The Old Man and the Sea - Discussion Question 1

The Old Man and the Sea is a prestigious novella with noteworthy values and attitudes. It is interesting to reflect on what is packed into such a short and outwardly simple literary work of art. I am left with a serene sense of respect for the old man, Santiago, because of his determination out at sea. In a cunning and creative way, Ernest Hemmingway portrays through Santiago an understanding of his own personal values and attitudes throughout the novella itself. Readers are immediately introduced to Hemmingway’s high regard for fishing in the first few pages. The story’s main character, Santiago, does not accept defeat. Although he has gone eighty-four days without luck, he sets out to sea hopeful of making the catch of a lifetime (Hemmingway 8). His attitude is calm and unperturbed despite what he has endured throughout his streak of bad luck. Not once does he lash back at the other fishermen mocking and teasing him for his unremitting willpower. Santiago demonstrates a significant amount of patience, perseverance, and demeanor when he catches a mighty marlin out in the Gulf Stream. No matter how bad his back hurts, he does not give up. No matter how tired he is Santiago persistently holds the line steady. “‘Fish,’ he said softly, aloud, "I’ll stay with you until I am dead.’ He’ll stay with me too, I suppose, the old man thought and he waited for it to be light,” (Hemmingway 52-53). Here Hemmingway shows readers the old man’s firmness to catch the fish. Even though in the end Santiago loses the marlin to the jaws of sharks, he tells his apprentice Manolin he is ready to take him out to sea to teach him the ways of fishing. It is clear Hemmingway values the ideals of fishing because of the hard work put into what seems to be an easy task. Fishing takes skill, patience, and strength, whether it is mental or physical. Santiago exemplifies all of these traits on each and every page of The Old Man and the Sea.

The Old Man and the Sea is written in third person. Because this style of writing is used, readers are able to acquire an idea of how each character feels. It also adds to the story’s stimulating, yet soothing tone. Short and choppy sentences are used by the narrator to reveal the simple lifestyle of Santiago. At the same time, these sentences are generating an illustrious picture of the setting in a diminutive and straightforward way.

Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 2003. Print.