Science, Religion and Philosophy

Life of Pi is a scientific and religous book. Martel blends these two seemingly incompatible ideas into one theme.

Science- In the book, science is an omnicient force but is always restricted to the background of the plot. Scientific information is and important part of the story and is always careful to be represented logically and accurately, but the writing style noticably shifts to a more monotonous, text book-sounding recollection of the way things work, normally in stark contrast to many of the other writing styles.

Religion
-Throughout the book many connections can be drawn between religion and story telling. It seems at times that Pi sees story telling as religious practice in itself. This is, in part, due to Pi's belief that story telling is infinitely superious to "dry, yeastless factuality". It is suggested many times that story telling, and belief in powers greater than ourselves, add a certain emotion that inspires and sticks with the reader longer than logical reasoning ever could.

-Survival is another theme that is fully developed throughout the novel. It is in regards to survival that some of Martel's most powerful messages about faith are delivered. On the life boat, the reader's attention is solely focused on events that take place on the boat through Pi's eyes. This gives the reader a chance to examine Pi's gradually increasing faith and will to survive when facing enormous hardship. The book also acknowledges the heroism and the cowardice associated with facing life and death situations.