Literary Criticisms 

Weir writes a problem-solving narrative. He includes his stories for science fiction problems, then solves them by making real world solutions. In the “Martian” Weir includes the desolate landscape of Mars. In “Project Hail Mary” Weir includes real world eating microbes into his story, and writes how the main character has to try and save the world. The way that Weir allows his readers to keep reading his books is because he uses a lot of vivid descriptions and imagery throughout his stories. His book “Artemis” is most famous for immersive world-building because Weir paints a vividly believable picture of life on the Moon – right from explaining the economics of this lunar city to the challenges of living in low gravity. 

Weir believes that opening up a story with conflict is the best way to open up a story and get readers interested. “Martian” is a great book that opens up with conflict because the main character gets stranded on Mars. By opening the story up with conflict right away, this helps start the problem and solution effect. Therefore, this problem solving builds up tension for a good plot. Andy Weir uses Human vs. Environment in his books "Martian" and “Project Hail Mary,” as both books talk about the harsh environment of space. Also, Weir adds Man vs. Self in the same books. Both characters face isolation and despair, but their internal struggle is typically channeled into self-discipline. 

 Weir often sums up his stories with implications of what he’s described without sounding unnaturally repetitive. This is important because it allows for his readers to fully understand what he is talking about. Also, this helps the story sound more authoritative and intelligent, rather than repeating the same thing over and over again. Rather than telling the readers when the main character is in danger, he illustrates it. This is important because it helps build a more dramatic experience throughout the ending. Readers can more easily interpret the seriousness of the situation, which makes the story more engaging and impactful. 

Irony plays a big role in the way Mark Watney expresses himself, and reacts to the problems he faces in the book. Weir writes in a descriptive way, which creates high stakes, and makes the way the humor is used more effective in his writing. Mark Watney in the “Martian” uses humor as a coping mechanism for isolation. This allows the readers to feel more relatable to the characters. Weir says he makes scientific exposition funny so the reader will forgive what might otherwise be boring. The humor is often delivered through first-person log entries or internal monologues using simple, conversational language.

Weir has the main characters in “Martian” and “Project Hail Mary” face challenging and almost impossible tasks throughout the books. The two main characters in the books often lack crucial data, and Weir does this because he wants the reader to try and figure out what will happen next. In both books, each character faces a major problem and is forced to figure it out by using science. Weir employs good foreshadowing throughout both stories. Instead of direct statements, he uses small details to signal future complications or discoveries. Weir poses a big question, then slowly reveals context, making the initial problem even bigger as the story progresses. 

Weir imploys humor throughout his stories to make the reader enjoy his stories. Weir writes with a first-person point of view. The humor that Andy Weir writes with provides narrative relief and makes the suspense more effective. Weir provides moments of relief with suspenseful scenarios. This contrast deepens the reader's emotional connection to the story. In the books “Martian” and “Project Hail Mary” Mark Watney and Ryland Grace use self-deprecating wit and sarcasm to deal with intense isolation. They both have major problems that they have to face and use sarcasm in these major situations. Weir uses humor as a realistic coping mechanism, making them feel more authentic in stressful situations. Weir includes humor to enlighten the dark moments.