Tianyou Li Li 1
Mrs. Phillips
English 9H
6 October 2015
The Marlin, The Sharks, and The Young Lions
“The true tarot is symbolism. It speaks no other language and offers no other signs.”(Arthur E. Waite) In literature, symbolism is widely used to give the deeper meaning behind common figures. It shows readers a new insight and enriches the theme and plot. In Hemingway’s compelling novella The Old man and The Sea, Santiago, an old but skilled fisherman, fished off the coast of Cuba. Unfortunately, Santiago couldn’t catch any fish for a long time. In his village, the younger fishermen ridiculed and laughed at him, while the older fishermen pitied and felt sorry for him. Despite of this, Santiago went on another fishing expedition in
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Santiago hooked the marlin, a vast and beautiful fish on the fourth day of his adventure. “It raked back and as the fish swam just below the surface the old man could see his huge bulk and the purple stripes that banded him. His dorsal fin was down and his huge pectorals were spread wide”(Hemingway 90). Anxiously, Santiago tried very hard to pull in this humongous fish and determined not to give up because catching a fish such size was extremely rare. The marlin symbolizes Santiago’s pride. “You killed him for pride and because you are a fisherman.”(Hemingway 105). In order to prove to his village that he was still useful, he had to catch the marlin and bring it back to them. The size of the marlin also shows the extent of his pride. Moreover, the marlin symbolizes Christ. The marlin was kind and patient. Likewise, Christ always was kind to others, even the wicked. Even thought the marlin was hooked by Santiago, the marlin didn’t franticly move about or dive under the sea. Since the marlin was so immense in size, it could have easily destroyed Santiago’s fishing boat, which could lead to Santiago drowning. Unlike other fish, the marlin patiently swam on, as if the marlin was guiding and leading Santiago somewhere. Similarly, Christ lead people and taught people when he was here on the Earth. Upon his crucifixion, people taunted him, but he never fought back. Additionally, the …show more content…
In Santiago’s childhood, he sailed ships to Africa where he had seen lions playing on the beach. His dreams were based on past events and memories. The lions’ symbolic meaning is Santiago’s youth. When Santiago dreamt about the lions carefree and playing on the beach, he got the strength and endurance that he need to continue. “After that he began to dream of the long yellow beach and he saw the first of the lions come down onto it in the early dark and then the other lions came...he waited to see if there would be more lions and he was happy”(Hemingway 81). The lions also symbolize peace and harmony. When the young lions played on the beach they were very happy and peaceful. This also helped Santiago relax. Santiago loved the lions as he loved Manolin. “He only dreamed of places now and of the lions on the beach. They played like young cats in the dusk and he loved them as he loved the boy.”(Hemingway 25). When he dreamt of lions, it reminded him of his youth and
...e of the meanings to be determined by the reader, but clearly conveys the meaning behind others. Such variety provides something or someone for any reader to relate to. Symbolism, hidden or obvious, serves to connect the reader with the characters of “The Things They Carried” and follow their development with interest and ease. In many cases, symbols answer the question which the entire story is based upon, why the men carry the things they do.
In almost every story, one can find symbolism throughout the text to help the reader better understand what the writer wants the reader to takeout from his/her story. Symbolism is something that must be analyzed and explored to experience a deeper meaning to the story. Sometimes, symbolism throughout a story may not be noticeable when first read, but going back to analyze the text can add a deeper meaning to words and can also help to enhance the meaning behind the story line. In some instances, symbolism can leave a reader to ponder what the writer is trying to express with the symbolism used in the story; for symbolism can be interpreted differently and can have many layers of meaning to it. Some good examples of short stories that use symbolism to extend the meaning behind the story line are “The Lottery,” “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall,” and “The Jury of Her Peers”.
In many aspects the literary device known as symbolism plays an important role in the overall essence of the story. Furthermore, symbolism creates an underlying tone and atmosphere for the whole story. The use of symbolism can change the meaning of one item to an entirely different entity with a closer
To begin with, the old man is determined just as the fish is. When Santiago first hooks the fish, he states, “‘Fish,’ he said softly, aloud, ‘I’ll stay with you until I am dead’” (Hemingway 52). This shows how he will risk his life to prove that he can catch this marlin. Santiago was fixed on catching this fish and ending his bad luck streak. And, as the marlin doesn’t have much of a choice, he will fight until he dies as well. They are both very
Many authors often use symbolism to express a deeper meaning. They use the symbols to connect an unrelated thought or feeling into the literary work they are writing. Edgar Allan Poe frequently uses this literary device in his works. Symbols are often seen in his poems and in his short stories. Many symbols are evident in Poe’s works “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Black Cat.”
