Comparing The Old Man and the Sea to Life of Pi

My freshman year in Honors English, I had to read Life of Pi and write a paper on the novel. I found the novel difficult, and struggled to get through it, much like The Old Man and the Sea. I must have a problem with books that make me think or something. However, it was not due to lack of action or adventure that caused me to struggle; it was the message. After many failed papers and discussions with my parents, I discovered the main message or theme: survival. Now as I am reading The Old Man and the Sea, I find the same message hidden in this novel as well. Santiago does not have to survive in a boat, but he does practically live out of his boat and relies on it to keep him afloat while fishing. Pi's lifeboat was all he had in order to survive, and he did everything he could to try and stay alive. Santiago is similar to Pi, but different at the same time. Santiago has a friend. By having a friend, Santiago's life is that much better in my opinion. By having a companion, Santiago can share his experiences and gain knowledge, no matter how old the boy is. People can argue and say Pi had Richard Parker, but he was a giant tiger and could not offer much advice to Pi while in the boat. He just gave Pi incentive to stay alive. However, like I said, both novels share the same message of survival. Santiago will do anything to get the food he needs in order to survive. By "living on the edge," Santiago has learned the hard way how hash life can be, and how he has to work hard to get barely any gain. Although, it could just be that Santiago is down on his luck. At the point in the novel I am at, it is difficult to say. But I can already tell the message is that of survival and what people are willing to sacrifice to live.