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The Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

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The Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal
Page 50. “Perhaps I should not have been a fisherman, he thought. But that was the thing that I was born for.”
Page 10. “Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated.” I think the mere fact that a man of his age is so unyielding in his decision to continue fishing proves his own resolute determination. He is obviously encumbered by a number of physical weaknesses that come with old age, and yet it is this cheerful and undeafeated look in his airs that propels his entire character to continue on with what he loves: fishing.
Pages 10-11. Boy talking about his father: “He hasn’t much faith.” Man: “’No,’ the old man said. ‘But we have. Haven’t we?” In which the boy responded
…show more content…
“No one should be alone in their old age, he thought. But it is unavoidable. I must remember to eat the tuna before he spoils in order to keep strong. Remember, no matter how little you want to, that you must eat him in the morning. Remember, he said to himself.” Yet again, Santiago pairs one of his burdens with the optimism that to acutely characterizes him. He freely admits to being a lonely, old man, and yet it is this common theme of determination that presents itself here, yet again, to help the old man overcome his obstacles. He has the mindset that he is going to preserver until the end of time, which literally for him could mean his death. On page 52, he actually confirms this notion, saying “Fish…I’ll stay with you until I am dead.” His pure strength of mind is so unbelievable fortified here that he has no trouble in bluntly admitting to his own likely demise. There is a significant difference between admitting to something, and succumbing to it, however. Santiago In this case, however willing to admit to his flaws and handicaps, is in no way yielding to his own demise. He is ready to give all he’s got in the name of this war of fish versus man. He confirms this fact on page 54 when he says “Fish…I love you and respect you very much. But I will kill you dead before this day

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