"The Old Man and the Sea"

Paper Summary:

"The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway is marvelous piece of writing basically because of its lucidity and simplicity. Yet the story contains important messages and philosophies, which can only be read between the lines and through close analysis of Santiago's monologues, daydreams, and thoughts. The paper points out that one message, which consistently runs throughout the novel and is repeatedly highlighted, is that man must continuously fight against unfavorable forces, even if he is certain of the futility of his struggle.

From the Paper:

"While Santiago is an old man with hardly any real strength left, he must battle both physically and mentally against external forces that have lately been very unkind to him. The old man is pitted against the sea, which symbolizes a great force and sea life as allies of that force, and while Santiago knows that he may not succeed, he is required to continue fighting. This continuous struggle is in line with Christian belief that despair is unforgivable. He watched only the forward part of the fish and some of his hope returned."

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