Question 3: the old man and the sea

This book addresses many themes. One universal theme that really stuck out to me was pride. This theme was very interesting to me. His views on it were very interesting and the determination made it easy to follow.

Santiago's weakness might be pride. He seems to not have any pride. For example, when went on his fishing adventure and caught the marlin, he apologized to his worthy opponent. He also said he went out too far. He had no pride.

In other aspects of the book, he seems to have pride. Although the author doesn't make it seem like he's full of himself, he still seems to show that he has a little pride. For example, on his long streak without catching anything, he still kept trying and did everything he could for the streak to end (Hemingway 35). I think the streak may have hurt his pride. When he caught the fish, his pride probably increased.

In my opinion, I think the author understands human nature. I think he understood that people need someone to look up to. That caught my interest the most. Just like in the movies, everyone needs a hero. And Hemingway understood this. Even the old man had a hero (Hemingway45)! He talked about "The great Dimaggio" during his adventure (Hemingway 45). The old man was a hero for the younger fisherman in my opinion. The younger fisherman always wanted to go fishing with him and help him out. I think he also wanted to learn his ways.

He also understands human nature by understanding that people don't like to be alone. He was alone on his journey without the younger fisherman. I really felt how lonely he was through Hemingway's words. He tried to talk to things, though. When you're lonely, you'll settle for anything. It really made me realize how being totally alone feels. He even talked to his hands to keep him company.

Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 2003. Print.