The Old Man and the Sea
Symbolism in The Old Man and the Sea In the novel The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, there is quite a bit of symbolism, whether it is religious or not. This symbolism helps to bring to light the characteristics and personalities of the characters. This helps the reader understand who or what they really are. As well it explains what they represent. The symbolism of Santiago's struggle with the marlin, the lions in his dreams, and his constant talk of Joe DiMaggio portray Santiago's views and beliefs of the world and others around him. Santiago's struggle with the marlin for days on end is symbolic of his own personal struggle with himself and with nature. Santiago does not want to give up his pride to the marlin but wants to finally end his long drought of not catching any fish. "'Fish,' he said, 'I love you and respect you very much. But I will kill you dead before this day ends.'"(p.54) This shows that he has great respect for the fish, yet he has to kill him for his own personal pride. Even though Santiago feels as if his struggle with the marlin and the sea might
Santiago often has dreams about the lions on the long golden beaches of Africa when he was a young boy on a sailing boat (p. Santiago's constant talk and references about Joe DiMaggio is symbolic of the inspiration and influence that he has on Santiago in everything that he does. kill him, it has united him and the fish. These dreams seem to represent the happier and better times of his life, especially his youth. Also to believe that anything is possible if you set your heart to it and to always believe in himself. He now has greater respect towards the creatures of the ocean and feels as if they are a part of his world. Through their bond as creatures, he now understands the mysteries of the sea and her creatures. They both suffer from injuries but continue to "play the game," using their skills, hearts, and their endurance to replace the strength they once had in their youth. Joe DiMaggio is a constant inspiration to Santiago in everything that he does because they seem similar in their own ways and that is what makes Santiago feel as if he is capable of doing anything that the great DiMaggio can do. 110) By calling him his brother, Santiago has now created a bond with the marlin after spending so much time with the fish and now feels sorry for what he has put it through. That is why Santiago associates himself so closely with the ballplayer, whose "father was also a fisherman.
Common topics in this essay:
Joe DiMaggio,
DiMaggio Santiago,
Ernest Hemingway,
struggle marlin,
Symbolism Sea,
santiago's struggle marlin,
santiago's struggle,
beaches africa,
joe dimaggio,
constant talk,
hope confidence,
dreams represent happier,
life especially youth,
represent happier,
especially youth,
represent happier times,
dreams represent,
manages throughout,
|
Acceptance Essays
