DISCOVERY. Life of Pi. Rubric: DISCOVERY RUBRIC. English Standard. Something new Re- discovering the misplaced, forgotten, or hidden

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1 DISCOVERY Life of Pi Rubric: Something new Re- discovering the misplaced, forgotten, or hidden Emotional Creative Intellectual Physical Spiritual Impact of experience determined by individual s circumstances Unexpected or surprising Life- changing DISCOVERY RUBRIC Transformed perceptions of individuals Attitudes questioned throughout process Challenge your understanding of the world Stimulate new ideas Individual s personal, cultural, historical, and social situation affect the process/ experience 1

2 Camera Shots and Film Techniques: Camera Shot Definition Purpose Establishing Shot Opening sequence usually Sets the scene extreme long shot, Overhead Shot Camera directly above Make object small/ inferior subject High Angle Shot Camera above, not directly over subject Make subject powerless/ insignificant Eye Level Shot Camera eye- level Suggests equality and real life Low Angle Shot Camera below subject, looking up Make object powerful and dominant Extreme Long Shot Camera furthest distance Emphasise background away Long Shot Most of surroundings and Shows object in environment subject in camera- shot Medium Long Shot Almost all of subject (E.g. knees up) Social themes- (documentaries) keep social circumstances main focus, not person Mid Shot Subject in equal amount of More detail of object camera shot Medium Close Up Above shoulders Show emotions, and reactions Close Up Shot Face fills camera shot Show immense detail, and create intimacy Extreme Close Up Focuses extremely small part of object (E.g. eyes, Show detail or create focus Over The Shoulder Shot lips) Camera behind a character in a dialogue scene Show perspective and facial expression. Often in confrontation Tilted Shot Camera tilted on an angle Create imbalance or uneasiness Hand Held Shot Shot to look unsteady or bouncy Create realism, sense of immediacy, or chaos Panning Shot Camera moves side to Establishes setting other side Point of View Shot From subject s viewpoint Show object s perspective Tracking Shot Follows subject (usually on track), can contrast with zoom Show speed, and enhance audience involvement Zoom Lens is focused in a continuous movement Focus on a subject to draw attention 2

3 Editing Technique Definition Purpose Animation Rapid display of still images, (E.g. Stop motion) Create hyper- reality or sense of fantasy as reality. Camera Focus Clarity or sharpness of shot Character perspective, shows connection between two things Diegetic Sound Sound that is natural to Create realism of setting Non- Diegetic Sound the action Sound not natural to the action Fast Cutting Consecutive short shots Convey lots of information quickly Flashback Story flashbacks of past Create back story, and information Freeze Frame Montage Slow Motion Split Frame Voice Over Gives image appearance of still photo Combination of sequences placed next to each other Film takes place at a slower rate Division of the screen to show several images at once Narration of action over film, narrator is not seen Gain better focus of object expression/ emotion. Capture significant moments Condense time, space, and information. Suggests passage of time or change Make fast action visible, make familiar action strange, emphasise dramatic moment Same action from slightly different perspectives, show similar actions at different places Provide information/ insight that is not apparent by just viewing film. Can be used to interpret or persuade images to a point of view 3

4 Life of Pi: Spiritual Discovery The feeling and connection with the universe Pi s mother reading the story of the universe in the mouth of Krishna- Pi then discovers his connection with the universe and religion for first time. Pi s discovery with religion influenced by Indian culture (religious culture). Without this, Pi would not discover religion or spirituality. Pi s discovery is unexpected, and helps him feel at one with himself. Connection with the body and mind, or connecting with inner- self Each religion Pi discovers has its purpose in his survival. Brings Pi s personal understand of the world into context. Christianity referenced throughout film with baptism on the island (cleansing of self) teaches adult Pi the connection of religion and man. Reflection of values, and beliefs Storm scene- Pi s unwavering faith turns around, and he starts his journey: God, I give myself to you. I am your vessel. Whatever comes I want to know. Show me However Pi is forced to face tough questions against his choices, and at a point he loses his faith and belief: Why are you scaring him? I lost my family! I lost everything! I surrender! What more do you want? Yet after surviving Pi discovers his love and belief in God again. The reporter listening to Adult Pi s story is forced to reflect on his own values and beliefs regarding his religion. Pi s story has a transformative effect. However the reporter must still question and challenge his spiritual discoveries as he hears the alternate story given to the Japanese reporters, giving the film a different perspective. 4

