Old Man and the Sea

I think that the writing in the novel Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway reveals that he values many things. The old man in the story is very kind, and very wise, and I think this reflects his views on the importance of these characteristics. The old man is also patient. The giant marlin drags the old man and his little boat for days, and instead of getting frustrated or angry at the fish, he goes with the flow. The old man has a very positive outlook on life. He knows very well that he plans on killing the gigantic fish that is pulling him out to sea, but he respects it. He calls the fish his friend and his brother. I think that this shows that Ernest Hemingway had a love for the environment, and had a certain respect for animals. If he did not, I am sure that the old man would have killed the marlin without talking to it, praying, or let it drag him too far out into the ocean. Ernest Hemingway probably wanted to create a character that showed these values because it effects the type of story being told. If the old man was only focused on the money making part of fishing instead of the enojyment, he would have been a lot different. Without the patience, kindess, or lovingness the reader gets from this character, the novel would have been cruel. The focus would have been killing the marlin to make a lot of money, and bragging about its size to the other fishermen who believed the old man was unable. He would have also been more angry and vengful at the sharks for pretty much ruining his prized fish. The old man's character and personality helps make the story one of tragic fantasy and dreaminess, not one of anger and struggle. The old man is determined, but not in a destructive way. The old man completely changes the story.

Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner Paperback Fiction, 1995.