Symbolism in The Old Man and The Sea Essay - 2610 Words

Earnest Hemingway, a prolific literary writer of his time infuses a multitude of symbolic elements into one of his most well known novels, The Old Man and The Sea, which assist in developing the many themes throughout the story. Hemmingway has constructed the struggle between Santiago and the marlin, his antagonist to symbolize overall themes of strength, perseverance, valor, and defeat. Moreover, his use of such symbols advances the plot toward the eventual defeat of Santiago. These symbols include Santiago’s community, the sea that supports it, and the people who make up the small fishing village. Figures appearing throughout act also on a symbolic level to foreshadow events and reflect inner conflicts central to the story. In addition†¦show more content†¦This fact gives way to coherence in considering, â€Å"when the old man would look at Manolin, he would see himself at a younger age, someone who cared more about the elderly and their heritage than the new ways bestowed to them† (123helpme). Manolin’s presence in the story not only parallels the personality of Santiago, but also represents a tangible sense of hope. The marlin, another symbol and prominent character represents many insubstantial thematic emblems including, endurance, nobility, courage, and defeat. These symbols embodied by the marlin stand as common themes throughout the story and they also tie the character of the marlin with the very representation of Santiago. The great fish, described by the old man as stubborn yet noble demonstrates its immense strength and perseverance as it drags Santiago’s skiff out to sea. The fish’s physical connection through the fishing line to Santiago, who also demonstrates this sort of honorable stubbornness and relentless perseverance, gives way to a symbolic correlation between the two. By Santiago’s own admission that the two relate as brothers, the symbolism of the fish as a representation of Santiago becomes clear. Moreover, the two both face a mutual thread of defeat despite their once held honor and achieved glory. This premise, personified in the final fate of the marl in, destroyed but not defeated, becomes distinctive also of Santiago who once held an honorable reputation among the other fishermen of hisShow MoreRelatedSymbolism Of The Old Man And The Sea4019 Words   |  17 PagesSymbolism in The Old Man and the Sea Symbolism, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is defined as â€Å"the art or practice of using symbols especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or sensuous representations. This means that any living or non-living object can be visualized as a symbol of something significant. 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