5 Scene Analysis: Scene Significance Film Techniques Quotes Introduction to the Zoo Reporter Meeting Pi Discoveries of wonder- the zoo Introduces spiritual discovery Confronting nature of discovery Discovery of religion Connection of humans and animals, and land and sea Introduces narrative structure of film Discovery based on curiosity Traditional Tamil music Establishes Indian context- zoo as place of grace and dignity Highly visual and serene Orange wall= Hinduism Water= truth Green fence= Islam Tiger behind bars sustained throughout film- irony of nature Blue sky= Christianity Blue, orange, and green birds intertwine all religions Water rippling as Richard Parker walks past water (distorting truth) Mid- shot of Pi: importance and power in story PI: The way of Karma, the way of God PI: If you want your son to have a clean soul, you must one day take him to swim in the Piscine Molitor 5

6 Dinner Table Reinforces ideas and beliefs within religion Shows mother nurtures Pi and is understanding and encouraging by promoting happiness Father is a rational thinker, stern, and believes in science over religion Pi is shown as strong- willed and doesn t abandon his blended/holistic faith Meeting Richard Parker Tiger s name was originally Thirsty (Water motif) Shows that Pi is naïve, and wants to meet Richard Parker despite his brother s doubts Shows Pi s eagerness to learn about animals Pi is impulsive with an inquisitiveness of nature Lacks understanding of natural world from a skewed perception and controlled environment Pi challenges his father views Close- up of Pi placing his hands into the caged corridor Silence captures tension of scene as we focus on the initial meeting of two main characters Brief moment of enchantment for the viewer before Pi s Father s panic interrupts Close- up of Richard Parker- gives responder a moment to look into the eyes of the tiger as a window to the soul on an emotional and spiritual level of discovery FATHER: Believing in everything at the same time is the same as not believing in anything at all FATHER: I would much rather have you believe in something I don t agree with than to accept everything blindly. And that begins with thinking rationally PI: Faith is a house with many rooms PI: Doubt is useful. It keeps faith a living thing. After all, you can t know the strength of your faith until it has been tested FATHER: You think that tiger is your friend. He is an animal, not a playmate! PI: Animals have souls. I ve seen it in their eyes 6

7 Themes Analysis: Scene Significance Film Techniques Quotes Pi s Name Significance of his Under shot of Pi s WRITER: I name Presents Pi as an unreliable character- Uncle Francis story uncle- shows his strength and broad body overhead shot of young Pi swimming assumer you father was a mathematician because of your name appears absurd (vulnerability) I trained with him Discovery is unexpected Uncle Francis presents Pi with three times a week at the Ashram. His lessons would save my life one day guidance and UNCLE: A mouthful valuable advice of water will not harm you- but panic Adult Pi Discussing Religion and Beliefs Pi s Discovery of Hinduism Pi s Father s Ideologies Shows he has a deep connection to these Hindu gods. A connection, which has been developed through storytelling. All stories capture the notion of love, sacrifice, and universal power The exploration of Hinduism, Pi s mother has fostered Pi an awareness of the universe; a place of mystery and marvel Negative words of his father about religion juxtaposed with the brightness of festival lights- will None of us knows God until someone introduces us. I was first introduced to God as a Hindu The gods were my superheroes growing up Vishnu sleeps, floating on the shoreless cosmic ocean and we are the stuff of his dreaming FATHER: Don t let the stories and pretty lights fool you, boys. Religion is darkness PI: As a child he 7

