The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

539 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The sea as a controlling factor in the old man and the Sea

The Old Man and the Sea was written by Ernest Hemingway in 1951 in Cuba, and published in 1952. It is a novel which talks about an old man named Santiago who has gone for eighty-four days without catching a fish. He sets out to the sea to try his luck, although he manages to catch a very big fish, he returns empty handed. The story mainly focuses on the challenges he faces on the sea to catch a very big fish. More than just setting, the sea plays an important role in the novella, assuming a character of its own. This essay will discuss the role of the sea in the old man and sea. Firstly, a major part of the story is set on the sea. The sea acts as a backdrop against which the reader views Santiago’s character. Santiago’s character is clearly seen through his interaction with the sea. We see Santiago’s’ strength while he strives to catch the fish. The community where he lives used to think that he has bad luck and that his best days were over, however, Santiago is able to prove everyone wrong thanks to the sea. The sea serves as an ideal location because it is turbulent and can be difficult to navigate. “Man can be destroyed but not defeated” This shows Santiago’s strong determination and strength to kill the fish he admires the most. Even though he loves the fish he is determined to kill this fish to show his strength using elements of the sea. Furthermore, in the turbulence of his life, the sea gives Santiago hope. The sea seems to welcome him, providing him company and food for his trip. There was no resistance from nature to his activities, except perhaps the sharks, but these are known predators to nature itself. This is seen when a butler (bird) lands on his boat and provides him company showing how nature is for him and not against him, as so many might argue. Moreover, Santiago’s love for nature is seen through the sea. In the story, Santiago is able to see the fish and other animals which he always dreams about through the sea. “He always thought of the sea as 'la mar' which is what people call her in Spanish when they love her. “Sometimes those who love her say bad things of her but they are always said as though she were a woman.

Show More
Related

  • Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea

    1221 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Old Man and the Sea tells the story of Santiago, a very old fisherman, and his quest to catch a fish after eighty four days of failing to catch any fish at all. When his young apprentice, Manolin, is forced to abandon him by his parents, Santiago sets out farther than he has ever traveled at sea in hopes that larger fish will be available for catching. Not only does he spend several days fighting with a great marlin that he manages to hook before finally killing him, he also battles with hungry sharks, as well as his own body, which, at times, seems to be failing him.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Archetype In The Old Man And The Sea

    524 Words  | 2 Pages

    Having the option to leave it, he chooses not to take that path because he is staying challenged with the fish and doesn’t want to fail at it. Through exhaustion, dehydration, and phlegm, he gathers the courage to stay with this fish that has continued such a battle for so long. Hemingway’s usage of dialogue between Santiago and the fish highlights their will to keep fighting. “I wonder why he jumped, the old man thought. He jumped almost as though to show me how big he was I know now, anyway, he thought. I wish I could show him what sort of man I am”(pg 63) The fish is trying to intimidate Santiago almost conveying that he will not give up without saying a word. Santiago senses this and wishes he could show the fish how “big” he is. “‘Fish,” he said softly, aloud, “I’ll stay with you until I am dead.’” (pg. 51) Santiago is declaring that he will not give up, not directly to the fish but more so to himself, reassuring that he will not give up. Both Santiago and the fish are determined to win their great battle but only one of them can be the

    Read More

  • Similarities Between The Old Man And The Great Gatsby

    1302 Words  | 3 Pages

    The quote, “Nothing happened. The fish just moved away slowly and the old man could not raise him an inch. His line was strong and made for heavy fish and he held it against his back until it was so taut that beads of water were jumping from it. Then it began to make a slow hissing sound in the water and he still held it, bracing himself against the thwart and leaning back against the pull. The boat began to move slowly off toward the north-west.”(44) creates in depth meaning into how the old man is strong because the fish possesses a determination equal in magnitude to Santiago’s. Santiago has a large amount of endurance, and is using it in the midst of following the fish. Another example of Santiago’s endurance throughout the novel is his strength with the physical pain he feels. For example, the old man has a lot of back pain while following the fish, and catching it, especially. “...”( ).........The old man also experiences physical pain when his hand is cramping and when it gets cut. The author states, “The old man would have liked to keep his hand in the salt water longer but he was afraid of another sudden lurch by the fish and he stood up and braced himself and

    Read More

  • Ernest Hemingway's Old Man And The Sea

    368 Words  | 1 Pages

    Santiago’s psychological processes in Ernest Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea are exceptionally eloquent and cultivated and reach deep levels of pride and self respect that he refuses to abandon. For example, the old man advocates not catching the fish by claiming that the fish has not been in the correct position to be caught. Santiago is overwhelmingly prideful which can ultimately affect his means of survival. The old man’s sense of deep self preservation just about crosses the line between having too much pride and coming off to others as arrogance. The old man refuses to accept help from anyone but the boy that he had taught how to fish years before, which even then he is hesitant to accept help. The million dollar question to ask is why

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Atticus And To Kill A Mockingbird

