LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
a) Pi sustains himself spiritually through his paradoxical practice of a hybrid of
religions that he draws upon, not just on the Pacific, but throughout his journey
through life.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
b) If it were not for Pi's inquisitive mind as a child growing up in Pondicherry, Pi would
not have endured his 227 days at sea and survived.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
c) At times survival can be dependent upon the use of one's imagination and it is Pi's
"animal story" that breathes life into his perilous journey.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
d) Knowledge can be all powerful and a useful survival tool; however, it is religion that
provides Pi with his spiritual ointment for his emotional wounds.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
e) Beyond the basic reading of the text, Martel explores the concept of survival
through the use of rich symbolism to help convey his overall message.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
f) 'Life of Pi' demonstrates how the interconnectedness of knowledge and faith can be
used to embellish our reality that brings out the essence of survival.
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g) It is Richard Parker who provides Pi with "peace, purpose and a sense of
wholeness" to go on living.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
h) As the novel opens with the words, "my suffering left me gloomy", it becomes
apparent that Pi survives on a physical level, yet he struggles emotionally.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
i) By projecting his own baser nature and animalistic instinct onto Richard Parker, Pi
is able to accept not only his physical savagery, but the nature of his unethical
conduct.
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j) It is through storytelling that Pi is able to avoid the harsh realities of his survival.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
k) 'Life of Pi' endorses the notion that when one chooses a life of spirituality and faith,
they are indeed embracing "the better story".
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l) Pi himself is the embodiment of religion and science.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
m) Martel encourages us to believe an unlikely story of a castaway, as he cleverly
creates a script that might make us believe in God.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
n) Even in its "magoo-like blur" and "meditative state" the three-toed sloth remains
wise in its demeanour, reminding Pi of the symbiotic nature of science and religion.
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o) Perhaps the most profound exploration of the novel is the nature of truth.
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p) In the novel 'Life of Pi' stories become a vehicle to communicate a deeper
message.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
q) Pi's ability to apply rationality becomes the foundation upon which his life at sea is
constructed.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
r) For Pi, where rationality lacks, religion prevails.
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LIFE OF PI – Topic Sentences
s) Through the construction of the text and the presenting of multiple accounts of Pi's
ordeal, Martel exposes the reader to the idea that we can shape our own reality in
order to survive.
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