8 suggests religion is superficial Pi s father is represented as a rationalist (his beliefs are shaped by science and reason) a result of experiencing a life- threatening illness Pi s Mother Religion is all that Pi s mother had to sustain her as she journeyed through life It provides her with comfort- a connection to her family Christianity Analysis: Close- up captures Pi s mother as she watches the ceremony in contemplation had Polio; he used to lie in bed wracked with pain, wondering where God was. In the end, God didn t save him; Western medicine did PI: Her parents cute her off because they thought she was marrying beneath her. Religion was the only link she had to her past Scene Significance Film Techniques Quotes Pi Discussing Discovery of Christianity Picturesque vision Captures vastness of natural world Place where Pi s second phrase of religious discovery occurs Pi s Dare Captures blended community of Pi s world Amalgamation of faiths Physical representation of Pi s spiritual discoveries Pi s Journey to the Church Presented as spiritual enlightenment Establishing shot captures landscape of rocky mountain- tops through sea of clouds and mist Bright, green imagery juxtaposed with white clouds and blue sky Voice over, and non- diegetic music, which is whimsical and joyous Extreme long shot capturing church on hillside Colour contrasting stark white of building to green surroundings- sense of importance among other religions Natural light in the church- directed towards crucifixion I met Christ in the mountains PRIEST: You must be thirsty (water motif) PI: Why would God do that? Why would he send his own son 8

9 Adult Pi Questioning Religion Blue symbolising peace, wisdom, intelligence, faith, and heaven White represents innocence, purity, and safety Pi discovers Christianity in a welcoming way Water is positioned in the centre of the screen to show its importance Also represents the moment Pi discovers Christianity Pi s discovery of Christianity comes with realisation of Hinduism stories focusing on harmony, and love, while Christian stories focus on death and suffering Water as a motif- serenity of stream Movement and sound of water provide opportunity for contemplation Supports Hindu belief that water has cleansing powers Links religion and spirituality with nature Further reinforced through faded music and emphasised sounds of nature Mid shot focuses on glass of water Low angle shot features icons on the wall of the church Fade into the stream shifting time frame Mid shot capturing Pi sitting by stream in thought to suffer for the sins of ordinary people? PRIEST: Because He loves us We can t understand God in all His perfection, but we can understand God s son and His suffering as we would a brother s ADULT PI: That made no sense. Sacrificing the innocent to atone for the sins of the guilty? What kind of love is that? ADULT PI: I couldn t get him out of my head Pi At Home Suggestion of important discoveries and that Pi s spiritual discoveries aren t over yet Fade into Pi paying to Vishnu Close up shots represent Christianity and Hinduism Pi praying in front of You cannot know the strength of your faith until it has been tested ADULT PI: I came to faith through 9

10 Discovering Islam Meets God once Vishnu statue more in the form of Allah Allah allows Pi to experience serenity and brotherhood Scene highlights Pi s discovery of a multi- faceted faith Moving shot of Pi walking into the Islamic mosque, then moving upwards to show the white and green building with speaker Hinduism and I found God s love through Christ, but God wasn t finished with me yet PI: God works in mysterious ways The sound and feel of the words brought me closer to God Life at Sea Scenes Analysis: Scene Significance Film Techniques Quotes Sinking Ship Scene Laughter and open arms embrace nature and energy Pi is still naïve of natural world Oblivious to the danger present Fathers lessons have taught Pi the real world is not so enchanting and comes to term with them Realisation of truth and reality Sea takes on characteristics of having power and Pi struggled for survival with animals Pi undergoes another type of baptism Metaphorically thrown into new Panning shots Lighting Magical realism Explores nature of travel and journey as a still of a map fades and camera zooms to darkness Camera and score emphasise massive nature of the ship High angle looks down on the ship to create it had no power against forces of nature Tensions and struggles amplified by non- diegetic and diegetic sounds Muffled underwater sounds Pi s vulnerability captured through low and high angle shots to show inferiority PI: More rain, lord of storms! Let it rage! BROTHER: Don t tempt a storm Pi 10

