Survival Needs

Imagine you are stranded at sea. What do you feel is most important for survival, and why? You may discuss a maximum of three things; be specific in your answer.

Jose Salvador Alvarenga:
Castaway Jose Salvador Alvarenga's family calls survival a miracle (CBC article from 2014)

Castaway Who Survived 14 Months Lost at Sea Sued for $1 Million by Family of Crewmate Claiming He Ate Their Relative (People article from last week)

Daily Mail: Jose Salvador Alvarenga interview

CP - What animal represents you?

In Life of Pi, Pi tells a story in which people on his journey--his mother, a sailor, and an evil cook--are represented with different animals. What animal best represents you? Why? Choose an animal other than a cat or dog. Feel free to research some animal traits as you make your decision. You may include a picture or video in your blog post.

What is belief?

Life of Pi offers readers many different ideas about religion, faith, and belief. Indeed, one of our essential questions for this unit asks how one's beliefs shape one's identity.

Let's do a little bit of writing today exploring that connection. What does it mean to believe in something? Have any of your beliefs shaped who you are? Although we have most recently read about Pi's religious beliefs, please feel free to write not only about religious belief, but about any kind of belief you may have experienced.

HONORS - What makes a good story?

Think of a really good book you have read or movie you have seen. In a brief paragraph, describe with as much detail as you can what it is that made the book or movie so good.

Future Certainty?

Have you ever had a moment in which you felt certain about your future? If so, explain that feeling and what led you to it; if not, imagine what this might feel like.

CP - Connecting to "Papa Who Wakes Up Tired in the Dark"

Have you ever been in a situation where you provided emotional support for a parent or other older family member? Describe the situation, what you did, and how you felt at the time.

My "Four Skinny Trees"

In “Four Skinny Trees,” the trees outside the House on Mango Street symbolize Esperanza herself. What element in nature could serve as a symbol or metaphor for you, and why? Consider animals, plants, bodies of water, terrains, etc.