Paula: Post One

In chapters 5-8, i learned that Juan has changed from a lying scaredy-cat to a brave fighter. In the beginning of chapter 2, Juan is frightened by the G-2 agent from Social Security. His mouth went dry, his hands were shaking, he felt sick to his stomach, and his legs became weak. In chapter 3, when Juan see's the gunboat, he jumps into the water, staying out of sight. He doesn't try to help his friend, Andres, when he is getting shot at by the men on the boat. Juan starts trembling, but says there's nothing he can do to help. On page 27, he even admits his fear and is ashamed of being so afraid all the time. But this all changes in chapter 8. While Raul and Juan are drifting at sea, they are faced with yet another terrifying problem, a hungry tiger shark. The shark speeds toward the raft, knocking them off into the dangerous ocean, and tears the tube into pieces. Raul tries to save the raft but the shark attacks him. Juan, who is usually afraid, swims toward the shark, and punches him on the gills. Unfortunately, the shark bites Raul in half, making Juan devastated. Juan may have lost a friend, but is no longer a coward. He should be considered a hero, a great fighter, and a good friend.