The novel The Old Man and the Sea by Hemmingway is among his most significant writings. The author explores plenty of themes that are still relevant nowadays. Hemmingway forces his reader to reflect throughout the whole narrative, making him or her emphatic with aspirations, struggles, and achievements of the protagonist. It might seem that the novel contains a never-ending question on whether a human is able to create his or her luck or not. In this paper, the analysis of the story, as well as its primary themes, will be discussed.
Conventionally, the composition of the story can be divided into three parts: an older man and a boy, an older man at the sea, and the protagonist’s return home. On the character of Santiago, all compositional elements are formed. The annular frame of the composition is the older man’s departure to the sea and his return. The primary feature of the story is that it is saturated with the internal monologues of the protagonist and even dialogues with himself.
The central issue of the narrative may be defined as an assessment of human will, character, and faith. Moreover, the author creatively raises the topic of whether people are capable of making their own luck. Hemmingway also addresses the themes of loneliness and human destiny, which gives the story some kind of majesty and mystery. The author aims to show the person in the struggle against nature itself, its creatures and elements, as well as the man’s overcoming of his weaknesses. A massive layer of the author’s philosophy is drawn in the story clearly: an elderly was born to pursue a goal that became his obsession. After achieving the latter, he obtained the deserved happiness and calmness (Hemingway, p. 48). Here, Hemmingway might attempt to tell a reader that the essence of nature is concealed in the fact that everything in it has a purpose. The main aspiration of a human is never to stop searching and fighting for this purpose, remaining calm and harmonized with the gifts of nature.
Hemingway wisely depicts a person’s achievement of dreams and what follows afterwards. The massive marlin is the essential trophy for Santiago – it is a proof that this man won the battle of life. The fact that Santiago got this trophy despite difficulties, tests, and obstacles brought happiness and satisfaction to the protagonist. A dream that came with sweat and blood is the biggest reward for Santiago. Although sharks ate the wished marlin, there is quite an apparent victory – of both physical and moral character – over circumstances (Hemingway, p. 40). The personal triumph of an elderly fisherman and the recognition of society are the most substantial rewards for Santiago.
To conclude, The Old Man and the Sea may be considered as a remarkable piece of writing. The discussed above themes demonstrate a lot of ideas and occasions that reflect the compliance of a human being. However, with the development of the plot, the reader might obtain the thought that humans are prone to overcome any hardships and issues that may occur. The critical point here is that a person should identify his or her purpose and try to achieve it stubbornly and insistently. In the story of Santiago, Hemingway reveals how luck is made indeed. It is a product of people’s tenacious efforts, never-ending struggle, and appropriate state of mind, according to which everything is possible.
Work Cited
Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. Life, 1952. Asiaing.com, Web.