Teaching Yann Martel's Life of Pi from Multiple Critical Perspectives

by Rebecca Grudzina

The adage says that there are two sides to every story, but as most contemporary literature teachers can attest, there are many sides to every story-or at least many ways of looking at a story. Prestwick House's Multiple Perspectives Lesson Guides provide the high school teacher with everything she needs to guide her students through the study of the titles she teaches from a variety of critical viewpoints. Every Multiple Perspectives Lesson Guide provides a general introduction to the work (plot summary, introductions to key characters, brief discussions of social and historical background); clear and concise explanations of three critical theories (including feminism, Marxism, Freudianism, new historicism, and formalism); and reading, writing, and discussion activities designed to help students probe the familiar text in new and deeper ways. Teachers who want to take their teaching of literature beyond the tired plot pyramid and want their students to experience the books they love more than reader-response alone will let them, will find Prestwick House Multiple Perspectives Lessons Guides to be an invigorating addition to their course syllabus.

52 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, while somewhat graphic, was fascinating. As a non-animal lover, I felt like the perspectives about animals, biology, and zoos were interesting and insightful. I also appreciated the first section of the book as the narrator talks about his conversion to different religions. However, I wish that there was not such a quick resolution of the book and I felt like the ending lacked a return or tie-into the religious discussions and insights that I thought would be prominent throughout. Still, I couldn't put the book down and really enjoyed it!

[Michelle]

I have trouble with this metaphor for religious activity in a modern age. I hate the way he speaks of God as a welcome cage and claims that animals are happier in their four stone walls than they would be out in the wild. It's disheartening in points and tedious in others, although I can certainly see why it is so well received. The first chapters are enthralling. We should all be so open to truth in our lives.

[Lasafta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a most unusual book, a book of survival in most unusual circumstances. Not for everyone, but I liked it!