Final Essay Exam Review for "Life of Pi"
Hook & Thesis: Create a hook that introduces the main topic of your essay with a provocative question
quote or statement by you making sure to include the author/title in your hook. Then state your thesis that
lists the two distinct storytelling truths you’ve discovered in reading “Life of Pi.”
(Hook) In Yann Martel’s book Life of Pi, the author explores storytelling as the
bridge to our sanity when faced with a traumatic or difficult experience.
(Thesis) In this novel, two story truths Martel explores are a) the saving role of the imagination and b)
fear of the illusions of freedom in both religion and zoos.
Middle
Paragraphs: Begin with a topic sentence that introduces “the truth”   imbedded in the first storytelling
moment.
Sample Topic Sentence: Martel draws an interesting story truth stating that both science and religion are
plagued with illusions of freedom.
Evidence/Quotes: Then, Use specific details PLUS your analysis of these details to support your
opinion on this point #1. Continue with as many paragraphs as needed to
explain this point.
Evidence/Quotes: When Pi reflects on his life at the zoo and his search for spiritual enlightenment, he
states "I know zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem. Certain
illusions about freedom plague them both." (Martel 19)
Analysis: Fully analyze this “story truth” by making connections to the evidence and drawing analogies
from personal experience.
Analysis of Quote/Story Truth: Pi sees parallels in people's aversion to both the confining fear of
religious doctrine and the entrapment of animal cages in zoos. Yet, both the animal enclosure and the
religious beliefs provide a certain "freedom" of expression for both species. Martel's story truth here is
the premise that certain structural boundaries, whether religious or physical, can exact a certain freedom
of expression. The sufi priest finds solace in the deep metaphysical meditations which can appear all too
restrictive to a western lifestyle and the Bengal tiger can experience a safe dominance or freedom in an
assigned domain at a zoo. (Continue to make connections in your analysis to this "story truth" - state
how this truth affects your personal beliefs)
Make sure you begin the second story-telling truth with an opinion-driven, topic sentence PLUS your
analysis of the specific details to support the thesis. Continue with as many paragraphs as needed to
explain this point.
Conclusion: Conclude your essay with your final reflections on what this argument has taught you  about
storytelling as self-preservation. DO NOT RESTATE THESIS IN CONCLUSION!!!