In “The Old Man and the Sea,” Ernest Hemingway presents a story that is as much about human perseverance as it is about an old man battling a marlin. Santiago, the protagonist, is introduced as a fisherman who has gone eighty-four days without catching a fish. This drought consumes his life, as fishing is not only his passion but also his livelihood. He is deeply committed to his craft, and Hemingway clarifies that fishing defines Santiago’s existence. As I followed Santiago’s struggle, I felt an echo of the impossibilities that seemed to dominate my own life. Yet, in his perseverance, I found something inspiring—a reflection of the human spirit that refuses to be broken. Santiago’s character is the driving force behind the novella; without Hemingway’s careful personality development, the story would lose much of its emotional depth and impact.
Throughout the novella, Santiago’s enduring hope against all odd, overwhelming odds makes him unforgettable. His ability to persist despite the mounting failures endeared him to me almost immediately. I found myself rooting for him, investing in his success as if his struggle was mine. His simple, singular drive to continue—whether to fish, survive, or keep his pride intact—resonates deeply. His friendship with Manolin, the young boy who admires and cares for him, only adds to this emotional resonance. Their relationship is grounded in mutual respect and affection. Even feeling isolated, Santiago’s humanity shines through and he feels secure in his place in the world. Manolin’s admiration for Santiago’s skills and wisdom made me care even more for the old man; if this young boy saw something so special in him, then Santiago’s battle with the sea became more than just a personal one—it was a fight for something greater, a fight for dignity and legacy.
As Santiago embarks on his journey, the reader is drawn deeper into his thoughts and motivations. He cares deeply about simple things: the art of fishing, his friendship with Manolin, and baseball—particularly his hero, Joe DiMaggio. Hemingway’s portrayal of these small yet significant passions is where his writing truly shines. The old man’s thoughts about baseball and the lions he remembers seeing in his youth on African beaches reveal a rich inner world. I found myself reflecting on these images long after finishing the novella. Santiago’s thoughts about the lions, in particular, stayed with me, representing a purity and unspoiled joy that Santiago longs for amid his struggle. These are the moments where Hemingway, with his simple and direct prose, captures the beauty and tragedy of life with profound clarity.
After many days without a catch, I felt overwhelming relief and excitement when Santiago finally hooked the marlin. Hemingway triumphs as if all of Santiago’s hard work and suffering has finally paid off. Yet, the story does not offer lasting satisfaction. Instead, it plunges into a long, drawn-out struggle between Santiago and the fish, which lasts for days. This section of the novella is where Hemingway’s skill in depicting physical and emotional endurance truly shines. As Santiago battles the marlin, I could feel the weight of the fishing line in my own hands, the strain on his body mirrored in my mind. Each hour that passes without victory increases the tension, pulling the reader deeper into Santiago’s world of exhaustion and determination.
The struggle with the marlin is not just physical but also a test of Santiago’s character and resolve. As the fish dragged him farther to sea, I questioned what motivated the old man. What keeps him going in the face of such overwhelming odds? Santiago’s motivations are never explicitly stated, but Hemingway’s writing allows readers to draw their own conclusions. I believed that Santiago’s unyielding fight with the marlin was about more than survival—it was about proving something to himself. The fish represented all of the challenges in his life, the seemingly impossible obstacles he had to face. Catching the marlin became a metaphor for conquering the impossible, showing that he still had worth and strength even in his old age.
As the novella progresses, the struggle takes on a more existential tone. Santiago’s battle with the marlin is not just about catching a fish; it’s about proving his place in the world and his ability to endure when everything around him seems to be failing. The novella’s pacing mirrors this struggle—slow and deliberate, like the passing of time on the sea. While some readers might find this slow pacing frustrating, I found it essential to the story’s emotional impact. Hemingway’s choice to stretch the narrative over several days heightens the tension and gives the reader a sense of how taxing Santiago’s journey is.