In the story, there are many references to the crucifixion of Jesus. Santiago's badly injured hands evoke the hands of the crucified Jesus and three other situations reinforce this theory (Brenner, The Old Man and the Sea, Story of a Common Man 37). First, Santiago's marlin is approached by a pair of shovel nosed sharks. "Ay', he said out loud." (Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea 107) There is no meaning of "Ay", but perhaps it is the sound a man makes as his hands are nailed to wood (Brenner, The Old Man and the Sea, Story of a Common Man 38).
Symbolism is what makes a story complete. In "The Great Gatsby" Fitzgerald cleverly uses symbolism. Virtually anything in the novel can
Obtaining a goal can bring success to one’s outer “world” and to one’s inner spirit, the mind and soul. An achievement may bring recognition and respect from surrounding peers. It can also encourage one’s self esteem as well as give them more courage. In Ernest Hemmingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago receives outer, material formed success by earning the respect of his fellow peers and by attaining more physical strength. He also receives inner, spiritual formed success by gaining more self esteem.
Symbolism is commonly used by authors that make short stories. Guin is a prime example of how much symbolism is used in short stories such as “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” and “Sur.” In both of these stories Guin uses symbolism to show hidden meanings and ideas. In “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” there is a perfect Utopian city, yet in this perfect city there is a child locked in a broom closet and it is never let out. A few people leave the city when they find out about the child, but most people stay. Furthermore, in “Sur” there is a group of girls that travel to the South Pole and reach it before anyone else, yet they leave no sign or marker at the South Pole. Guin’s stories are very farfetched and use many symbols. Both “Sur” and “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” have many symbols such as colors, characters, objects, and weather. The four types of symbols that Guin uses help the readers understand the themes in her short stories. Although her stories are farfetched, they need symbolism in them or the reader would not understand the theme; therefore the symbols make Guin’s stories much more enjoyable.
The fish withholds a great part in this book. The Old Man and the Sea is a book that’s about a small town where the residents revolve their lives around fishing. The fish is a symbol of beauty and it is a greatly admired creature to these people. An example from the book is on page 49. Santiago has been fishing for 84 days and decides not to return home without a fish on the 85th day. On the 85th day, alone in the boat, he manages to hook an enormous marlin, the biggest fish he's ever seen in all his life. The fish is larger and stronger than Santiago. Santiago's experienced fishing skills and his will to catch and survive push him to pursue the fish for many days and many miles out to sea.
master at his art and he keeps practicing it in order to better himself. The
In the story, Santiago’s bravery is unsurpassed, but it is not until he hooks the “great fish” that we truly see his valor and perseverance. Through Santiago’s actions, Hemingway teaches the reader about bravery and perseverance in the face of adversity. He demonstrates that even when all is lost and seems hopeless, a willful heart and faith will overcome anything. Santiago had lost his “luckiness” and therefore the respect of his village. Through the description of his cabin, we also suspect that Santiago is a widower.
”(page 111). Santiago had plans for him already but failed to accomplish them. Some will argue that he won because he gained spiritual victory. This , in a way, is true; but fishing is his job and only way of living. If the case had been different and Santiago was only fishing for his personal entertainment, which wasn’t, it could be seen as a new experience or story to tell.
In The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman, pits his strength against forces he cannot control. We learn from Santiago's struggles how to face insurmountable odds with bravery and courage. Though we find an indifferent and hostile universe as Santiago's stage, his unwillingness to give in to these forces demonstrate a reverence for life's struggles. Santiago's struggle is for dignity and meaning in the face of insurmountable odds. His warrior-like spirit fights off the sharks full-well knowing the fate of his marlin. Santiago loses his marlin in the end, but his struggle to keep it represent a victory because of the dignity and heroism with which he carries out his mission. However, as Santiago acknowledges, he is almost sorry he caught the marlin because he knows the animal and he have a great deal in common as fellow beings in nature. However, he only caught the marlin "through trickery" (Hemingway 99). Santi...
...e on a fish like this," he said. "Now that I have him coming so beautifully, God help me endure. I’ll say a hundred Our Fathers and a hundred Hail Marys" (Hemingway 80). In addition, "he also promises to make a pilgrimage to a shrine, the Virgin of Cobre, if heaven does come through and deliver the fish to him, or at least helps him bring it in" (Auer 63). Santiago, an avid Catholic, reaches out to the Higher Power when he is pushed to his greatest moment of need and desperation.