Ernest Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea is considered as one of the author’s finest works. In fact, this particular work of fiction was cited as one of the contributing reasons behind Hemingway’s 1954 Nobel Prize for Literature. The book follows the story of an experienced old fisherman and his endeavors to capture the ever elusive blue marlin. During his fishing trip, he encounters several challenges which tested everything in him. Within the narrative, the author introduced important themes which include defeat, triumph, and the perseverance of the human spirit.
One of the most prominent themes of the story is that of defeat. At the very start of the narrative, Santiago, the protagonist is portrayed as someone who is facing the pain of defeat. This is because he has been experiencing eighty-four days without catching a single fish. Other fishermen call him “salao” or someone who is having the worst kind of unluckiness (Hemingway 24). In fact, his misfortune is so great that Manolin, his apprentice, was ordered by his parents to not join the old man and was encouraged to fish with more successful fishermen. Santiago’s struggle is represented by the sail on this skiff or as he puts it, the “flag of permanent defeat”. And yet he refuses to accept this as he continues to sail and holds on the promise of catching a bigger fish. During his journey, he battles a brutal fight with the marlin which lasted for three days. This includes warding off the numerous sharks from taking his catch.
While the theme is defeat, the author also chooses to emphasize the concept of perseverance, bravery, and courage in the face of downfall. In here, Hemingway used to theme of defeat to introduce the strength of the human spirit. Santiago is having the worst form of luck; but despite of this, he continues to persevere as he knows that better days are soon coming. He simply have to patience and continue plowing through. The main character’s patience is further tested when he has to ward off the sharks. Such creatures which mercilessly try to grab his catch is symbolic of the ongoing challenges that he has to face before he can have a taste of success. In the same way, the sharks accurately represent how the world is filled with struggles that must be overcome and that there is no escape. Alternately, the author employed the concept of time to underline the patience of the protagonist. Facing more than eighty-four days without a catch is a feat itself. But what the biggest challenge here is choosing to still go on and keep on trying (Valenti 35).
Apart from defeat and triumph, another important theme discussed in this story is the concept of triumph. Triumph in this case however, is not discussed as something that can simply be achieved. Hemingway tied this theme with that of defeat and perseverance to perfectly show that each one is closely connected with the other. The main symbol of triumph in the plot is the marlin. Santiago’s main goal is to catch this fish; and he is similarly aware that in order to achieve this, he must face gruesome difficulties that he must overcome. But at the end of the day, he soon catches his prize and comes out more triumphant than ever (Singh 56).
Based on the points provided, it can be concluded that the main themes of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Seaare defeat, perseverance, and success. Interestingly, these three themes come together harmoniously as each one is used by the author to explain and communicate the other.
Works Cited
Hemingway, E. The Old Man and the Sea. CA: California Books, 2014
Singh, R. Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. NY: Atlantic Publishing, 1999
Valenti, P. Understanding The Old Man and the Sea. NY: Greenwood Publishing, 2002