The Martian

Following the doctor’s orders, Watney writes to Martinez and asks him to check in on his parents if he should die on Mars. At the end of his email, he writes, “I’m not giving up. Just planning for every outcome. It’s what I do.”

Discuss whether Watney’s self-assessment is true of the character as written. Refer to passages in the book that support his claim that he plans for every outcome. Are there any instances that contradict it? When Watney declares that he’s not giving up, should the reader take that statement at face value? What might be written between the lines? Refer to other passages in the book to support your conclusion.

Teaching Suggestion: Students might benefit from discussing the differences between what people say out loud and what they are saying to themselves internally. What indications are there that Watney might be filtering some of his comments in that way, whether consciously or unconsciously?