orange Juice and Richard Parker as human is further emphasised by the use of
human pronouns ‘she’ and ‘he’ to refer to them, whereas the hyena and zebra are referred
to as it (any one with explanation). (4)
6.1. Pi sees his mother as his comfort and protector. Orange Juice is an allegory of his
mother and this means she survived the shipwreck only to die at the hands of the cook.
• She is his protector and saviour. His inability to hold on to the sea turtle causes the cook to
hit him and makes the mother attack the cook in order to protect him. She also pushes him
onto the raft and saves him from the cook.
• Pi probably feels guilt that he was the reason for her death as well as the fact that he could
not protect her from the cook.
• She also serves as his motivation to release the animal instincts in himself in order to
survive and defeat the cook.
• His mother is also a symbol of purity for him. Despite the desperate situation face she,
unlike the cook and Pi, does not succumb to the beastliness in her nature and does not eat
human flesh or kill (any one with explanation). (3)
[25]
Practice Essay Question
LIFE OF PI – Yann Martel
“It is true that those we meet can change us, sometimes so profoundly that we are not the same
afterwards” (Chapter 5)
6.1 In a well-constructed essay of 2 -2 ½ pages (400- 450 words) discuss how the individuals and
experiences Pi encounters in his early life impact on his identity and ultimately, his ability to
survive on the Pacific Ocean.
Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only. However, also
allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of critical thought and
interpretation.
> A range of examples should be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
• Mamaji – named him Piscine Molitor. Helped in the creation of his identity. Purity and
holiness. Mamaji – taught him to swim in the ocean and instilled a love for the ocean and
water. These swimming skills were essential to Pi’s survival after the shipwreck and more
specifically in his daily journeys to his raft from the life boat to create a healthy distance
between Richard Parker and himself.
• Santosh – his father- taught him about the animals and their habits as well as training of
them. Also as a zookeeper, instils within Pi a deep need to look after and preserve nature.
106
This causes Pi to save Richard Parker on numerous occasions and prevents him getting rid
of him when he has the opportunity to do so. This results in Richard Parker in turn keeping
Pi alive by making him alert and providing him with purpose.
• The incident with the Bengal tiger at the zoo allows Pi to realise the dangers of living with a
tiger. This gruesome scene leaves a lasting impression on Pi causing him to be less
complacent in his interactions with Richard Parker due to the anthropomorphism that
occurs and makes him remember and take precautions when dealing with the tiger.
• Territory – Pi’s interactions at the zoo allow him to understand the significance of territory in
the animal kingdom and how its impacts animal behaviour. This is of great aid to him when
he has to establish territory between himself and the tiger in order to survive. It also gives
him the knowledge needed to train Richard Parker and establish himself as Alpha male on
the boat.
• The Priest – teaches him about humility and the sacrifice of Christ. This faith allows him to
sacrifice his own needs to help feed the tiger on some occasions. Also buoys his strength.
He is able to show love as Christ did even for those that pose a threat to him.
• The Baker – Satish Kumar teaches him about the unity and brotherhood of Islam and
shares bread with him. This impresses Pi and allows him to have establish a brotherhood of
sharing with others even with Richard Parker.
• Aunty Rohini introduces Pi to Hinduism which allows him to understand the universe and
the place everything has in it. This provides him with faith in the midst of the struggles in the
lifeboat. It also allows him to see the beauty and purpose of the things around him- even
Richard Parker.
• His religions – allow him to have purpose, and faith in God. He believes that God is on the
boat with him. This faith and practice of religions: mass, darshan and puja fill the time on
the boat and give him renewed hope. Also strengthens his ability to see the positive even in
setbacks- the flare although useless reminds him of Cumin spice and home. He thanks God
for each creature he catches and prays for their soul. He tells himself ‘As long as God is
with me, I will not die.’ (p148)
• He learns the ability to survive from nature – like the sloth and the other animals adapt to
their situations in order to survive. Pi also adapts by changing his eating practices from
vegetarian to fish and even later desperate to survive eating human flesh from the dead
Frenchman. He becomes ruthless in order to survive.
• Pi learns early in life from being teased about his name that it is up to you if you want to
accept your fate or do something to change it. Piscine reinvents himself as Pi and stops the
teasing. This drive to change his fate helps him to survive on the boat despite numerous
failures and difficulties. If one plan fails he makes another. If he can’t get on the lifeboat he
makes a raft so as to provide distance between himself and Richard Parker. [25]
107
REFERENCES
1. Martel, Y, 2011, Life of Pi, Oxford Publishers.
2. Department of Basic Education,2019, MIND THE GAP Gr 12 English Home Language

