Illusion vs Reality
One of the prevailing themes in this book is how the illusion is mistaken for reality. Piranesi, the protagonist, seems to have lost touch with reality after being detained in a 3-tiered labyrinth where he loses memory. The conversation between him and another character called the Other shows how delusions have caught up with him. Piranesi believes that the world has only sixteen people. Such thinking shows that his life is dependent on illusion.
Architecture
The entire novel is about architecture. The theme of architecture is consolidated by the title of the novel which is named after Italian architect, Giovanni Piranesi. Giovanni Piranesi is known for printing sixteen imaginary prisons. Similarly, Piranesi speaks of sixteen people in the labyrinth, where he is detained. After he is rescued from the labyrinth, Piranesi still comes to visit the place due to the amazing architecture of the structures.
Death
The theme of death is significantly evaluated in the novel. Piranesi has witnessed the death of several people in the labyrinth. After Laurence Arnes-Sayles sends people to the labyrinth, most of them die due to harsh conditions. Piranesi sees the bones of the people who died in the labyrinth. During the rescue mission of Piranesi, Valentine Ketterley is shot dead.
The Contrast of Technology between the Past and Present
The author presents imagery of how the contemporary world contrasts the past based on technology. Generally, the labyrinth is a complex network where it is difficult to pass through. The labyrinth represents world web technology in modern times. Arnes-Sayles is said to have learned about the portal between worlds. The entire idea is to show how technology has changed the world.
Magic and Rituals
Laurence Arnes-Sayles uses ritual to illuminate the true nature of humanity. When Piranesi tries to write a book covering the story of Arnes-Sayles, he is magically ensnared in the house where he loses memory. Everything happens swiftly defying the true nature of humanity. Piranesi cannot understand how he lost memory and how he entered the labyrinth.
