The Old Man and the Sea: What does the writing reveal about the author's values and attitudes? From what perspective does he/she write?

The whole perspective of the story is in Santiago, the old fisherman’s, point of view. A lot of Hemingway’s own values can be seen in this story, and in the way his characters interact with each other. One value that Hemingway expresses in this novel  is  giving respect to others.   This story expresses the fact that younger people should give their elders respect, and later, that even opponents should respect each other. This is seen very clearly in the relationship between Santiago and Manolin, the young boy Santiago teaches to fish. Manolin, from the start, has a great respect for Santiago, and even honors the old man despite his terrible misfortune and poor living conditions. Manolin still trusts Santiago’s word and listens to him when he speaks. He helps the old man, checks up on him and brings him food. (Hemingway pg.17-21) You can tell that Manolin respects him a lot. Manolin also shows respect to his boss, and his parents. Though Manolin would rather fish with Santiago, he does what his parents ask and goes to work for another fisherman. This shows his utmost respect, even though he is doing something he doesn’t want too. Santiago also shows respect to the Marlin, which is something many would find peculiar. He often refers to the fish as his brother, and even thinks he is unworthy to be eaten. Santiago does this because he knows the marlin matches him in strength and is a worthy opponent. Hemingway also  had one of his characters display a good kind of attitude in the story, and Hemingway values this attitude too. Santiago, the old fisherman, is very unlucky, and even when the rest of the fishermen at the Terrace make fun of him, Santiago does not get angry at them. (Hemingway pg. 11) Normally, someone would stand up for themselves, or get in a fight, but Santiago takes it in quiet and silence, submitting to it, though he doesn’t have too.  This attitude of being slow to anger is something most people dream of accomplishing. Another kind of attitude is seen in the story. Though Santiago is very discouraged, he already insists that he go out the next day, this time, even farther.(Hemingway pg. 14) He doesn’t quit, even though he feels very defeated and unlucky. This attitude of determination is another very admirable one.

Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 1952. Print.