What does the writing reveal about the author's values....

By reading The Old Man and the Sea reader can understand a little about Ernest Hemingway. We can interpret what he values in life and what some of his attitudes are. These values and attitudes can be understood through the characters and their actions. I can tell that Hemingway values courage, companionship, and determination through the actions of Santiago.

I know that Hemingway values courage because of how Santiago acts when he is in the boat by himself. He reels in and defeats an enormous fish and he went farther out then any other boat which takes a lot of courage especially when you are in a boat all by yourself at his age(Hemingway, 21). Hemingway also values companionship. For the majority of the time that the old man is in his boat fighting with the marlin he says how we wishes the boy was here. He understands that everyone needs friends and i am not sure the old man would be able to survive without the boy. The boy gives him food, bait, and helps him to carry his equipment and the old man may not be able to do all of these tasks by himself and still have time to go out and fish and get some rest.

Hemingway also values determination. Santiago worked as hard as he physically and mentally could for a couple days trying to catch a magnificent marlin. By never giving up he was able to reel in the massive fish and regain some respect from other members of the village and he was able to feel good about himself again. He never gave up and i think that is very important to Ernest because you can not get anywhere in life if you decide to just give up.

Ernest Hemingway writes from the perspective of third person. The narrator does not take part in the story however he does sometimes tell from the inside of Santiago's thoughts and feelings. The narrator could also be interpreted as the other, Ernest.

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