11 phase of life and discovery Pi is alone, and thrust unwillingly from ship Hyena Attack Pi discovers the savage nature of the animal kingdom When Pi becomes angry that the hyena has killed Orange Juice, he challenges it to a fight, which is against his beliefs of harming animals, this is where Richard Parker comes out, as the darker side of Pi Pi curls up in a ball because he is scared of Richard Parker, then finally makes the leap away from the boat onto the raft Surrealism Sunrise New opportunities prevalent at dawn- a fresh start Reflective ocean quality mimicking the pool scene Pantheistic storytelling (That all Gods are equal to the natural universe) Pi feels the power of God and nature Uses rational and spiritual thinking to equalise science and nature opposed to ship Underwater shot with soft filtered light shows confronting nature Crescendo of score Harsh sounds are used with quick cutting of shots to exaggerate the intensity of the situation Glowing yellow/orange High angle shot as if the eye of God High angle shot shows ripples from help Tiger appearing from boat, Pi pulling towards him- wanting to acknowledge his darker side Close up shot of Tiger s eyes, represents the eye motif PI: No! Stop it! No! PI: I m sorry Orange Juice, I don t have any sea sickness medicine for you PI: I am on a lifeboat alone with a tiger. Please send help PI: God, I give myself to you, I am your vessel. Whatever comes I want to know. Show me 11

12 Strategies To Survive Richard Parker Overboard Science side of strategies using rational thinking Pi begins writing in diary and keeps track of the days Pi attempts to get away from Richard Parker by lifting the raft up, and about to hit him with the axe, but the eye motif comes in, and stops him as he realises he needs Richard Parker in order to survive Pi sees through Richard Parker Level of Pi s compassion towards him Tiger clings on to the boat to survive Pi Killing Fish Going against vegetarian beliefs and Hindu beliefs Fish changes colour quickly, as if the life has been sapped out of it Eye motif of fish Whale and Jellyfish Naïve in summoning whale Iridescent and illuminessent glow of the jellyfish and stars Magical Delirious moment engaging with nature (algae) Pi s insignificant size to the whale reinforces his Super- imposed/ split views to show different strategies and uses of supplies and survival kit Low angle shot used for when Richard Parker jumps into the water, to mimic when Pi is thrown into the pool, and sea Over the shoulder shots Mid close- up of killing fish High angle shots shows God is watching Haunting score with diegetic water sounds- builds tension Music intensifies when the whale comes to the surface Tracking shots of Pi, showing him trying to grasp onto food PI: Above all, don t lose hope PI: Keep busy, but avoid unnecessary exhaustion PI: Telling stories is highly recommended PI: Thank you Lord Vishnu, for coming in the form of a fish saving our lives PI: Of course, I brought all the biscuits and food onto the raft idiot 12

13 place in existence Whale causes destruction Nature is destructive Loses all of his food and supplies Flying Fish Self- discovery (quote) Life cycle, that smaller animals are consumed by the bigger ones Realisation of food supply Animal instincts kick in to Pi, as he fights with Richard Parker to win the fish Fights Richard Parker for the bigger fish, taming with pole Pi s Battle With Richard Parker Pi s POV Before Dolphins Pi is shown as the dominant figure He learns the struggle with the tiger is more about power than food Inner strength grows- realises he can gain control of the situation Uses training methods he learnt from the zoo to stand his ground with Richard Parker Pi acknowledges he will never have complete power over the animal Basic instinct has been challenged Tiger is reliant on Pi for food Low- angle shots Moving shots, covering the lens Whooshing noise and motor sound of fish flying through air and crashing against boat and water Pi is shown as the taller figure on the boat, signifying dominance to Richard Parker Close up of tiger and Pi being threatened by one another Close up of Pi s realisation of his power Close ups Fading Split images PI: Hunger can change everything you ever knew about yourself PI: I can t risk my life every time I need to come onto the boat for supplies, it s time to settle this. If we re going to live together we have to learn to communicate PI: With God s will, he can learnt to be tamed PI: Knowing Richard Parker was here might ever bring me peace 13

