The Old Man and the Sea: Question 3

What universal themes does this book address? What does the author understand about human nature? The major theme in The Old Man and the Sea is the respect that comes from struggle. Struggle is a reoccurring theme in the novel and Santiago defiantly struggles. His struggles start before the novel begins, with the old man’s bad luck spell with fishing. He went over ninety days without fish, and was struggling to survive without money and food. The struggle then continues when he catches a fish, but then has to chase it for five days. He never gives up and is determined to get the marlin no matter what. Although he struggled and ended up short, without the marlin, he earns back the respect of his fellow fisherman (Hemingway). They see that although he loses the marlin, he tried, struggled, and was beat up just to catch one fish. This earns their respect because they value the old man’s dedication.

            Another major theme that ties into the respect earned through struggle is dedication. It took a lot of dedication for Santiago to stay with the marlin for five days and not give up on it. His dedication also earns the respect from the other fishermen. Another example of dedication in the novel is Manolin’s dedication to Santiago. Although Manolin no longer worked for the old man, he still feels dedication to him because he taught him everything about fishing. Manolin, or the boy, feels such dedication to him that he makes sure he is healthy, and even brings him dinner (Hemingway 24). This dedication is something that people of all ages and at any time can learn from, and can continue on for many years.

Hemingway wrote and noted the important themes in life that people can learn from. He understands that people can be very judgmental and quick to form opinions that stick. What we learn from this is that with a little effort and dedication, we can be successful.  

    

 Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 1952. Print.