Outline

Thesis: (options-I need a STRONG thesis) 1. Inside every human is an animal 2. Human nature interferes with the characters direct path to enlightenment *3. The path of self realization is not always sought solely from personal experience, but through outside inspiration*

P1: Life of Pi: "reality is a story" Discuss how life functions as a story, and everyone's is different. Choosing "the better story" as a metaphor for choosing the best path in life...or to seek the best path possible. All in connection with Life of Pi. Religious enlightenment--outside inspiration.

P2: Beatrice and Virgil: Discuss how the animals narration of the story tells a story in it's own. The reality being sought through an outside observer. Life vs. Art. Fate of the Jews in result to seeking a better story.

P3: Stories told through the animals. Discuss how the animals act as the ferryman did in Siddhartha. A guidance to enlightenment as a whole. The telling of each story as enlightenment. Opening the eyes of a blind society.

P4: Animals uncovering "the meaning of life" (may go with P3, or right after?)

P5: Human nature: Inside every human is an animal (may connect with P4?)
 "...remind me of the folly of human ambition" (Martel 6).

P6: Reality vs. Deception: societies fogged perception of personal experience and "story telling". Everyone has their own story to tell
 "To deconstruct this reason/imagination binary hierarchy is the project of Martel's narrative" (Stratton).

*more quotes and support with research and reading*