Other theme

Beyond the themes relating to art, religion, and science, Life of Pi also focuses a great amount of attention on Pi’s struggle to survive, and this creates another theme. Life threatening situations force people to push themselves to the limits of their physical and mental ability, and invite contemplation on philosophical subjects. Pi’s hostile environment, with Richard Parker, harsh sun, and limited food and drink, causes this conflict between Pi and nature, and as a result, Pi must give up vegetarianism, must learn to catch and prepare sea creatures with limited equipment, and must train Richard Parker, all feats which he has never done before. All this time alone on the boat also allows Pi to think about many philosophical topics, such as the meaning of life, the nature of God, and more.