Discuss how the theme of the story “My Old Man”, by Ernest Hemingway, can be about the setbacks and benefits relative to the way a man chooses to raise his son.In your answer, be prepared to give two or three reasons why the story can be seen as a father disappointing his son, and how it can be seen as how the boy benefitted from being with his father.
My Old Man” is a short story by Ernest Hemingway that tells the story of a young boy’s relationship with his father, a horse trainer and jockey. The theme of the story can be seen as the setbacks and benefits relative to the way the father chooses to raise his son.
One way that the story can be seen as the father disappointing his son is through the father’s absent and neglectful parenting style. Throughout the story, the father is rarely present and spends most of his time away from home, leaving the boy to fend for himself. This lack of attention and guidance can be seen as a disappointment for the son, who longs for a closer relationship with his father.
However, the story can also be seen as how the boy benefits from being with his father. Despite his father’s neglect, the boy is able to learn valuable lessons about life and the horse racing industry through his time with his father. He is able to see firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into being a successful horse trainer, and he develops a deep appreciation for the sport. Additionally, the boy’s relationship with his father helps to shape his own identity and sense of self, as he comes to understand and embrace his father’s way of life.
The theme of “My Old Man” can be seen as the complex and sometimes conflicting dynamics of fatherhood and the ways in which a father’s choices can both disappoint and benefit his son.
