Life of Pi Literary Terms and Vocab for Part 1

Literary terms: Copy down the words and leave space for the definitions. Write down any
definitions or examples given. Then look up and write down the definitions from the back of the
textbook.

1. Allegory-

2. Allusion-
a. Example: The lightning bolt symbol on Gatorade makes you think of Zeus, the
Greek god of lightning. If you drink Gatorade, you will be as powerful as Zeus.

3. Fiction-

4. Frame Narrative- a story within a story.

a. Example: The Odyssey. Odysseus is telling the story of his return journey to the
Phaeacians in part 1. He finishes the story and goes home in part 2.

5. Imagery-

6. Magic Realism- type of literature where fantastic or imaginary events are added to a
realistic story and are shown in a realistic way.

7. Metaphor-
a. Examples: Her home was a prison. You are my sunshine.

8. Narrator-

9. Personification-
a. Example: The stars danced playfully in the night sky.

10. Point of view-

11. Simile-
a. Example: You are as cute as a kitten. The wind howled like a wolf.

12. Suspension of Disbelief- putting aside beliefs about reality to in order to enjoy a story.

13. Symbol-
a. Examples: Black represents death or evil. White represents life or purity.

14. Theme-
Vocab for Part 1: On a separate sheet of paper, write down the words and their definitions. Then
write a sentence including the word that helps explain the meaning of the word.
Example: I went to a party does not explain the meaning of the word party. I went to a
party at my Sarahs house to celebrate her birthday with all of our friends helps explain
what a party is.

1. Illogical (adj)- defying reason, does not make sense

2. Intriguing (adj)- arousing curiosity, fascinating

3. Credible (adj)- believable

4. Context (n)- the circumstances surrounding an event

5. Vigilance (n)- constant caution and watchfulness, especially as protection against danger

6. Diminish (v)- lessen

7. Perceived (v)- believed

8. Anarchy (n)- a social state in which there are no leaders; chaos

9. Intuitive (adj)- able to perceive information without rational thought

10. Obscure (adj)- not clearly seen

11. Resignation (n)- surrender

12. Resolve (v)- a sense of purpose; determination

13. Precarious (adj)- easily upset; in constant danger

14. Assimilated (v)- absorbed into a system

15. Prominently (adv)- in a manner which stands out or is obvious