    1635 Words  | 4 Pages

    During the pursuance their goals, trials and tribulations came upon Santiago and Atticus, and their ability to face them showed defining diligence. When Santiago set out determined to catch his fish, he knew the task at hand would prove strenuous and trying, yet he went anyway. After days of waiting, watching, and praying, Santiago finally secured the fish on his hook, but then the real trouble began. The days that followed consisted of anguish for Santiago as he braced against his rod trying to keep it in the right position, all while the fish pulled him into the vast sea far from land. Pain tore through his body and thirst and desire consumed him like a raging fire. But despite the gruesome problems that faced him, Santiago persisted in his quest and pushed his strength to the limit. When he finally managed to pull the colossal creature into the skiff, the obstacles did not cease. The luring scent of the fragrant fish drew malicious sharks in from every direction all throughout the days and nights in which Santiago tried to get home. Despite the fact that he fought with every ounce of strength he possessed, the vicious animals overtook Santiago and destroyed the fish he worked so hard to catch. With the feeling of defeat overwhelming him he returned home and shocked the people with the enormous beast he caught, even if all that remained was

    Read More

  • Examples Of The Hero's Journey In The Alchemist

    814 Words  | 2 Pages

    Santiago had been rewarded with the treasure earned when completing his journey, “In my dream there was a sycamore growing out the ruin of the sacristy… there were precious stones, gold masks adorned with red and white feathers.” (Coelho 170). Santiago was able to accomplish his personal legend, which he had to go through many stages in the journey that got him closer to completing his goal. In this final stage of his journey was a good thing to accomplish, because he’s gone through all of the stages that had been placed there to challenge and see if he actually wants to accomplish it, so he did not give up and gained trust in himself to keep going. This is an important part of the journey because this had taught him to not give up and trust in his heart to accomplish his personal legend, such as when others believe that it is hard to accomplish what they want to complete and do in their life.

    Read More

  • Themes in The Old Man and the Sea

    948 Words  | 2 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • The Old Man And The Sea: Man Defeated

    2041 Words  | 5 Pages

    ”(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.

    Read More

  • The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

    1637 Words  | 4 Pages

    The Old Man and the Sea is novella written by Ernest Hemingway in 1952. It tells the epic journey and struggles of the old fisherman, Santiago, and his younger fishing partner, Manolin. The story goes into detail the day to day life struggles that a fisherman off the coast of Africa endures. The majority of the story focuses on one particular trip out sea. In life, one will go through a number of stages in life. Infancy, Youth , Adulthood, and Old Age are all key stages. As one grows, they mature through these various stages. When one reaches old age, there is often a lot of doubt surrounding their lives. Serenity, and independence are often the two most questioned. These are some questions that Santiago has to ask himself as well.

    Read More

  • The Old Man And The Sea and Moby Dick

    1367 Words  | 3 Pages

    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...

    Read More

  • Santiago in "The Old Man and the Sea"

    640 Words  | 2 Pages

    The old man and the sea is a novella about an old Cuban fisherman, Santiago, and his three-day battle with a giant Marlin fish. Throughout the novella, Santiago is portrayed in different perspectives. He is tough and refuses to give up at any time. He withholds the will to continue and the courage to overcome what is believed to be the impossible. His persistence and confidence, his absolute determination and his unique way of accepting the reality makes him a noble hero.

    Read More

  • The Character Santiago in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea

    1899 Words  | 4 Pages

    ... minds of many with the great strength and patience: the passion that Santiago has for life, for nature, and for the harsh judgement of fellow fisherman.

    Read More

  • Father Son Relationship In The Old Man And The Sea

    1205 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Old Man and the Sea, was written by Ernest Hemingway. In the novella, the old man, Santigo and the young boy Manolin has a relationship that goes dar beyond friendship. They have a soul bonding relationship. The boy needs the old man as a teacher and the old man needs the boy was family. Hemingway creates a very powerful, poignant relationship between the old man and the young boy throughout his novella using dialogues.

    Read More

  • The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway

    795 Words  | 2 Pages

    Existentialism makes its appearance when Santiago chooses to pursue the marlin, stay with it the entire way, and fight tooth and nail at the end. “My choice was to go there to find him beyond all people,” is how Santiago explains his actions to challenge the fish (Hemingway 50). He mentions how he was born to be a fisherman, and by chasing the marlin, he will give his life the meaning for existence. Santiago also insists on staying with the fish until one of them is dead, which exemplifies his will to fulfill his goals in life. He endures obstacles such as nausea, cramps, and sleep deprivation because he does not want to give up and surrender his fate.

    Read More

  • Old Man and the Sea and Our Relationship with the Sea

    1477 Words  | 3 Pages

    The relationship between animal and human in this text shows as a relationship of appreciation and respect. Santiago loves everything about being a fisherman. He is lonely at sea and his sea friends are his companions. He has great respect for the sea as well as the inhabitants that swim and live in it. He does not love all creatures of the deep, blue sea, however, does show respect for each one. Santiago has a particular relationship with the marlin. He comments that the marlin is “wonderful”, “strange”, “strong”, “wise”, and “that is fight has no panic to it” (Hemingway 48 -49). Based on his description of the marlin, Santiago loves and respects him as a worthy opponent and brother, “Now we are joined together and have been since noon” (Hemingway 50). Santiago is not only literally linked to the marlin, but also figuratively because the outcome of this battle will determine both their fates. The old man says, “The fish is my friend too,” he said aloud. “I have never seen or heard of such a fish. But I must kill him I am glad we do not have to try to kill the stars” (Hemingway 75). He starts to imagine impossible feats like killing the moon or the sun and feels lucky that his task, in relative terms, is much simpler. Although he is sad to kill the fis...

    Read More

More about The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Open Document