Man and the Sea has no chapter division. This can be because of its relative shortness. But more likely is that from beginning to end, we are given a continuous account of Santiago's three-day ordeal. Chapter divisions or headings would be an unnatural intrusion into this exceptionally intimate slice of life.
2. The style is journalistic - pure Hemingway: short, straightforward sentences with one-syllable words. But there is remarkable simplicity and precision of word choice, which, along with thorough descriptions (peculiarities of sailing and fishing, in particular), furnish the story more lyrical nature.
In Hemingway the symbols are implicit. They follow the laws of reality to such a degree that in themselves they form a complete, full-blooded story. This gives his writing the ambiguity, which makes it true myth, and hence alive and lasting literature. On the writer's part it is a matter of treating reality with respect, which encompasses careful and constant observation.
The fishing theme is direct allusion to the early symbol of Christianity.
There are many references to the old man as the biblical figure. To begin with, Santiago, Spanish for Saint James, a martyred apostle of Jesus, appears to be crucified by dark forces (sharks) that torture anyone who demands too much of life or who dares to "go out too far". Equally, Santiago can be treated as Christ himself. Evidence for this is amply:
1. enduring suffering of the old man
2. Santiago is a tradesman - fisherman
3. He is alone - as nobody in the village believes in his strength - forgiving, ascetic
4. He has a true disciple – a boy
6. Hardly injured hands and boy's cry when he see them
7. Mast. Notwithstanding his suffering the old man dutifully carries the burden, like cross, on his shoulder
8. Blanket, in which Santiago wrapped himself is like a shroud of Christ
9. Santiago's position on the bad (after home-coming)...