14 Surreal Tiger Vision Pi is reliant on tiger to give his life purpose, and to keep surviving God reinforces the importance of the soul Quotes establish symbiotic relationship Shared experiences develops a connection between the two Mutual respect = co- existence Sea imagery shows religious connotations of seeing the world Mouth of Krishna is referenced again Entering the tiger s soul Imagination and speculation of the natural world A kaleidoscope of life Pi s sense of abandonment and hopelessness gives mystical expression Stripped of everything, Pi has reached limits of his ability to cope Re- evaluates life- no possessions, family, existence Storm of God Amazed by beauty of God s world Another spiritual baptism as feeling Shots reflect real and imagined: life and death, past and present Extremely wide shot of the boat floating in a sea of stars Animals all shifting in and out from one another mixing between Richard Parker s and Pi s perceptions Richard Parker s world becomes merged with Pi s and the camera shot comes back through Pi s eyes as a connecting window to both of their souls Mise- en- scene captures the awe and power of the storm Stunning display of PI: He has as little experience of the real world as I do PI: We were both raised in a zoo by the same master. Now we ve been orphaned, left to face our ultimate master together (God) PI: Without Richard Parker, I would have died by now. My fear of him keeps me alert. Tending to his needs gives my life a purpose PI: What are you looking at? Talk to me. Tell me what you see PI: Words are all I have left to hang on to PI: Everything fragmented, mixed up. I can t tell daydreams from 14

15 Dying Pi and Richard Parker connected to God Pi s resignation that God has come for him Hope of an afterlife providing him with some comfort Challenges God- his spiritual beliefs are contested here Pi apologises for scaring Richard Parker The physical qualities reflect his inner peace Resigned himself from his own fate- at peace Water move from one place to another- spiritual cleansing Water becomes symbol of transcendence (transporter from one world to another) The Island Pi lost all hope- spirituality has been tested Ambivalent paradise showing duality of nature- awesome but with the potential to destroy Open to interpretation Could represent a life without God- clouds and lightning Diegetic crashing sounds of lightning and waves add intensity Extreme long shots capture Pi s vulnerability against sea Light shining through clouds- surreal lightning crash into the sea next to boat Extreme close- up of tiger s eyes, sees the frightened feeling of tiger in storm Full shot of boat on still water Aerial shot Close up shot of boat Blurred vision shows delirious eyesight of Pi Close up of first interaction- touching of tiger (comforts) Fades to black Long panoramic shots and high shots capture a world of green- personal geographical perspective of man and the island Parallel high angle shots capture dual nature of the water hole Diegetic sound of meerkats in amongst broken bones nightmares anymore PI: Come out Richard Parker! You have to see this! It s beautiful! Come see the hand of God! Don t hide yourself! He s come to us! It s a miracle! PI: Why are you scaring him?! I ve lost my family- I ve lost everything! I surrender! What more do you want?! PI: I m sorry Richard Parker PI: We re dying Richard Parker. I m sorry. Amma, Appa, Ravi- I m happy I m going to see you soon PI: Can you feel the rain? PI: God thank you for giving me my life. I m ready now ADULT PI: Don t you see, the island was carnivorous al that the island gave him by day, it took away again at night PI: Even when God seemed to have abandoned me, He was watching. Even when He seemed indifferent to my suffering, He was watching. And when 15

16 many offerings that will be taken back- making your existence meaningless Fruit with teeth opens like lotus flower answering Anandi s question Why would a lotus flower hide in the forest? Pi cannot live without God and chooses to leave Island- going back to his faith Island could represent a false faith and the temptation to indulge in a harsh reality that is evil yet comfortable (carnivorous) Figment of Pi s imagination Island is shaped like a woman s body Joyous and calming music played Haunting music played in Whale scene plays again, to show haunting moment, finding something bad is occurring Long distance shot of boat drifting away I was beyond all hope of saving, He gave me rest, then gave me a sign to continue my journey ADULT PI: But all that the island gave him by day, was taken away again by night ADULT PI: I saw how my life would end if I stayed on that island, alone PI: I couldn t leave without him, I would be killing him otherwise ADULT PI: If I hadn t discovered that tooth, I would have been left to die After Sea Scenes Analysis: Scene Significance Film Techniques Quotes The Mexican Coastline Pi attributes his survival to his father s lessons Close up of Pi s face as he looks up to Richard Parker jumping, and then at the edge of the jungle Long distance shot of Richard Parker on the edge of the forest Long distance of helpers coming up to rescue Pi Close up of Pi crying being carried away ADULT PI: And then Richard Parker, my fierce companion, the terrible one who kept me alive, disappeared forever from my life ADULT PI: I wept like a child I was weeping because Richard Parker left me so unceremoniously. It 16

