Why is animal imagery so important and emphasized in Chapter 1 of Life of Pi?

• If you were an animal what would you be?

Either:• 5 characteristics that make you like that

animal• A simile or metaphor that exemplifies

you as that animal• Personify that animal in a statement or

question

Starter

• Explore the references to animal imagery throughout the novel – what do we think we know about them?

• Are there any patterns or links that can be drawn with the animals that are identified in chapter 1?

• Why does Martel have Pi speak in such extended detail about the sloth?

• How far do humans behave like animals and animals behave like humans? (smiling sloth)

• Which of the animals in chapter 1 is Pi most like? Why?

Goldfish bowl discussion

Reflection

3 – Rank order the top 3 animals Pi is most like in chapter 1

2 – Suggest 2 reasons why Martel has Pi describe the sloth in such detail?

1 – Ask 1 question to Martel about his method of using animal imagery