_______________________________________________Anticipation Guide for Yann Martel’s Life of Pi

Before reading: In the space to the left of each statement, place a check mark if you agree or think the
statement is true.

During and/or after reading: Add new check marks or cross through those about which you have changed
your mind. Keep in mind that this is not like the traditional “worksheet.” This is a critical thinking
exercise, so it will require some work. Use the space under each statement to note the pages where you
are finding information to support your thinking.

_____ 1. We can see a lot of ourselves within animals.

_____ 2. Animals can see a lot of themselves in us.

_____ 3. Zoos are great places for animals to be.

_____ 4. The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha—and the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls—brings a lot of
revenue to the city; so, the animals are being exploited for the monetary gain of people.

_____ 5. Inside we are all African.

_____ 6. There is one religion that is accurate.

_____ 7. Wanting to survive comes naturally to any organism.

_____ 8. All Islamic people are bloodthirsty.

_____ 9. Your mom should be there for you every step of the way, until you are 25.

_____ 10. Your dad should be a stern disciplinary force; otherwise, you will not learn valuable lessons.

_____ 11. There should be a “pecking order” among siblings; it is healthy, productive, and proper for the
older and bigger to dominate (“survival of the fittest”).

_____ 12. Mankind is the cruelest of all beasts, because when we hurt other people, we realize they are
being hurt; when cats play with and eat mice, the cat has no idea that the mouse is in pain. This makes
people the least respectable of all species (concept from Mark Twain’s The Damned Human Race).

_____ 13. Good authors can provide endless thinking opportunities; without them, life would be dull.
_____ 14. It is one of the big tragedies in history—that people have caused extinction of species.

_____ 15. Global warming is not a big deal; in fact, it is being exaggerated by the media.

_____ 16. Seeing traumatic events will never leave your psyche.

_____ 17. Art is essential in schools and in life.

_____ 18. In their behavior, animals are as predictable and purposeful as people are.

_____ 19. The Pacific Ocean is a source of wonder, inspiration, danger, and awe.

_____ 20. Murder is all right when executed in self-defense.

_____ 21. Losing your mother is like losing the sun above you.

_____ 22. It is wrong to want to be alone.

_____ 23. Adults need reading groups (monthly book clubs) to keep their minds stimulated.

_____ 24. Your heart and mind have to work together to fully sustain your being.

_____ 25. In our minds, a constant battle is waged between good (superego) and bad (id).

_____ 26. People are irrationally obsessed with animals: our children’s books, our stuffed toys, our
mascots, our pets, our television programs and characters...