Poetry & Life of Pi Worksheet
Life of Pi Movie
I. Introduction
Life of Pi presents a captivating journey of survival, belief, and the transformative power
of storytelling. As you engage with the film, consider how its visual and narrative
elements reflect poetic qualities. This worksheet invites you to dive into both the film’s
imagery and the poetic devices we’ve studied.
Background Context
Author & Film Adaptation: Life of Pi is based on a novel by Yann Martel,
published in 2001. The 2012 film, directed by Ang Lee, won multiple Academy
Awards.
Setting: The story takes place in multiple locations, but the main event occurs on
the Pacific Ocean, where the protagonist, Pi, is stranded on a lifeboat.
Genre: A blend of adventure, survival, and philosophical fiction.
Life of Pi Trailer
AFTER WATCHING THE TRAILER, think pair share and answer:
1. Do you think this is a true story?
2. What is truth? Think of a time when you and someone else remembered the
same event differently. What details did you disagree on? Why do you think your
perspectives were different?
3. If two stories contradict each other, can both still be "true"?
4. "You are stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean with only a few basic
supplies. You have no idea if or when rescue will come. What would be your
biggest concerns? How would you survive?"
AFTER WATCHING THE MOVIE:
Answer the questions in your journal, and number the questions CLEARLY to help me.
You don’t have to answer ALL questions, but the ones you DO answer, show me depth
of thought. Good luck, and as always, if you have any questions, let me know.
II. Exploring Key Themes & Symbols
Reflect briefly on how Life of Pi uses both narrative and visual cues to explore deeper
meanings:
Survival & Journey: How does Pi’s physical voyage relate to an inner journey of
growth and self-discovery?
Faith & Spirituality: In what ways does the film illustrate that belief can shape
one’s perception of reality?
The Power of Storytelling: How do multiple narrative layers challenge our ideas
of truth and myth?
Nature’s Duality: Consider and talk about the symbolism behind the ocean, the
tiger, and the sky—each representing both beauty and danger.
Questions:
1. How does the endless ocean serve as a metaphor for life’s unpredictable
challenges?
2. In what ways does the contrasting imagery, or juxtaposition of calm versus chaos
(or light versus dark) enhance the film’s deeper message?
3. Reflect on the tiger’s role. Beyond being a literal presence, what symbolic
significance does it hold?
4. What did you find interesting when we talked a bit about the movie after we
finished it? Pick up on any of the conversations we were having and add
something to it.
III. Poetic Devices in Life of Pi & in Your Writing
Let’s explore how the film’s artistry and the poetic devices you've learned interconnect.
1. Imagery:
In Film: Notice how cinematography captures the shimmering ocean, the
expansive sky, or a solitary lifeboat to evoke strong emotions.
In Poetry: Use vivid descriptions to paint a picture with words. For instance,
describe a scene where the play of sunlight on water creates a cascade of colors.
2. Metaphor & Simile:
In Film: The endless sea can be seen as a metaphor for life’s vast, uncertain
challenges.
In Poetry: Craft comparisons that illuminate meaning. For example, "The horizon
stretched like a promise, elusive and endless."
3. Personification:
In Film: Observe how nature seems to come alive—waves that "whisper" secrets
or winds that "carry" hope.
In Poetry: Bring inanimate objects or natural elements to life, such as "the
restless sea danced under the moonlight."
4. Sound Devices:
Alliteration & Assonance: Consider the musicality in phrases. In your poem,
experiment with repetitive sounds to emphasize certain moods.
Onomatopoeia: Use words that mimic natural sounds (like "splash" or "whisper")
to create a sensory experience.
Guided Questions:
Choose a scene from the film and identify at least two poetic devices used to
convey its mood.
How can you transform a visual element (like a stormy sea) into a multi-sensory
poetic description using these devices?
IV. Creative Writing Task
Prompt:
Write an original poem inspired by Life of Pi. It can be free verse, a sonnet, an
enjambment or another form (though limerick might not be appropriate.. actually, if you
really want you can write a limerick.) Select one of the following themes as your focus:
The Journey: Write about the physical and inner voyage of survival and self-
discovery.
The Spirit of Nature: Explore how natural elements (ocean, sky, storm) embody
both peril and beauty.
The Art of Storytelling: Reflect on how narratives blur the line between reality
and myth.
One of your own!
Guidelines:
Vivid Imagery: Pick a memorable scene from the film and use detailed, sensory-
rich language.
Employ Poetic Devices: Make sure to incorporate at least two devices from our
study (e.g., metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration).
Form & Structure: Feel free to experiment—be it free verse, structured form, or
a series of haikus—whatever best captures your emotion.
V. Reflection & Discussion
After writing your poem, consider the following questions:
Personal Connection: In what ways does your poem mirror your own
experiences or perceptions of life’s journey?
Shared Meanings: How might your classmates interpret the imagery and poetic
devices differently? Discuss similarities and differences.
Artistic Choices: Which poetic devices were most effective in capturing the
essence of Life of Pi and why?
