Author: Ernest Hemingway

Year of Publication: 1952

PLOT: 5/5

CHARACTERS: 5/5

WRITING: 5/5

CLIMAX: 5/5

ENTERTAINMENT: 5/5

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Plot:

Giving such a timeless work a rigorously critical examination is difficult.

In his short tale “The Old Man and the Sea,” Ernest Hemingway describes an elderly, lonely fisherman who is shunned because people think he is unlucky for both fishing and surviving in the area. The old man leads a very solitary existence and enjoys talking about baseball and his previous fishing expeditions, with the exception of a young lad who makes sure he sleeps, eats, and goes about his typical daily activities.

The story takes place over the course of two days and nights as he attempts to haul in a large fish but is unable to do so on his own. He is eventually dragged to shore by the fish.

The elderly man is powerful, competent, and determined. Perhaps the problem is his character. By accepting this challenge, he might be able to convince himself that he is a real man. He goes about his business, and fishing may or may not determine his fate. As is a recurring subject in Hemingway’s writing, the manner he responds to this task will reveal to us who he is, and he succeeds in doing so.

This character, who stands for resiliency, loneliness, and an adventurous spirit, was interesting to read about, and the language held my attention all the way through.

What I liked about/didn’t like about the book?

The most important lesson I learned from the narrative is that, despite the enormous challenges Santiago encounters and the colossal difficulties he faces at sea, he never once give up.

I had the impression that he deserved some sort of sympathy or contempt from me. Here was a person working tirelessly to achieve his objective while doing what he loves to do and what gives him meaning in life. Although the fight is challenging, it is a part of who he is and what makes his life meaningful. All I could feel was huge admiration for this man.

I found this inspiring and a wonderful reaffirmation of what is actually important in life.

“But a man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”

Will I recommend this book?

The Old Man and the Sea is an excellent spot to begin reading Hemingway if you’ve always wanted to but are only interested in getting a taste.

Final Verdict

A masterful allegory of man’s conflict with himself and nature. Very well written. My favourite Hemingway author.