Life of Pi

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Life of Pi Allegorical Analysis”

In this activity, students will analyze Life of Pi as an allegorical work describing the faith journey of Pi.

Some critics describe Pi’s journey as an allegorical explanation of his faith journey. Consider the events in the novel before, during, and after Pi’s journey that contribute to his individual growth. Then consider the elements of the novel that are symbolic of his faith journey. Analyze and explain Pi’s experience as an allegory for spiritual growth.

• Analyze Pi’s philosophy on the religions he identifies with.
• Make connections between Pi’s religious beliefs and his experience with animals.
• Explain the symbolic significance of Pi’s ship sinking, the animals on his lifeboat, and events that occur in Pi’s journey.
• Describe how Pi’s journey contributes to his faith.
• Explain the character growth Pi experiences in the novel.
• Describe how Pi’s journey aligns with his individual philosophy and whether it changes his philosophy in any way.
• Draw on any other examples in the novel that contribute to Pi’s personal journey.
• Create a written composition explaining your allegorical analysis of the novel. It can include images, descriptions, bulleted points of information, and elements of plot and character to serve as proof. Be sure to include the strongest symbols in the text and show graphically how they support or lead the reader to the allegorical meaning of the text.

Select five of the most important elements or symbols in the novel regarding its overall allegorical meaning to discuss with peers, comparing your interpretation of the symbols with that of others.

Teaching Suggestion: This activity can tie into both thematic motifs of Religious Belief and Practice and The Power of Storytelling. Students may find it beneficial to describe elements of Pi’s journey that may have symbolic significance. Students may wish to take notes as they share thoughts and analyze the novel together. Consider discussing other allegorical works such as The Pilgrim’s Progress, Animal Farm, or “The Tortoise and the Hare” to use as examples to help students generate ideas.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who benefit from additional assistance with analysis may find it helpful to discuss and research the allegorical nature of the novel in small groups prior to creating an individual written response. Students may wish to select specific symbols from the novel to discuss and record possible contributions of those symbols to Pi’s belief system.