Life of Pi Questions

October/November 2023

Read this passage, and then answer the question that follows it:

(Extract from Chapter 37) From Richard Parker’s head was barely above water to I
turned around, stepped over the zebra and threw myself overboard.

Q1 In what ways does Martel make this such an entertaining moment in the novel?

Or

Q2 Explore how Martel strikingly depicts Pi’s experiences on the meerkat island.

May/June 2023

Read this passage, and then answer the question that follows it: (Extract from Chpt
57) From I looked around at the horizon to Plan Number Seven: Keep Him Alive

Q1 How does Martel strikingly convey Pi’s excitement with his plan at this moment
in the novel?

Or

Q2 Explore the ways in which Martel vividly depicts Pi’s extreme suffering during
his time at sea.

October/November 2022

Read this passage, and then answer the question that follows it: (Extract from
Chapter 86) From ‘Richard Parker, a ship!’ to I’ll get you to land, I promise, I
promise!’

Q1 In what ways does Martel make this such a powerfully dramatic moment in the
novel?

Or

Q2 Explore how Martel vividly conveys Pi’s thoughts and feelings in the first few
days after the ship sinks.

1. How does Martel’s writing vividly depict Pi’s experiences at sea?/How does
Martel present the life of a castaway?/ How does Martel portray life at sea?

2. Explore the ways in which Martel creates such a vivid portrait of Pi.
3. How does Martel make Pi’s relationship with Richard Parker such a
memorable part of the novel?

4. How far does Martel’s portrayal of Pi make you admire him?

5. In what ways does Martel make The Life of Pi such a striking commentary on
religion and faith?

6. How does Martel movingly convey Pi’s changing emotions in the course of
the novel?

7. How does Martel’s writing vividly depict the power and beauty of nature?

8. In what ways does Martel make The Life of Pi such a striking commentary on
human nature?

9. How does Martel vividly portray Pi´s fight for survival?

10. Extract + How does Martel make this a memorable/exciting/hopeful

moment for the reader?