Transcendence
Transcendence is a common theme in this story as it takes multiple forms. The Tiger is the first to die, and he crosses into the spirit realm where he gains cosmic intelligence. Each consecutive death grants another person these mysterious cosmic powers. By transcending their mortal state, the characters become spiritually enlightened after death. When Musa meets the Tiger again, the Tiger accuses him of being God but learns otherwise. The Tiger transcends his concept of God and concludes that God must be found within himself.
Violent Conflict
Violence runs throughout the entire plot of the book. Even the beginning revolves around a death: the Tiger's. Eventually, Tom loses his arm, gets shot in the stomach, and is killed by Musa. Musa witnesses his wife be brutally raped and murdered by Uday. In keeping with Tom's own tragedy, Kev tries to amputate his arm, but ends up bleeding out and dying. Each of the most important plot points are connected to an act of brutal violence.
Insanity
Kev and Tom are patrolling the zoo when they are attacked by the Tiger. Kev shoots the Tiger out of self defense. As time goes on, Kev begins to hallucinate visions of the Tiger. He dreams of him day and night, slowing losing his mind. Kev and Tom drift apart, but they reunite when Tom stops by asking after the gun which Kev used to kill the Tiger. Desperate for help, Kev tries to convince Tom to stay and help him. Now under suicide watch, he gives up hope. After Tom leaves, Kev tries amputating his own arm, but he fails and bleeds out.
