While reading a very old man with enormous wings the first time through, I really wasn’t sure what it was all about. However, when I read through a second time, now with a basic understanding of plot, the purpose of the work was clear. Furthermore, I couldn’t agree more with what the author was trying to get across. It was clear that he wished to mock societal values and standards in many ways. The main thing that fell in line with my thinking process is the author’s mockery of Catholicism at the time. I am a practicing catholic. I consider myself a person of strong faith. However, like the author, find it unreasonable, borderline idiotic, to need a pope or bishop, to tell me what is right in front of my eyes. Even though this work was written in a different time and a different place I do believe some of the issues relate. Too many people need, want, or wait for another human being of “higher religious value,” if you will to tell them about their own faith. People are so awed by religion that they think it is something out of touch. Even in this story for example when an angel comes flying in front of you still ask for help from someone “higher up.” I say, quite frankly, screw that. People are intelligent by nature. We can make decisions. We don’t need some person to tell us what is happening with our faith. We need to take charge. I really connected with this portion of the story.  The author uses some satire to get this idea across. The best part is the way he speaks of the communication between church figures. Letters, letters, and more letters, sent one by one. His tone is not one of condescension. It is more matter of fact, like he is telling the story how it is. His tone isn’t necessarily sarcastic but in a way it is. He knows the words he is saying are mocking the church. He lets the reader realize that, however, which makes for a more interesting reader experience. His sarcasm unwinds as you grow to understand the short story, and that’s pretty cool. All in all this was a great read.