When Pi was growing up he had lots of freedom to roam around the zoo but he also had restrictions, like his dad showed him with the tiger and the goat. When Pi is trapped on the boat he realizes that he isn't the only one trapped in a cage, he is trapped just like all the animals in the zoo. When he is trapped on the boat he is restricted in the way that he cant leave, but he has the liberty to think and relax. he doesnt have anyone bothering him or telling him what to do. he has the freedom to just sit and do nothing. Also on the boat Pi was able to be all the religions he wanted, as to before he was restricted to his practicing's back home.