Book Review

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Charles Scribner's Sons, 1952,

 127 pages

The Old Man and the Sea is one of Hemingway’s most credible works as an author but it was his last before his death in 1961. The book’s main characters are Santiago, Manolin and the marlin. It’s about an ageing fisherman, Santiago, who goes 84 days without getting any fish. He is mocked and laughed at by the other fishermen because he is considered the worst kind of unlucky (salao). Santiago has a relationship with a young boy, Manolin, who had been fishing with him since the boy was five. He moves on to a more profitable boat when Santiago’s luck dries out. He wishes to fish with him on the 85^th day but Santiago disagrees since Manolin is on a ‘lucky’ boat and his parents wouldn’t approve. Santiago goes out to sea alone so he can prove himself to Manolin and the fishers. He catches a large 18foot marlin which drags his boat into the middle of the sea. By the time he kills it, it is eaten by sharks before he gets to the shore.

This touching story is centred on bravery, persistence, patience and courage all in the light of nature. The author praises these qualities and sees them as essential for getting passed obstacles and challenges in spite of negativity. This negativity should serve as motivation as it did for Santiago. This is featured in many parts of the story.

The marlin proves to be just as strong and persevering as Santiago himself. While Santiago is at sea with the fish, he becomes attached to it and feels sorry for it when he finally kills it. He repeatedly expresses his admiration of the fish and asks himself whether the consumers of the marlin will be worthy enough to eat it. The marlin could be a replica of the fisherman since they both have the same qualities that are praised in this book.  Although Santiago fights off most of the sharks that come his way, the marlin still gets eaten. This is a clear depiction of the war between man and nature and how nature always has its way. It is an example of the denial some of us go through to maintain or keep something that might’ve been long gone. Santiago was so determined to keep the marlin until he got to the shore yet he still arrived with nothing.

Throughout the novel, Hemingway referred to him as ‘the old man’ instead of Santiago. The writer was probably trying to show that it is only natural for things or people to wear out or grow old through time. It’s no different from Santiago’s luck as a fisherman. It’s the harsh reality Santiago had to face-that he was indeed salao.

In addition, Santiago dreams of the days of his youth in the beginning of the book. He mentions being on a beach in Africa and watching lions. This may symbolise his strength and courage; virtues that he is expected to have as a fisherman. He dreams of lions at the end of the story. It could be that Santiago really wasn’t trying to prove himself to anyone but himself. Though he felt defeated, the job might have been done.

Manolin catches four fish the day before Santiago gets back. He wants to go fishing with Santiago because he feels that he still has much to learn even though they might not catch any fish. I feel that Manolin is an image of a younger Santiago in his prime years, willing to learn more till he became one of the best fishermen in that area. Their relationship is an illustration of a strong bond between the old and young.

I think this book has a very powerful impact on readers from very few pages. It gives us an idea of nature from a different perspective. It teaches us a lesson about the importance of patience, faith, strength and persistence in our daily lives- something that we are often quick to forget. It can be read within a day or two and it’s great for all ages. The Old Man and the Sea is a simple story that tells a tale about a man and the world around him.