Literature: Life of Pi- Yann Martel STUDY GUIDE 222 Struben Street, Pretoria, South Africa
3. https://study.com/academy/lesson/life-of-pi-classroom-activities.html
4. https://sites.google.com/site/lifeofpiemilyirvine/-life-of-pi/accolades
5. https://za.pinterest.com/pin/438608451197774813/
6. https://www.deviantart.com/catching-smoke/art/Life-Of-Pi-344861543
7. https://za.pinterest.com/pin/life-of-pi--868209634390388825/
8. https://www.deviantart.com/hyuthefish/art/Life-of-Pi-345245209
9. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Life-of-Pi/
10. LitCharts Life of Pi
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An original drawing by Ms K Appalsamy

Protea Secondary School

A GRADE 12 STUDY GUIDE

Mrs Radeshree Naicker: Protea Secondary School

Hello there, I am your study

Don’t you just love

WOW!!! This treasure chest of

Let’s hear what

GENRE: How can we categorise Life of Pi?

Exemplar story #1: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

“I looked over the edge of the boat. The first

The island was carnivorous. This explained the

• Consider how the story is ‘framed’ to

Activity #3 Author’s Note

Personal: What ideas are the most important to you?

Animal Observation Link to humans

E.g., Three-toed sloth (Chapter 1)

Consider the following questions as a point of discussion/debate:

* Humans and animals have nothing in common. Discuss.

The alter ego is important in the story, Life of Pi.

Comment on the above portrayal of alter egos in the novel.

List the settings as highlighted in the visual :____________________________________________

TAKE NOTE – THIS PROMISE IS ALSO DIRECTED AT YOU THE READER.

Chapters 16-20 show how Pi comes to discover the religions of

* CHRISTIANITY – introduced to Christ by Father Martin in Munnar.

* ISLAM – he is introduced to Islam by Satish Kumar, a baker and Sufi Muslim. He is

THERE ARE 4 STORIES IN THIS BOOK:

7. Routine And Ritual

8. Primal/Savage Nature/Inner Beast

The Colour Orange

The Colour Green

The Colour Blue

Allegory/The animals on the lifeboat

Quotation My suffering left me sad and gloomy

What does it foreshadow?

What does it foreshadow?

What does it foreshadow?

What does it foreshadow?

What does it foreshadow?

Add to Pi’s changes by filling the empty bubbles.

Through adapting and In order to survive, Pi needs

At first, Pi is gripped with fear at the

Pi’s faith is greatly tested Pi develops physically by learning the

AUTHOR’S NOTE  Analysis Important Quotations

Pondicherry Pi’s home inToronto

CHAPTER 2 Analysis Important Quotations

Themes: How has storytelling especially by Mamaji,

CHAPTER 4 Analysis Important Quotations

CHAPTER 6 Analysis Important Quotations

CHAPTER 10 Analysis Important Quotations

CHAPTER 12 Analysis Important Quotations

CHAPTER 14 Analysis Important Quotations

CHAPTER 16 Analysis Important Quotations

CHAPTER 19 Analysis Important Quotations

Summary Instead of living with his stereotypes, though,

CHAPTER 21 Analysis Important Quotations

CHAPTER 23 Analysis Important Quotations

Interfaith: Relating to or involving different religions

Chapter 28 Analysis Important Quotation

Chapter 30 Analysis Important Quotation

Conjugal: relating to marriage or the relationship between a married couple.

The biology teacher’s remark is the scientific name of a