The Old Man The Sea Essay Research
The Old Man The Sea Essay, Research Paper
The Old Man In The Sea
The “ Old Man and the Sea ” is a epic narrative of adult male & # 8217 ; s strength pitted against forces he can non command. It is a narrative about an old Cuban fisherman and his three-day conflict with a elephantine Marlin. Through the usage of three outstanding subjects ; friendly relationship, courage, and Christianity ; the “ Old Man and the Sea ” strives to learn of import life lessons to the reader while besides typifying Santiago, the old fisherman, as a Hemingway codification hero. The relationship between Santiago and the male child is introduced early in the narrative. They are improbable comrades ; one is old and the other immature, yet they portion an insurmountable sum of regard and trueness for each other. Santiago does non handle Manolin as a immature male child but instead as an equal. Age is non a factor in their relationship. Manolin does non even move as a immature male child ; he is mature and sensitive to Santiago & # 8217 ; s feelings. He even offers to disobey his parents and accompany Santiago on his fishing trips. Santiago is viewed as an castaway in his small town because he has non caught any fish for more than 84 yearss and is hence “ luckless ” . Nonetheless Manolin is loyal to Santiago and even when his parents forbid him he wants to assist his friend. Their conversations are comfy, like that of two friends who have known each other for a long clip. When they speak it is normally about baseball or fishing, the two things they have most in common. Their favourite squad is the Northerners and Santiago ne’er loses religion in them even when the star participant, Joe DiMaggio is injured with a heel goad. In this manner Santiago non merely teaches Manolin about fishing but besides approximately of import features such as religion. In the narrative Santiago & # 8217 ; s courage is unexcelled but it is non until he hooks the “ great fish ” that we truly see his heroism and doggedness. Through Santiago & # 8217 ; s actions Hemingway teaches the reader about courage and doggedness in the face of hardship. He demonstrates that even when all is lost and seems hopeless a religion and willfu
l heart 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. Although Santiago has had many troubles he perseveres. He has faith in Manolin, in the Yankees, in Joe DiMaggio, and most importantly in himself. This is perhaps his greatest attribute because without it he would never have had the strength to persevere and defeat the giant Marlin. Faith is not the only thing that drives his perseverance. Santiago also draws upon his past victories for strength. After he hooks the Marlin he frequently recalls his battle with a native in what he calls “the hand game”. It is not just an arm wrestling victory for him it is a reminder of his youthful days. His recollections of this event usually proceed a favorite dream of his in which he sees many lions on a peaceful shore. These lions represent him when he is young and strong and could overcome any challenge. Although he is an old man and his body is no longer like it used to be his heart is still great and he eventually defeats the Marlin. Santiago’s perseverance and bravery are further illustrated when he tries to fight off the sharks. He was a fisherman all his life and therefore he knows that the fate of his catch is inevitable yet he persists to fight the sharks. The battle between him and the sharks is about principles not a mere fish. Santiago is still a great warrior at heart and warriors fight until the end. One of the greatest and most obvious pieces of symbolism in the story is Christianity. From the beginning of the story the reader is shown a unique relationship between Santiago and Manolin. Their relationship parallels that of Christ and his disciples. Manolin is Santiago’s disciple and Santiago teaches Manolin about fishing and life. One of the greatest lessons that Santiago gives is that of a simple faith. “Have faith in the Yankees my son.” This type of faith reflects the basic principles of Christianity. Hemingway’s description of Santiago further illustrates