17 broke my heart ADULT PI: I was never able to thank my father for all I learned from him, to tell him that without his lessons I would never have survived ADULT PI: I was afraid to let go of the boat, all of my strength was gone. I was so weak ADULT PI: Richard parker went ahead of me, he stretched his legs and walked along the shore. At the edge of the jungle he stopped, I was certain he was going to look back Bring our relationship to an end in some way, but he just stared into the jungle ADULT PI: You know, my father was right; Richard Parker never saw me as his friend, after all we had been through he didn t even look back. But I had to believe there was more than the reflection in his eyes staring back at me. I felt it. Even if I cant prove it ADULT PI: The act of life becomes letting go, and its not taking a moment to say goodbye 17

18 The Second Story Allegorical meaning is revealed Introduces the idea that humanity seeks the truth and rational explanation for all the occurs and exists (storytelling) Magical version takes up the majority of the film Scepticism of the two Japanese investigators prompts the more visceral alternative Idea of cannibalism is introduced Pi makes a parallel between the two stories and religion Secular and materialist Prompts reflection about how people deal with life and death Story is set up to help responder s consider which version of the world they prefer, regardless of which God we may accept Story has been passed down on to a different storyteller and will be discovered by a new audience Close up shots to show facial expressions of Pi and the reporter s Ends with a flashback of Pi smiling, and Richard Parker walking into the jungle and the colour fading Slowly fades to black WRITER: It is a lot to take in, to figure out what it all means PI: If it happened, it happened. Why should it have to mean anything? OKAMOTO: We need a simpler story for our report. One our company can understand. A story we can all believe The truth PI: I could never understand why we let people suffering PI: He was such an evil man, but worse still he brought the evil out in me, and I have to live with that PI: That s up to you, the story is yours now 18

19 The Rubric & Life Of Pi: Nature of Discovery Discovery can encompass the experience of discovering something for the firs time or re- discovering something that has been lost, forgotten, or concealed Discoveries can be sudden and unexpected or emerge from a process of deliberate and careful planning evoked by curiosity, necessity, and wonder Discoveries can be fresh and intensely meaningful in ways that may be emotional, creative, intellectual, physical, and spiritual. Bildungsroman style film enables us to view Pi s journey and his discoveries, their impact revealed through narration from Adult Pi, and revelatory flashbacks Pi is an inquisitive child- abundance of the world inspired him (religion) and the world of the zoo Religion and faith are empowering proving a natural way to make meaning of life Each path Pi explores he acknowledges the differences in beliefs and comes to understand his places within them, and the concept of love Act of being thrown off ship crosses threshold between a world he understood and a world in which he dreamed he never encountered How young naïve faith responds to ultimate tests Pi s religious development conveyed over time Divine beliefs altered when he is in the middle of the ocean Pi s personal discovery is sudden, unexpected, and experienced mostly through adversity Impact/ Outcome/ Consequence of Discovery Leads us to new worlds and values, stimulate new ideas, and enable us to speculate about future possibilities. Discoveries and discovering can offer new understandings and renewed perceptions of ourselves and others. Impact of such discoveries can be far- reaching and transformative for the individual and for broader society. Discoveries may be questioned or challenged when viewed from different perspectives and their worth re- assessed over time. Pi s survival leads to self- discovery renewing his perspective of himself, religion, and nature Undertakes a spiritual quest for truth and meaning- questioning God and the nature of life and love 19

