a) how is life of pi a story within a story within story? ( i know the first part a story within a story, but the other within the story, i am confused)

b) i am going to write an essay about story telling on Life of Pi by Yann Martel and so far have ideas such as the type of story, narrators, truth vs story telling and purpose of story telling.

I need suggestions how to go about with them, and if you have more please add, and which three do you think fit better

Frame stories:

http://www.answers.com/topic/frame-story

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frame_story (See Use of Frame Stories)

Think about unifying your different ideas in (b) by means of ritual:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_of_Pi

I have read only the summaries of this, but there are many other "frame stories" that all of us have read (or seen, if it's been made into a movie). James Michener is one author who made wonderful use of this technique. So is Edgar Allan Poe in this very short story:
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/POE/oval.html

a) In "Life of Pi," the concept of a story within a story within a story refers to the layered narrative structure of the book. The first level of the story is Pi Patel recounting his experiences of being stranded at sea with a Bengal tiger. This is the main narrative that we follow throughout the book.

The second level is when Pi tells a different version of his story to two Japanese investigators after being rescued. This version removes the fantastical elements and replaces them with a more realistic account of survival involving other survivors from the shipwreck.

The third level comes into play when the investigators express doubt about Pi's story and ask for the "truth." Pi then presents them with a third version of the story, which combines elements of both the previous versions. This third version allows the reader to choose the interpretation they find most meaningful.

b) When writing an essay about storytelling in "Life of Pi," here are some suggestions on how to approach the different topics:

1. Type of Story: Explore the different types of stories present in the novel. For example, you could compare the fantastical story of Pi's survival at sea with the more realistic version he presents to the investigators. Discuss how each story affects the reader's perception of truth and reality.

2. Narrators: Analyze the role of multiple narrators in the novel. Discuss how Pi's narration influences the reader's understanding of the events, emotions, and themes. Examine the reliability and subjectivity of the various narrators and the effect it has on storytelling.

3. Truth vs. Storytelling: Investigate the theme of truth versus storytelling in the book. Explore how Pi uses storytelling as a coping mechanism, as a way to find meaning in his experiences, and as a tool to connect with others. Discuss the implications of truth and the subjective nature of personal narratives.

4. Purpose of Storytelling: Examine the purpose behind Pi's storytelling. Explore how storytelling can provide comfort, convey moral lessons, and convey deeper philosophical and spiritual ideas. Discuss the significance of storytelling in the context of the novel's themes and the reader's interpretation.

Consider these suggestions and choose the three topics that resonate with you the most and support your thesis or argument. It's important to organize your ideas and arguments effectively, provide evidence from the text to support your claims, and maintain a clear and coherent structure throughout your essay.