Plot Summary:
“The Old Man and The Sea,” written by Ernest Hemingway and published in 1952, relates the difficult life of an old Cuban fisherman that struggles in his profession for a long period of time until he catches the biggest fish in his life. The story begins presenting readers the fact that Santiago, the old fisherman, has been eighty-four days without catching a fish. This uncomfortable situation leads Manolin, a teenager who works with Santiago, to leave him under his father’s command. However, Manolin reflects more than once throughout the story his desire to keep accompanying the old man in the sea adventures. Although, Manolin was forced to belong to a more prosperous boat, he shows his gratitude, respect, and concern about …show more content…
Santiago faces an extreme frustration; however, he remains strong about the idea that he will succeed. Through the whole story, Santiago is referred as the “old man,” phrase to emphasize that his was lacking skills because of his age. “Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated.” (Hemingway, 1) Hemingway emphasizes in Santiago’s eyes, as blues as the sea. The sea is vast, full of resources, life, and hope, the same reflection in Santiago’s eyes. Although Santiago misfortune lasts long days, he projects a positive attitude that motivates him to move forward and keep the hope that he will succeed …show more content…
Is Hemingway trying to express that the old man was too tired to keep fighting, or that he was able to do what it takes to accomplish his goal? This exaggerated thought portraits how confused Santiago is. According to William E. Cain, a professor at Wellesley College and an expert in nineteenth and early twentieth century American literature, “Critics have mocked this phrase. But there is no lapse here: such Language is not far-fetched for an old fisherman tired from battle with his huge catch.” My viewpoint is that Santiago is glad that he does not have to do extra effort to achieve his objective. Perhaps he is just feeling thankful that he does not have to fight with the strongest elements of nature: the sun and the moon. In contrast, it seems for a moment that Santiago is regretting his actions. “It is enough to live on the sea and kill our true brothers.” (Hemingway, 20) This thought is very ambiguous to me. From one perspective it may sound like he regrets his decision of causing damage to what he refers as “brothers.” However, he is able to move forward without caring about his actions. From another perspective, this though shows the dark side of Santiago. He is disposed to hurt and kill just to satisfy his needs. This portraits Santiago’s selfish and negative
“The Old Man and The Sea,” written by Ernest Hemingway and published in 1952, relates the difficult life of an old Cuban fisherman that struggles in his profession for a long period of time until he catches the biggest fish in his life. The story begins presenting readers the fact that Santiago, the old fisherman, has been eighty-four days without catching a fish. This uncomfortable situation leads Manolin, a teenager who works with Santiago, to leave him under his father’s command. However, Manolin reflects more than once throughout the story his desire to keep accompanying the old man in the sea adventures. Although, Manolin was forced to belong to a more prosperous boat, he shows his gratitude, respect, and concern about …show more content…
Santiago faces an extreme frustration; however, he remains strong about the idea that he will succeed. Through the whole story, Santiago is referred as the “old man,” phrase to emphasize that his was lacking skills because of his age. “Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated.” (Hemingway, 1) Hemingway emphasizes in Santiago’s eyes, as blues as the sea. The sea is vast, full of resources, life, and hope, the same reflection in Santiago’s eyes. Although Santiago misfortune lasts long days, he projects a positive attitude that motivates him to move forward and keep the hope that he will succeed …show more content…
Is Hemingway trying to express that the old man was too tired to keep fighting, or that he was able to do what it takes to accomplish his goal? This exaggerated thought portraits how confused Santiago is. According to William E. Cain, a professor at Wellesley College and an expert in nineteenth and early twentieth century American literature, “Critics have mocked this phrase. But there is no lapse here: such Language is not far-fetched for an old fisherman tired from battle with his huge catch.” My viewpoint is that Santiago is glad that he does not have to do extra effort to achieve his objective. Perhaps he is just feeling thankful that he does not have to fight with the strongest elements of nature: the sun and the moon. In contrast, it seems for a moment that Santiago is regretting his actions. “It is enough to live on the sea and kill our true brothers.” (Hemingway, 20) This thought is very ambiguous to me. From one perspective it may sound like he regrets his decision of causing damage to what he refers as “brothers.” However, he is able to move forward without caring about his actions. From another perspective, this though shows the dark side of Santiago. He is disposed to hurt and kill just to satisfy his needs. This portraits Santiago’s selfish and negative