How Did Parker's Hope To Survive?

In the novel Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Richard Parker represents as a form of a divine of hope for survival. After the sinking of the Tsimtsum, Pi is engulfed in his own misery about the lost of his family but chosen Richard Parker who “kept me from thinking too much of his [lost]” (182), and shifts his focus on the present. Like God, he gives one directions and guide them away from the past while conquering the fear of the unknown beyond. His daily routine with Richard Parker is defined to not only keep him alive but not to let his only hope dies for if he dies, then Pi himself would follow for he would lose his source of distraction that would possibly lead him to insanity. Plus, the tiger gives him strength and determination to continue.
In many religions, those devoted to God would attend religious activities that would bring them closer together. In this case, Pi willingly gave his old life up for Richard Parker and gain an understanding how animals have to fend for itself in order to survive. Together, they went through trials and tribulations, and Pi was upset that Richard Parker left without a goodbye for he believes in “form [and] give things in meaningful shape” (316). This hints that Pi looks up to Richard Parker as a divine and turn to his “help” at the beginning. Even though it was not as evident, their relationship is similar to one with God of mutual love and trust, which is demonstrated when Richard Parker chose to kill the blind Frenchman rather than Pi. He is repaying him for keeping him alive, and did not plot to kill him when he is most vulnerable. The tiger gave him the protection throughout his journey to fulfil his promise to get him on land, which is similar to how God will exchange in return if one believe or is deemed worthy in their devotion to him for something much