Richard Parker real or not?

  Martel made Pi seem like he was very deranged and uncivilized throughout his journey. Obviously his journey on the boat made him seem that way considering he has animals on his boat, middle of no where, etc. The tiger symbolizes the wild, which is what Pi was during the journey. The only thing that kept him together was the faith of religions he had. Richard was never a real tiger with him. Richard symbolizes Pi's deranged side without religion. Martels purpose and theme was to always have faith and beliefs in something no matter what it is. Without the morals and principles of religion, Pi would be like the tiger. Therefore, Richard Parker is Pi's side without relgion.