Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea is a classic piece of literature, brimming with simplicity and power. An old man, called such and nothing more, lives alone in his poor hut by the Cuban shore, but content with fishing and all that life has to offer him. His only friend is a boy, loving and fully devoted to this magnificent man. The two used to sail together when the boy was young, but because the old man is not a lucky fisherman, the boy’s parents forced him to apprentice to another man. Yet the boy continues to tend to the old man and cherishes his every word.
One day the old man sets out to sea, preparing to fish just like any other unlucky day. However, towards the end of the day, an enormous marlin, larger than the old man has ever seen in his entire life, is hooked on one of the old man’s lines. An ensuing battle continues for two days and nights, as the gigantic fish pulls the old man’s boat through the sea, still caught on the line. The man’s life is ebbing away as the fish continues to pull, and wounds and aches are forming on the man. Finally, nearly dead with exhaustion, the old man fights the fish one last time in a battle and kills this 1500 pound giant with a harpoon. However, unlike most other people, the old man loves and respects this creature of the deep and is profoundly hurt from its death.
Then the old man rows the fish towards port to sell. Along the way, many sharks prey on the fish’s carcass, even though the old man tries with all his might to keep them away. By the time the old man arrives, tired and saddened, the fish has been reduced to nothing but a skeleton of its former glory, but the boy does not care and is glad to see the old man again.
Hemingway writes with absolutely brilliant flair, as I immediately discovered when reading this novel. The Old Man and the Sea is a short book—only 127 pages—but evokes such a passion from its words that I wished the book were longer. For anyone who would like to enjoy a beautiful, truly captivating piece of literature—but is not too long for those who don’t thrill to read—Hemingway’s novel is just the right thing.
Hemingway uses many literary techniques in this book, especially symbolism, that help illustrate a certain storyboard that goes beyond the ordinary. How can the tale of a simple fisherman be so wonderful? The old man has such a desire for life and is not weighed down by the world’s woes and pains that to be chasing the largest marlin ever seems just the greatest place to be. I thoroughly enjoyed such a read and was surprised by how far Hemingway could go to make a novel so rich and illustrious. The majestic tale of a poor fisherman trying to capture the beast of the ocean is absolutely, wonderfully captivating.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I read this book in the 8th grade, and though I only remember the main points, I remember not enjoying it very much. Although Turner viewed the book as captivating, I unfortunately am going to have to disagree. I remember being very bored when reading this and feeling that every little incident that occurred was unnecessarily dragged on and contained too many unimportant details. However, I do remember feeling impressed by Hemmingway’s careful use of religious symbolism. Many of his symbolic things that I never would have thought twice about actually disguised a much deeper and insightful meaning. I also liked the unusualness of the story in that an old man and a young boy shared such a close relationship with each other that continued to develop throughout the book. Personally, I really dislike reading books that take place on the sea and in boats, and this is exactly what most of the setting for “The Old Man And The Sea” was. Therefore, I believe that this was the main reason I didn’t feel intrigued or entertained by this story, but I know that many other people may feel completely opposite. It definitely wasn’t the worst book I have had to read for school, but in my opinion, it isn’t something I would recommend for those wanting to read an action-packed, easy to read, or attention-grabbing story.
ReplyDeleteI read this book about two to three years ago and I agree with your (Turner) opinion of the book. I remember being captivated, not by the action or events of the book, but by the way in which the characters and their struggles were portrayed. The amazing passion and resilience with which the old man goes about his life is truly inspiring. Also the boy’s loyalty and extreme respect for the old man paints a refreshing picture among a town that believes the old man to be obsolete. I recommend this book to anyone who won’t mind reading a story of shockingly real life struggles and who won’t mind reading a book saturated in details and symbolism.
ReplyDeleteI read this book last year in English 1. I remember starting the book and thinking that I was going to be bored out of my mind. I was wrong about that. I got into the book and I was amazed by the strength of the old man, and his ability to keep up his morale throughout his struggle with the marlin. I agree with Simon, the passion of the man is inspiring, and I admire the old man for his perseverance during his journey on the sea. I also loved the symbolism in the story. I loved how Hemmingway an old man to represent something truly powerful. This novella is filled with reality and symbolism, and it is truly an interesting and inspiring story!
ReplyDelete