“The Old Man and the Sea” is a classic novella written by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1952. The story is set in a small fishing village near Havana, Cuba, and centres around an elderly fisherman named Santiago.
Santiago has been suffering from a streak of bad luck, going eighty-four days without catching a fish. As a result, the young boy, Manolin, who used to be Santiago’s apprentice and companion, has been forced by his parents to work with more successful fishermen. Despite this, Manolin still cares deeply for Santiago and frequently visits him, helping him with his fishing equipment and providing companionship.
Determined to prove his worth and restore his reputation, Santiago decides to venture far out into the Gulf Stream, beyond the usual fishing grounds, in search of a big catch. On the 85th day, Santiago sets out to sea alone on his skiff, armed with his fishing gear and a sense of determination.
After a few uneventful days at sea, Santiago feels a tug on his fishing line. He has hooked a massive marlin, the largest he has ever encountered. Santiago’s joy at catching the marlin is tempered by the realization that he is now far from the safety of the coast and must battle the powerful fish on his own.
The novella delves into Santiago’s epic struggle with the marlin. The battle is physically and mentally grueling, lasting for days. Santiago’s hands and back become blistered, and he grows weary from the relentless fight. Despite his exhaustion and pain, he refuses to give up, drawing on his years of experience and knowledge of the sea to outsmart the marlin and prevent it from pulling him farther out to sea.
Throughout the battle, Santiago engages in conversations with himself, with the marlin, and even with the creatures of the sea. These introspective moments offer insights into Santiago’s character, his love for the sea, and his respect for nature. He admires the marlin’s strength and nobility, seeing it as a worthy adversary and respecting its struggle for survival.
As the battle continues, Santiago’s determination and resilience are tested further when sharks are drawn to the marlin’s blood and attempt to attack it. Santiago fights valiantly to fend off the sharks, using his harpoon and any other tools at his disposal. Despite his efforts, the sharks gradually tear apart the marlin, leaving only its skeletal remains.
Exhausted and heartbroken over losing his prize catch, Santiago returns to the coast with the marlin’s skeleton tied to his skiff. The sight of the massive skeleton attracts attention, and the other fishermen are in awe of Santiago’s feat, despite the loss of the fish.
Back in the village, Manolin and the other fishermen are deeply moved by Santiago’s struggle and bravery. Manolin once again pledges his loyalty and vows to fish with Santiago in the future, regardless of his parents’ objections.
“The Old Man and the Sea” is a profound and contemplative novel that explores themes of perseverance, human resilience, and the connection between humans and nature. Hemingway’s spare yet powerful prose skilfully portrays the human spirit’s indomitable nature and the timeless struggle between man and the natural world. Through Santiago’s epic battle with the marlin, Hemingway captures the essence of the human condition and leaves readers with a poignant and enduring meditation on life’s challenges and triumphs.
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