The Old Man and the Sea
A novel written by Ernest Hemingway
Pages 63-95
Content by Katherine Chaluisant and Susan Moore
-Setting-

In the section assigned for this project, Santiago spends his time in a small boat on the ocean.

-Characters-

Santiago and the Marlin

-Plot-

The section assigned for this project from The Old man and the Sea starts with Santiago in his boat on the sea. He has a huge fish hooked onto his line and is being pulled by the fish through the ocean. He is alone in his boat and has to bear the weight of the fishing line in his hands and on his back. Cutting his hands on the line and getting cramps because of having to manage the weight of the fish, he also manages to catch other smaller fish in order to keep his strength up. Santiago is weak, alone, and battling the fish.

Though he is battling the fish, he thinks of him as a brother and a noble creature. He wishes that he wouldn't have to kill such a noble creature but wants to. As he sees this fish as his equal, a worthy opponent. Santiago knows men beat fish because they are more intelligent, but otherwise feels equally matched. Santiago defeats the fish, shoving a harpoon into it's heart.


-Symbolism-

The Marlin: It symbolizes the perfect opponent, something that matches his skill level. He also sees his competitive side in the fish. In a way, it symbolizes Santiago, like an alter ego.

-Conflict-

Man vs. Nature: As Santiago is being dragged through the ocean by this enormous fish, he is battling a wild creature, a force of nature. He says that the noble fish and he are evenly matched and wishes man didn't have to kill them. He believes the fish would win if fish were as intelligent as men. In order to survive, the fishermen must battle the fish.

-Theme-

Life from Death: The fishermen kill the fish in order to survive. He uses the fish as a form of sustinence to keep himself going. With the fish's death, a sort of rebirth continues.

-Quotes-

"Blessed Virgin, pray for the death of this fish, wonderful though he is."
Santiago is praying for the death of his fallen opponent, despite the fact that he states he is not a religious man. It's another sign of many that he respects the fish as an equal opponent.

"I do not understand these things, he thought. But it is good that we do not have to try to kill the sun or the moon or the stars. It is enough to live on the sea and kill our true brothers."
Santiago, whilst sustained by the death of the fish also seems saddened by it's loss. This perfect opponent, though he needs to be killed to feed people, is not something would want to kill under any other circumstances, but he is glad that he doesn't have to kill other noble things the same way.

Royalty Free Images from Getty Images
Handscripted by Katherine Chaluisant