Abstract This paper examines the way in which Hemingway uses Christ imagery to characterize Santiago in his novel, "The OldMan and the Sea." The paper explains how Hemingway emphasizes the power of suffering.
From the Paper "On the surface Ernest Hemingway's novella "The Old Man and the Sea" appears to be a rather simple story about an old fisherman and his struggles on the open sea. If one delves deeper into the narrative, however, it becomes apparent that Hemingway's intent is much more complex. Indeed the way in which the author utilizes religious symbolism within the novella works to effectively convey his main theme, namely, man's ability to endure through hardships and the nobility of such struggles."
Tags: hemingway, oldman and the sea, santiago, christ, crucifixion, religious, symbolism, suffering, sacrifice, nobility
Abstract This paper explains that, in "The OldMan and the Sea", Hemingway uses symbolism: The sea itself, the birds and the fish, which the protagonist Santiago finally catches. The author points out that the birds, which are Santiago's friends, dive and plunge for the fish thus showing him where the fish are. The paper relates that the old fisherman's frustration turns to elation when the "big fish" finally does bite, next begins the symbolic and real struggle between the oldman and the sea and, finally, Santiago has his long-sought gift from the sea, the fish, his prize for respectfully honoring the sea and for all his endurance of her fickle and unpredictable nature.
From the Paper "On the other hand, Santiago seems to identify closely with the birds he sees on the ocean, who appear small and powerless, like himself, except for the "robber birds" (29) which are perhaps equivalent to some of the other, more aggressive fishermen, who also lack Santiago's abiding reverence for the sea itself. He was "sorry for the birds, especially the small delicate dark terns that were always flying and looking and almost never finding . . . the birds have a harder life than we do except for the robber birds and the heavy strong ones" (29). Some of the younger fishermen behave much like the "robber birds", stealing irreverently from the sea, and thinking of the sea as a competitor rather than as a woman to love, as Santiago himself does."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the novel "The OldMan and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway. Specifically, the paper focuses on the theme of religion and spiritualism in the novel. According to the paper, at first glance Hemingway's novel may simply seem to be the story of an oldman's quest for a giant fish off the coast of Cuba. The paper then goes on to explain that the story really tells a tale of brotherhood, courage, and a sense of spirituality and belief that carries the man through his lengthy battle with the marlin.
From the Paper "Some critics even equate Santiago with Christ, as another critic notes. He writes, "A great deal of scholarship interprets Hemingway's 1952 novel in terms of Christian symbolism, with Santiago representing at times a Christ-figure, a failed Christ-figure, or a simple apostle wrestling, like Thomas, with doubt" (Waggoner 1998). Santiago does seem larger than life in the novel, and his three-day fight with the fish would certainly kill a lesser man. Perhaps Hemingway did see Santiago as a Christ-like figure. At any rate, reading this novel with an eye for meaning and symbolism gives added depth to an already great work, and makes Santiago even more sympathetic and appealing."
Tags: Santiago, fishing, fish, catch, sea, village, marlin, battle
Abstract This paper explains that, in Ernest Hemingway's ?The OldMan and the Sea?, Santiago fights mightily to catch a huge marlin fish and triumphs, only to lose the fish to sharks on his way inland, and yet remains undefeated in spirit. The author points out that the sea represents many things, including the feminine and life itself, and also the unknown and adventure. The paper relates that Santiago, an oldman undefeated by time, age, and the sea, is a hero because he keeps going back into the fight, undefeated in spirit.
From the Paper "Age does slow Santiago down, but he scoffs. His left hand cramps when he's cutting tuna: "What kind of hand is that" Cramp then if you want..it will do you no good.? (p. 58) He even draws strength from his younger days. He recalls an arm-wrestling match that lasted a day and night. He takes a nap, and dreams of lions on an African beach when he is young. It is as if, in old age, Santiago draws spiritual sustenance"and thus, he hopes, physical strength"from images and memories of strength. He is awakened by the marlin leaping out of the water, dragging him down to the bottom of the boat, and circling the boat slowly as Santiago holds the line."
