Piranesi Themes

In the novel, Piranesi forms deep connections with the non-human inhabitants of his world. From birds and tides to statues, halls, and skeletons, these entities, both living and dead, are just as much Piranesi’s’ friends, allies, and confidants as the Other—the sole other human inhabitant in the labyrinth, which is known as the House. These beings not only aid Piranesi in his travels throughout the labyrinth, but also provide him with companionship and…

Embodied by the characters of Piranesi and the Other, Piranesi presents two competing visions of science and knowledge. For Piranesi, science is not a means to an end, but rather a way of connecting to and respecting his environment. Like the professor Arne-Sayles depiction of ancient wisdom, Piranesi’s science seeks to understand the world not from some detached, abstract perspective, but as one would get to know another person. This stance is most evident…

In Piranesi, Piranesi’s relationship with the Other evolves from one of reliance and friendship to suspicion and betrayal. At the start of the novel, the Other is Piranesi’s only companion in the House, and initially Piranesi views him as a mentor figure, relying on him for guidance and knowledge about the house's secrets. The Other also provides Piranesi with supplies like notebooks, shoes, and even food, proof to Piranesi of their mutual affection…