The Old Man and the Sea - Discussion Question 8

The Old Man and the Sea does not reflect a great deal of history, other than references to Joe DiMaggio and the Yankees throughout the book. The story is simply of an old man out at sea trying to end his streak of bad luck. With only a few characters mentioned in the book, that being Santiago, Manolin, and the marlin, there was almost no reference to any historical events (other than baseball references). The novella itself reflects more on a cultural view of the old man’s life than that of a historical outlook.

Although only seen in the beginning and end of the novel, the relationship between Santiago and Manolin offer an important example of responsibility between an old man (grandfather figure) and a young boy (grandson figure). Manolin looks up to the old man and respects him for all that he does. The young boy seems to be the only one who cares for the old man in the story. We learn in the beginning that the other fishermen only make fun of Santiago and mock him for his streak of bad luck. Manolin demonstrates an unconditional love for the old man. He brings Santiago sardines for his journey and makes sure he is well rested before he heads out to sea. “’Keep the blanket around you,’ the boy said. ‘You’ll not fish without eating while I’m alive,’” (Hemmingway 19). The young boy looks out for the old man not because he wants something from him, but because he simply cares for Santiago. In this grandfather-grandson type relationship, Hemmingway demonstrates a responsibility that I believe should be carried out in every generation. Respecting your elders is a vital task that is lovingly portrayed through Santiago and Manolin in The Old Man and the Sea.

It is clear that baseball and the “great DiMaggio” greatly influenced Ernest Hemmingway. He has high regard for the baseball legend, as he depicts him in the novel as a noteworthy figure that the old man looks up to extensively. The idea of hard work also influenced the author because he represents Santiago as an old man full of hard working motives. Overall, Hemmingway was greatly influenced by important figures and ideas that gave the novella a personal appeal.

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