Abstract This paper analyzes Earnest Hemingway's "The OldMan and the Sea" about the troubles and the travails that the oldman is willing to face to restore his lost pride. It shows how with only a very few characters and no real plot Hemingway has managed to evolve a novel rich in themes and symbolic import. It discusses how pride and self respect are the motivating factors and the driving force that propels the oldman to fight it out in the face of adversity and that the essential theme of this novel is that man is not honored by victory alone rather honor comes from the resoluteness of purpose and perseverance.
From the Paper "The Marlin (the big catch) in the sea represents the cherished goal (wealth, fame or any other thing) that people go after. Just like Santiago the Marlin also symbolizes valor. It does not meekly succumb but puts up a great fight against the old man. Even the old man acknowledges the bravery of the Marlin when he states it as a brave opponent. The Marlin symbolizes or represents the cherished accomplishment or the achievement of man. If we take a slightly different viewpoint we can also ascribe a different symbolic meaning. It is generally perceived in the literary circles that Hemingway was constantly bogged by literary critics and even under these adverse circumstances he managed to hold on to his gifted art. (Of writing). Now if we look under this pretext we can easily infer that the Marlin represents the "ART" and the sharks that try to eat away the Marlin represent the critics who were cynical to Hemingway's literary creations. The triumph of the old man implies the triumph of Hemingway in the world of literature. "
Abstract "The OldMan 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."
Abstract This paper examines the core themes of Ernest Hemingway's "The OldMan and the Sea" by exploring the theme of naturalism, Santiago and the Grail Myth, and Santiago as a Christ figure.
Abstract This paper discusses the book, "The OldMan and the Sea," by Ernest Hemingway. The paper analyzes many articles and the book to show the symbolism of the protagonist's actions and the environment around him. The paper explores how Hemingway utilizes the heroic qualities of Santiago and the religious symbolism in this novella to depict a tone of isolation.
From the Paper "With every "thrust of the blades in the water" (30) Santiago cuts himself off from the world. "The old man knew he was going out far, and he left the smell of the land behind and rowed out into the clean early morning smell of the ocean" (31). These passages from Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea express the triumphant yet tragic story of an old fisherman and his ultimate trial, a harsh, distressing battle with a Giant Marlin far of the coast of Cuba. This novella has the simplicity of a fable, the significance of a parable, and the drama of an epic (Macmillan cover). After leaving the mainland, Santiago starts his solitary quest for the big fish."
Abstract "The OldMan by the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway is the story of a rejected and failing fisherman, Santiago and the young boy who believes in him, Manolin. This paper examines how through the interactions of these characters and Santiago's personal struggle, Hemingway makes important points about people and life, ultimately delivering a positive message about the ability of every person to fight their own personal struggles and win.
From the Paper "The relationship between Santiago and Manolin is important to The Old Man and the Sea, and it is observed that there is a strong bond between the two. Santiago is the failing fisherman that has been rejected by everyone else. To him, Manolin is his only friend. Manolin himself is not rejected and he has other people in his life, but Santiago remains very special to him. This makes The Old Man and the Sea partly the story of a strong character seeing more than everyone else does and remaining devoted to a person everyone else sees as an outcast. Manolin has the unique ability to see beyond appearances and other people's perceptions and to form his own view."
Abstract This paper discusses the idea of grace under pressure, of which author Ernest Hemingway spent a career espousing through characters in his various novels and short stories. The paper reviews the story "The OldMan and The Sea" and studies the main character, Santiago, a fisherman down on his luck. It talks of how Santiago, despite his setbacks and physical limitations that age imposed on him, still approached each new day of fishing with cheer; a sign of grace under pressure.
From the Paper "Had the novel ended with the marlin's final submission, the extent of Santiago's true character may have never been revealed. It is not until he wages battle against the scavenger sharks that the reader is able to see the greatest example of grace under pressure. What makes the tale of Santiago's battle with the shark so significant an example of grace under pressure is not the fact that he show's great determination or pride. Certainly, both of these attributes were on display in earlier parts of the novel. It is the fact that his determination and pride remain in tact in the face of what he knows are insurmountable odds. His hope waned because he knew that he was too far from the shore and that he was ill-equipped to fight off the great number of sharks that would follow the blood trail being left by the great fish."