20 Humans are subject to lessons that will challenge and provoke us to discover our inner strength Events in Pi s early life, and at sea allow him to discover the ritualised practicalities in life, ever- present possibility of death, and the beauty and ugliness of the world- expressions of God s power Pi is hardened through physical adversity Pi accepts situation and finds ways to make his life bearable Personal growth is revealed through his resourcefulness and level of resilience Disobeying elements of his faith Richard Parker is pivotal to Pi s survival, as it helps him to cope with tragedy, loneliness, and the apparent abandonment from God Pi s religious and moral values are constantly challenged Inner violence is driven by Pi s will to survive Pi re- assesses his understanding of faith and the human relationship with the natural world Ang Lee states The film is about testing faith and strength Nature is a religion unto itself- Pi finds solace in nature s beauty Outside The Text- The Responder s Experience Students may make discoveries about people, relationships, societies, places and events, and generate new ideas. Through Pi s survival we are encouraged to consider our perspectives of religion and nature Pantheistic view of nature- the world is divine and worthy of reverence- with powers of redemption and restoration with the power to heal and nurture Use of technology emphasises visual splendour of nature- reflective water scenes leave the onlookers spellbound Visual imagery highlights interconnection of nature, man, and God Although it can batter the body, mind, and spirit, it can also offer spiritual refuge and access to a higher plane of understanding Encouraged to consider the fantastical and religious accounts of religion are better options than facing the dark and horrendous capabilities of humanity Pi s story does not force to believe in God, as it provides rational thinking though the absolute truth Ang Lee states You cannot tell somebody a story, or show them a movie and for them to believe in God You have to go through pain and suffering, you have to be in awe. You have to go through tests to believe in God, or not believe in some cases Nature and power of storytelling is threaded through the text Eg/ Pi s voice, disclosing aspects of the plot, characters, and ideas Tells stories of Hindu, Islam, and Christianity- linked by love of a universal creator and the world He has created Represented as a way to access a deeper understanding of the world Allegory and symbolism used for responders to understand complex ideas Takes the reader beyond the world of rationality and reason 20

21 Allegorical storytelling is itself one of Pi s survival- interpreted as a way of avoiding and emotionally surviving the brutal reality of what happened Ending makes us conscious of the past two hours absorbing a story within a story Throws emphasis back onto viewers- asked to choose between alternate stories Pi s name takes on resonance (mathematical number) with its infinite decimal places, meaning the story cannot be pinpointed or rationalised, just like Pi s story A myriad of possible truths Stories provide us with a truth to get us through life (science or religion) The Rubric & Life Of Pi: Discovery Vocabulary Example for Life of Pi Discovering Examples of truth Spiritual awakening Religion Rediscovery Faith and religion Family Rediscovers self Values Impulsive Explores ship Replenishes food on raft Feeding Richard Parker Unforeseen Leaving India & selling animals Richard Parker on lifeboat Planned Process of surviving on lifeboat Fortuitous Discovery of island (Discovery by chance) Finding the tooth Essential Supplies on lifeboat Inquisitiveness Curiosity about Richard Parker Search for religion Desire to Learn Pi (numbers) (name) Religion How to survive Evocative Death of animals Loss of family Leaving Richard Parker Awesome Whale scene & glowing sea Emotional Loss of family Spiritual God Vulnerability to nature Intellectual Surviving in the raft Pi Value of education 21

22 Physical Physical capabilities Island Taming the tiger Imagined Seeing family in water Challenging Learning to survive Catching fish Uncomfortable Leaving India Eating meat Disturbing Hyena killing the zebra and orangutan Inflammatory Father talking about leaving Fight between father and cook Innovative Making the raft Ingenious Meeting girls- lotus flower symbol Making the raft Taming the tiger Speculative Predicting future- Island (to stay or not to stay) Insightful Self- awareness/ realisation Thought Provoking Pi s name Killing the fish then eating it Self- Realisation Will to survive Courage Emotional- at the end of film from telling the story Values Driven, Limited, or Expanded Killing fish Father s view on religion Father s perspectives on animals Change Our Perspectives Power of stories Value of fear from tiger Effect of fear on our choice to take chances Transform Miracle of survival Leading to a happy ending from survival 22