The Old Man and The Sea is novel about an enduring old man and his strength pitted against a force he can not control. The story is about an old man named Santiago and his epic three day struggle with a giant marlin. Through the use of themes such as bravery, endurance and friendship, the Old Man and the sea strives to teach important lessons of life to the reader, and encourages the meaning of the book to be compared to the meaning of life itself.

In the story Santiago’s bravery and endurance is unrivalled, but it is not until he catches the giant marlin that we really see his courage and perseverance. Through Santiago’s actions I discover about bravery and persistence in the face of adversity. Santiago demonstrates that even though he has gone 84 days without catching a fish and all hope is lost, his faith and devotion will help him overcome anything. Faith is his best attribute as without it, he would have never had the strength to preserver and finally catch the giant Marlin.

Through the use of symbolism I am lead to believe that one of the main symbols in the novel is Christianity. I am positioned to believe this because in the beginning I was shown a unique relationship between Manolin and Santiago, which represents Christ and his disciples. Manolin is Santiago’s disciple and Santiago teaches Manolin about fishing and life. One of the greatest lessons that Santiago gives is that of a simple faith. An example of this is when Santiago says “Have faith in the Yankees my son.” This type of faith reflects the basic principles of Christianity.  

Another example of the symbolism of Christ in ‘The Old Man and The Sea is During the old man’s battle with the marlin, his palms are cut by his fishing cable. Given Santiago’s suffering and willingness to sacrifice his life, the wounds are suggestive of Christ’s stigmata, and Hemingway goes on to portray the old man as a Christ-like martyr.

The use of personification helps develope Santiago’s character, through his connection with the ocean. The ocean is personified to be his best friend and life partner, and he can’t live without it. It brings him good times, but frustrates him and brings him hardship.  The sea is also used to show Santiago’s trust in nature and his infinite wisdom and trust. Another example of personification is the Marlin itself, as Santiago often refers it to his own brother. The use of personification helps characterise Santiago, as somebody who has life earned wisdom and patience.

Hemingway’s style of writing is one which emphasizes the pain, suffering and the struggle the protagonist is going through, but still the protagonist shows grace. It is characterised by economy and understatement, and had a significant influence on the development of twentieth-century fiction writing.

The use of these themes and ideas help teach important lessons to the reader that they will not forget. The novel acknowledges the importance of the individual and of courage, skill, art, endurance and showing elegance and grace

under enormous pressure.