This paper discusses Ernest Hemingway's "The OldMan and the Sea": Characters of Santiago, Manolin and the marlin as tools in development of themes (heroic code, people vs. nature, emergence of victory from defeat, wisdom and suffering).
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 5 sources, 1991, $ 71.95
From the Paper "Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" tells the story of an old Cuban fisherman named Santiago. At the start of the novel, Santiago has gone eighty-four days without making a catch. The other fishermen of his village have begun to label the old man as salao, or "unlucky" (Hemingway 9). A young boy named Manolin is the only person who still has faith in Santiago's abilities. Although Manolin has helped Santiago before, his parents will no longer allow him to go out fishing with the old man. Therefore, Santiago embarks on a fishing expedition alone. In the course of this expedition, which ends up lasting three days, Santiago manages to catch the biggest marlin ever seen in the area. Although the struggle for the marlin saps most of the old man's strength, his test of endurance does not end there. As he tows the huge fish home, it is attacked by ... "
A look at the themes of love and conflict in "The OldMan and the Sea", "Indian Camp" and "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" by Earnest Hemmingway.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 7 sources, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes love and conflict in the Hemingway short stories, "The OldMan and the Sea", "Indian Camp", and "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber."
Abstract This ten-page paper presents a detailed discussion about characters in the stories To Kill a Mockingbird and The OldMan and the Sea. A protagonist from each book is compared and contrasted with the other. The stories are also summarized so we have an idea about the protagonist that the author discusses.
Abstract This paper explains that the one common theme, found in both stories, is the presence of the "all powerful", which, in the "Old-Man-in-the-Sky", was the one who had complete control over all things on earth and, in the Norse story, was father eternity who had control over the world. The author points out that some of the key features of the "Old-Man-in-the-Sky" myth are the distinction placed on the white man as inherently different from the Native Americans and the essential part played by a beaver, an otter, a bear and a buffalo, which are found in the area the Salish people lived (northern parts of Washington stretching to Montana). The paper states that both of these myths reflect the cultures of the people who adopted them and help explain why each society performs the way they do.
From the Paper "The second of the creation myths comes from the Salish Native American Tribe and sometimes called the Flatheads. There are only two main characters to this story, Old-Man-in-the-Sky, and Old Man Coyote. This story begins with the world already created by Old-Man-in-the-Sky. After creating the world, Old-Man-in-the-Sky drained off the water and collected it into the "big salt holes" to from the oceans, and the land dried out except for the lakes and rivers. One day Old man Coyote became lonely and went up to the sky world and would talk to Old-Man-in-the-Sky."
Abstract This paper explains that Gabriel Garcia Marquez's poem "A Very OldMan With Enormous Wings" has strong associative undercurrents linking it with ideas of Carl Jung; the embodiment of Jung's archetype of the shadow is presented in the character of the angel. The author points out that the influence of Jung can be witnessed in the opening of the poem, which is taken from Jung's writings that, only by difficult inner work, painstaking analysis and effort can humanity transcend the deep unconscious impulses of the shadow thereby avoiding neurosis and uniting the psyche in wholeness. The paper relates that Marquez's frequent referral to shipwrecks denotes that, the actual turbulence and destruction of the sea (strongly associated with the emotions) can wreak havoc on the ships (designating the ego) and the shore soon becomes the province of treasure.
From the Paper "Jung and his adherents theorized that the shadow was an inevitable result of the light shed by the consciousness of one's ego, and though unpleasant to acknowledge, all people have unpleasant, unacceptable, inferior impulses that comprise the shadow. Though mostly enacted unconsciously or deeply repressed, these qualities are abundantly evident in every daily newscast, and help one to understand cruelty, war, injustices of all labels and rationalizations. Our shadow side is balanced by the self, a concept that goes beyond our own innate ego consciousness, but according to Jung encompasses our collective unconscious, and the opposite sex reflection of ourselves, which he termed anima and animus (the subconscious balancing of the ego by traits and aspects characteristic of the opposite sex). In "A Very Old Man...", Pelayo is the embodiment of the male archetype, Elisenda, the female, both have aspects of the anima and animus, and the newborn child serves as the Divine Child archetype.The fortuitous arrival of the angel reflects the transformation that can be undergone if the shadow side is not only recognized, but embraced."
