"The Old Man and the Sea" although a rather small book, revealed the author's values as well as his attitudes clearly. These are shown and portrayed through the main character, Santiago. Reading what Santiago values and his attitudes helps us understand what Ernest Hemingway values and his attitudes. One of the things clearly valued in "The Old Man and the Sea" is determination. This is displayed by Santiago through out the entire book. The first way Santiago displays determination is the fact that before going on this epic fishing journey, he had not caught a single fish in eighty-four days. This was almost as long as his record, which is eighty-seven days without a catch. With anything you have a passion for you must have determination to keep going even when the going gets tough. Santiago was really tested in this aspect by not catching anything for almost three months. Not only did Santiago show his determination here but even more so when in the process of catching the biggest catch of his life. "The speed of the line was cutting his hands badly but he had always known this would happen and he tried to keep the cutting across the calloused parts and not let the line slip into the palm nor cut the fingers" (Hemingway, 83). Santiago struggled greatly in attempt to bring in the great fish. He suffered painful injuries yet his determination and strength never gave in. After successfully killing the giant marlin, Santiago was again tested. This time he was up against numerous sharks trying to eat his prize he slaved over to win. Santiago fought with all he had until there was nothing left to fight for. The attitude I think Hemingway had while writing was very informative. I do not think he was angry or sad, I think he was just telling a story. The book "The Old Man and the Sea" is written in third person. I think this was a good choice on the author's part because it made it more like a narrative.
Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 1952. Print.
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