The dignity Hawthorne gives the man is reflected fully and equally in the fish. Both are a bit past the prime of life, vigorous yet a little battered; the rich colors in the man's skin and hands can also be found in the fish. Both have gotten this far doing what they have to do, one being near the top of the food chain, the other at its apex. The man has no satisfaction from catching this fish, no haughtiness, only respect for his adversary. It is arresting in person, the more so the longer you look at it.