Did Peter Benchley Write "Jaws" Because He Hated Sharks?

Before there was Shark Week on the Discovery Channel, there was Jaws. Peter Benchley's novel sold 20 million copies and virtually invented the Hollywood summer blockbuster when Steven Spielberg put a mammoth and mean great white shark into the 1975 movie adaptation. Years later, Benchley began to give back to the much-maligned group of fish. He didn't hate sharks. He simply hadn't known much about them.

Benchley became a strong advocate for shark protection and spoke out about marine conservation in general. In the years leading up to his death, he expressed regret about portraying sharks as killing machines. "Knowing what I know now, I could never write that book today," said the former Washington Post reporter in a 2006 London Daily Express story. "Sharks don't target human beings, and they certainly don't hold grudges."

Cue the scary shark music:

• According to Box Office Mojo, Jaws is one of the top 10 grossing films of all time, when adjusted for inflation. It also caused millions of people to become terrified of going anywhere near the ocean.
• "Peter kept telling people the book was fiction, it was a novel, and that he took no more responsibility for the fear of sharks than Mario Puzo (author of The Godfather) took responsibility for the Mafia," said Benchley's wife, Wendy, in an Associated Press interview.
• Benchley died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and fatal scarring of the lungs, in 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Peter Benchley write "Jaws" because he hated sharks?

No, Peter Benchley did not write "Jaws" out of hatred for sharks. His intention was to craft a thrilling story, and he chose the great white shark as an imposing antagonist due to its size and power. Benchley later expressed regret for the negative perception of sharks that the novel and film inadvertently promoted.

What impact did "Jaws" have on the public's perception of sharks?

"Jaws" significantly influenced the public's fear of sharks, leading to widespread shark hysteria and a rise in shark hunting. According to marine biologists, the portrayal of sharks as man-eaters in "Jaws" contributed to a harmful stereotype that has affected shark conservation efforts and skewed public understanding of shark behavior.

How did Peter Benchley's view on sharks change after "Jaws"?

After witnessing the consequences of "Jaws," Peter Benchley became an advocate for shark conservation. He spent much of his later life promoting oceanic conservation and educating people about the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems, emphasizing that they are not the monsters portrayed in his novel.

What actions did Benchley take to support shark conservation?

Peter Benchley actively worked with organizations dedicated to protecting marine life. He hosted television programs about the ocean, wrote articles, and gave speeches highlighting the critical role sharks play in the ocean's health and the urgent need to protect them from overfishing and habitat destruction.

Has the scientific understanding of shark behavior changed since "Jaws" was published?

Since the publication of "Jaws," scientific research has greatly expanded our understanding of shark behavior. Studies have shown that sharks are complex creatures with diverse behaviors and are not the mindless killers often depicted in media. They are crucial for maintaining marine ecosystems, and attacks on humans are rare and often a case of mistaken identity.

What can individuals do to help change the negative perception of sharks?

Individuals can help change the negative perception of sharks by educating themselves and others about the true nature of sharks, their role in marine ecosystems, and the importance of their conservation. Supporting organizations that work towards shark conservation, advocating for protective legislation, and promoting responsible media portrayal of sharks are also effective strategies.