Where does one begin with Life of Pi? Indeed, figuring that out will be your toughest challenge in teaching this novel. 

It's a survival tale, it's a hero's journey, it's an allegory—it's all of these things and more. There may be no better expression to describe the novel than the phrase "brimming with life," and boy, does it brim. Life of Pi is one of those books that gushes with ideas. As a result, it can be daunting to teach.