Life of pi...?

ok the novel 'life of pi' by yann martel.....well i have this english project on it but i dont get what we have to do. we're like trying to prove different ways of reading the novel if that makes sense. i'm trying to prove that the novel is "an exploration of the 'tiger' side, or dark side of humanity. there is an 'animal in all of us." like a dual nature kind of thing.......so the first ignment is to find 5 events in chapters 1-16 that prove this. can anybody help? i have 1 idea...that the pondicherry zoo seems so peaceful and safe but pi's dad tells him any of those animals could kill him. im not sure if thats exactly right but still....any help would be sooooo appreciated!!