As a setting, the sea plays a crucial role in shaping the novella’s tone and atmosphere. Hemingway’s vast, open ocean descriptions convey a sense of isolation, danger, beauty, and wonder. Santiago’s connection to the sea is complex—it is both his enemy and his ally, a place of life and death. Hemingway’s portrayal of the sea emphasizes Santiago’s smallness in the grand scheme of nature and highlights his resilience. The sea mirrors Santiago’s internal struggle, reflecting his deep connection to the natural world and his fight for survival.
One of the standout qualities of “The Old Man and the Sea” is how Hemingway conveys deep, universal themes with such an economy of language. The writing is sparse but never lacking, letting the weight of Santiago’s struggle speak for itself. You don’t feel bombarded with descriptions or weighed down by unnecessary detail, yet somehow, you feel every ounce of the old man’s exhaustion and resolve. Another strength lies in the story’s singular focus on grit. Santiago’s battle with the marlin is more than a fight for survival—it’s mainly about human endurance and willpower. You’re drawn into his struggle, not merely because of the fish, but because of what it represents for anyone who has faced hardship and refused to give up. Lastly, the novella’s setting—the vast, endless sea—plays its role. The isolation of Santiago in the open water intensifies his battle and marks it out as an epic contest, with nature as both a companion and adversary. These elements come together to offer a deceptively simple yet profoundly moving story.
Despite the many strengths of “The Old Man and the Sea,” there are moments where the story’s simplicity might not appeal to all readers. Some may find the pacing too slow or the ending unsatisfying. The resolution feels abrupt when Santiago returns to shore, beaten but not entirely defeated. The sharks that devour his prize, the marlin, leave both Santiago and the reader with a sense of loss and incompleteness. This lack of a clear victory might frustrate those expecting a more traditional narrative arc. Additionally, while powerful, Hemingway’s minimalist style can obscure the depth of his themes for readers who are not looking closely. The straightforward language might seem too simplistic for some, hiding the richness of the emotional and philosophical undertones beneath the surface.
Yet, despite these potential drawbacks, “The Old Man and the Sea” remains a deeply affecting and timeless work. Its exploration of perseverance, isolation, and the human spirit is perennially resonant. Santiago’s journey speaks to the universal human experience—the need to prove oneself, endure, and find meaning in life’s struggles. Though brief, Hemingway’s novella leaves a lasting impact and allows readers to find meaning in their hardships. Santiago’s story is one of hope, even in failure, and this message makes “The Old Man and the Sea” a work of enduring relevance.
The Old Man and the Sea Review: Earnest Hemingway's Pulitzer Prize Winning Novel
Book Title: The Old Man and the Sea
Book Description: The Old Man and the Sea is a short novel that tells the story of an old Cuban fisherman, Santiago. The novel focuses on his poverty, determination, and incredible spirit as he battles to reel in the biggest fish he's ever seen.
Book Author: Earnest Hemingway
Book Edition: Scribner Paperback Classics
Book Format: Paperback
Publisher - Organization: Simon & Schuster
Date published: May 5, 1995
ISBN: 0-684-80122-1
Number Of Pages: 128
- Story
- Characters
- Setting
- Writing Style
- Dialogue
- Conclusion
- Lasting Effect on Reader
The Old Man and the Sea Review
Even though The Old Man and the Sea is a short novel, it has a powerful impact. Santiago’s world, although simple, is incredibly moving and memorable. He suffers through poverty and hardship for little reward. His few pleasures, being on the sea, speaking with his young friend, and baseball are meager. But, all that makes him somehow easier to connect with.
When Santiago goes on to sea, trying once again to break his streak of unsuccessful fish trips, he embarks on a journey that pushes him to his absolute limits. The reader is asked to consider the value of life, their own capacity for suffering, and how if long they could persevere in the face of what Santiago stands up against.
Pros
- Hemingway’s writing style is incredibly effective.
- The characters are vibrant easy to connect with.
- Hemingway successfully uses imagery and memories to create a moving inner narrative when Santiago is at sea.
Cons
- Limited dialogue. Most of the actions play out through narration.
- Disappointing conclusion for Santiago who suffered for nothing.
- Reader is left wondering what happens to Santiago at the end of the novel.
