The Old Man And The Sea: A Lesson in Courage

The Old Man And The Sea: A Lesson in Courage

 

The Old Man And The Sea Summary

In "The Old Man and The Sea," Santiago is an old fisherman who hasn't caught anything for 84 days. On his latest fishing excursion, he hooks a giant marlin, which drags him out to sea. Santiago engages in a fierce battle with the marlin for three days, showing great skill and perseverance. When he finally kills the marlin, he ties it to his boat and heads back to shore - but then sharks attack and strip the marlin of its meat. Santiago arrives home exhausted and empty-handed, but his experience has given him a newfound respect for the power of nature. Despite his physical weakness, Santiago emerges from his struggle as a hero who refuses to give up on life.

 

The Old Man And The Sea Quotes

1. "Now they were submerged under the water and he was sorry to see them go because he knew there was no such thing as loneliness at sea."
2. "I wish I could show him what sort of man I am. But then he would see the cramped hand."
3. "But man is not made for defeat," he said. "A man can be destroyed but not defeated."
4. "Fish, I love you and respect you very much. But I will kill you dead before this day ends."
5. "He rested sitting on the un-stepped mast and sail and tried not to think but only to endure."
6. "The clouds were building up now for the trade wind and he looked ahead and saw a flight of wild ducks etching themselves against the sky over the water, then blurring, then etching again and he knew no man was ever alone on the sea."
7. "But they were all Santiago's friends, except for the boy. Would you like me to sing the place names?" he asked. "No," said Santiago. "I can say them myself and I know what they mean."
8. "They beat me, Manolin," he said. "They truly beat me."

 

The Old Man And The Sea Themes

1. Perseverance: The novel explores the idea that success comes through hard work, determination, and never giving up. Santiago, the protagonist, exemplifies this trait by persistently pursuing his goal despite numerous setbacks.
2. Isolation: Santiago is isolated from society and does not have any close relationships or family members. The novel explores the theme of loneliness and the struggle to maintain human connections.
3. Pride: Santiago takes pride in his craft and strives for excellence. However, his pride also leads to his downfall, as he refuses to accept the help of others when he needs it most.
4. Friendship: Despite his isolation, Santiago develops a strong bond with a young boy named Manolin. Their friendship symbolizes the importance of human connection and the need for companionship in life.
5. Nature: The sea and its creatures play a significant role in the novel, highlighting the power and unpredictability of nature. The novel also explores man's relationship to the natural world and their dependence upon it.
6. Death: The inevitability of death is a constant theme in the novel. Santiago's struggles against the marlin and the sharks represent his own personal battle against death. Ultimately, the novel suggests that death is an unavoidable part of life and that one must accept it with grace.