Life of Pi is a philosophical fiction written by Yann Martel in 2001. This novel tells the story of how Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel, an intelligent and resilient Indian boy explores issues on life and reality as well as how they are perceived and told. All this happened during his 227-day-survival from a shipwreck together with a tiger he named Richard Parker.

 Would you agree that Pi possesses a strong and unique identity? What role does his religious and spiritual beliefs play in shaping this identity, and how does this identity influence his adventures? What is the significance of his self-given name in this matter, and what does it tell you about Pi?

In his early years, Pi met many elders such as Mamaji, Mr. Kumar and Father Martin who acted as his mentors. How did they inspire Pi and his distinctive outlook on life in their own ways?

What aspect of human nature did the hyena or cook symbolize? How is the fate of the hyena and cook similar in both stories, and what does it represent?

Anthropomorphism refers to the tendency to project human qualities onto nature, animals or inanimate objects. Upon being rescued, Pi was weeping not because he was relieved to be safe, but rather ‘because Richard Parker had left me so unceremoniously’. How would you have felt if you were Pi? How do you think this relates back to the concept of anthropomorphism that Pi’s father introduced to him? What are some of the evidence you found of Pi anthropomorphising Richard Parker, and why do you think he did that?