I would say that Life of Pi is a bildungsroman. However, it is not obviously so like other novels we have read, such as Huck Finn. I say this because Pi seems strong and mature at a very young age. He finds a faith in God without his parents, which is a very big step for a young person. He is not afraid to embrace Christianity, Islam and Hinduism despite what society says is right. Even in school he has the guts to get up in front of the class and change his name. He seems to have always been a take-charge kind of person, so it is not surprising when he decides to take charge in the lifeboat and go exploring for water, build a raft, train Richard Parker and learn to fish and catch turtles. However, surviving on a life boat for 227 days will inevitably cause a young man to change and grow. Pi functions in society well, but the true test is how he functions alone in the middle of the Pacific. He passes this test. Pi learns to be resourceful and brave. Rather than losing faith in God, his faith in God grows along with him.