QUOTES
“And so it goes with God.”
Who says this and why is it important in the final scene?
Pi says this after the investigators choose the tiger story. It shows that faith and belief are just as important as facts.
What technique is used when Pi imagines whales talking to him?
Anthropomorphism
Name some evidence you could use to write about the key theme of Pi's faith as a tool for his survival
Whale scene
Talking whales
The Storm scene - wonder and awe
How many techniques should you put in your essay?
Around 6-9
What four things should a strong introduction include?
A clear thesis, answers the question, names the text and composers and previews the main ideas.
“It was not a question of him or me, but of him and me.”
Who says this and what does it tell us about Pi’s relationship with Richard Parker?
Pi says this. It shows that he sees Richard Parker as a part of himself, not just an animal.
What film technique shows the contrast between fear and wonder in the whale scene?
Lighting – the contrast between low-key (fear) and high-key lighting (wonder)
Another key theme is that magical realism blurs the line between magic and reality to reveal hidden truths.What evidence could you use to write about this.
The whale scene or talking whales
The hallucination like dream sequences
The tiger and the vivid way it is depicted
Pi's visions of his mother and the Virgin Mary
How does the reflection/mirror scene show a connection between Pi and Richard Parker?
The film cuts between Pi and the tiger looking into the water. This visual mirror suggests they are connected, and that Richard Parker represents part of Pi.
What is a thesis statement, and where does it go?
A thesis is your argument. Usually it is a one-sentence answer to the essay question. It belongs in the intro.
“Pimphoo, Tomphoo, and Rosephoo...”
Who is Pi talking about and what does this reveal about his mental state?
He’s talking about whales he sees in the novel. It shows that he is lonely and imagines the whales as family, using fantasy and faith to cope.
What film techniques links Pi and Richard Parker through in the reflection scene?
Editing (cross-cutting). The scene opens on the Tiger then ends on Pi cross cutting between them and suggesting they are linked.
Why is Richard Parker more than just a tiger?
He symbolises Pi’s inner strength and survival instinct
PETAL
In one sentence what could be a thesis for this question: Which version of Pi’s story is more truthful?
The version with the tiger is more truthful because it uses magical realism to show emotional and psychological truths.
“The story with animals is the better story.”
Who agrees with this, and how does it shape Pi’s final message?
In the novel, the Japanese investigators agree.
In the film, the young writer agrees.
It supports Pi’s message that belief and imagination make life meaningful.
What is motif? How is it used in the scene where Pi and Parker stare into the water
A motif is a technique. A recurring image or idea in the text. The motif is the idea of reflection and mirrors. That Pi and Parker are two parts of the same whole.
What idea is reinforced when Pi says “it was not a question of him or me, but of him and me”?
That Pi sees Richard Parker as a part of himself
How does the quote “And so it goes with God” link to truth in storytelling?
It shows that belief gives meaning. Pi is saying that even if the story isn’t factual, it tells a deeper emotional and spiritual truth. It's like he is using God to say "tick" I give this version my approval!
What is the purpose of a conclusion in an essay?
To restate the thesis, summarise the main ideas and leave the reader with a strong final thought.
Believing in everything is the same as believing in nothing.
Who said this and does this support the idea that Pi's story is more truthful
Pi's father said it. He is the rational, logical thinker and offers a contrast to Pi's tendency towards blind faith.
This quote would offer a contrast but does not support our argument.
What narrative technique is used when Pi tells the story in his own words?
First-person narrative voice
What are the two versions of the story that Pi tells ?
One is the story with Richard Parker. The other is that the animals dies in the sinking of the Tsimtsim (ship).
What does PETAL stand for?
Point
Elaboration
Technique (Evidence & Effect)
Analysis
Link (back to the question)
What date is your exam?