old man and the sea essay prompts

The Old Man and the Sea

By ernest hemingway, the old man and the sea essay questions.

Describe Hemingway's portrayal of Santiago's relationship with the sea.

Hemingway focuses on the connections between Santiago and his natural environment: the fish, birds, and stars are all his brothers or friends; he has the heart of a turtle, eats turtle eggs for strength; anddrinks shark liver oil for health. This connection with the sea and its creatures helps Santiago in the midst of his great tragedy. For Santiago, success and failure are two equal facets of the same existence. They are transitory forms which capriciously arrive and depart without affecting the underlying unity between himself and nature. As long as he focuses on this unity and sees himself as part of nature rather than as an external antagonist competing with it, he cannot be defeated by whatever misfortunes befall him.

Is Santiago a prideful man? Why or why not?

Hemingway's treatment of pride in The Old Man and the Sea is ambivalent. A heroic man like Santiago should have pride in his actions, and as Santiago shows us, "humility was not disgraceful and it carried no loss of true pride" (14). At the same time, though, it is apparently Santiago's pride which presses him to travel dangerously far out into the sea, "beyond all people in the world," to catch the marlin (50). While he loved the marlin and called him brother, Santiago admits to killing it for pride, his blood stirred by battle with such a noble and worthy antagonist. Some have interpreted the loss of the marlin as the price Santiago had to pay for his pride in traveling out so far in search of such a catch. Contrarily, one could argue that this pride was beneficial as it allowed Santiago an edifying challenge worthy of his heroism. In the end, Hemingway suggests that pride in a job well done, even if pride drew one unnecessarily into the situation, is a positive trait.

How does Santiago embody Hemingway's ideals for manhood?

Hemingway's ideal of manhood is nearly inseparable from the ideal of heroism. To be a man is to behave with honor and dignity: to not succumb to suffering, to accept one's duty without complaint and, most importantly, to display a maximum of self-control. The representation of femininity, the sea, is characterized expressly by its caprice and lack of self-control; "if she did wild or wicked things it was because she could not help them" (30). The representation of masculinity, the marlin, is described as 'great,' 'beautiful,' 'calm,' and 'noble,' and Santiago steels him against his pain by telling himself, "suffer like a man. Or a fish," referring to the marlin (92). In Hemingway's ethical universe, Santiago shows us not only how to live life heroically but in a way befitting a man.

In your opinion, is Santiago successful as a fisherman? Why or why not?

Hemingway draws a distinction between two different types of success: outer, material success and inner, spiritual success. While Santiago clearly lacks the former, the import of this lack is eclipsed by his possession of the later. One way to describe Santiago's story is as a triumph of indefatigable spirit over exhaustible material resources. As noted above, the characteristics of such a spirit are those of heroism and manhood. That Santiago can end the novella undefeated after steadily losing his hard-earned, most valuable possession is a testament to the privileging of inner success over outer success.

Discuss Santiago's obsession with being a worthy adversary for the marlin.

Being heroic and manly are not merely qualities of character which one possesses or does not. One must constantly demonstrate one's heroism and manliness through actions conducted with dignity. Interestingly, worthiness cannot be conferred upon oneself. Santiago is obsessed with proving his worthiness to those around him. He had to prove himself to the boy: "the thousand times he had proved it mean nothing. Now he was proving it again. Each time was a new time and he never thought about the past when he was doing it" (66). And he had to prove himself to the marlin: "I'll kill him....in all his greatness and glory. Although it is unjust. But I will show him what a man can do and what a man endures" (66). A heroic and manly life is not, then, one of inner peace and self-sufficiency; it requires constant demonstration of one's worthiness through noble action.

How does Hemingway imply that Santiago is a Christ-like figure?

Manolin has an almost religious devotion to Santiago, underscored when Manolin begs Santiago's pardon for his not fishing with the old man anymore. Manolin says, "It was Papa made me leave. I am a boy and I must obey him," to which Santiago replies, "I know... It is quite normal. He hasn't much faith" (10). Manolin's father forced his son to switch to a more successful boat after 40 days had passed without a catch for Santiago; this is the amount of time Jesus wandered in the desert, tempted by Satan. Just as Christ resisted the temptation of the devil, Santiago resists the temptation of giving in to his exhaustion as he battles the marlin. "It was a great temptation to rest in the bow and let the fish make one circle by himself without recovering any line." But he is committed to beating the fish, to proving his strength is more steadfast, thinking, "He'll be up soon and I can last. You have to last. Don't even speak of it."

What is Santiago's view of his own sinfulness?

Throughout this final section, Santiago repeatedly apologizes to the marlin in a way that provides another way to read Santiago's sin. He says, "Half fish... Fish that you were. I am sorry that I went out so far. I ruined us both" (115). Santiago's transgression is no longer his killing of the fish, but going out too far in the ocean, "beyond all people in the world" (50). While the former sin helped account for the inescapable misery of the human condition, the latter focuses instead on avoidable misery brought about by intentional action. Santiago chose to go out so far; he did not need to do so, but in doing so he must surrender his prize, the marlin, to the jealous sea.

This understanding of Santiago's sin is strange because it seems to separate man from nature in a way which contradicts the rest of the novella. Going out too far is an affront against nature similar to the hubristic folly of Greek tragedy; he has courted disaster through his own pride. Nowhere previously in the novel was this apparent, though. The sea seemed to welcome him, providing him company and food for his expedition. There was no resistance from nature to his activities, except perhaps the sharks, but these were never made to be nature's avengers. This reading of Santiago's sin thus seems very problematic.

Describe the important aspects of Santiago's relationship with Manolin.

The relationship between Santiago and Manolin can be summed up in one sentence: "The old man had taught the boy to fish and the boy loved him" (10). Manolin is Santiago's apprentice, but their relationship is not restricted to business alone. Manolin idolizes Santiago but the object of this idolization is not only the once great though presently failed fisherman; it is an idolization of ideals. This helps explain Manolin's unique, almost religious, devotion to the old man, underscored when Manolin begs Santiago's pardon for his not fishing with the old man anymore. Manolin says, "It was Papa made me leave. I am a boy and I must obey him," to which Santiago replies, "I know... It is quite normal. He hasn't much faith" (10).

Despite the clear hierarchy of this teacher/student relationship, Santiago does stress his equality with the boy. When Manolin asks to buy the old man a beer, Santiago replies, "Why not?... Between fisherman" (11). And when Manolin asks to help Santiago with his fishing, Santiago replies, "You are already a man" (12). By demonstrating that Santiago has little more to teach the boy, this equality foreshadows the impending separation of the two friends, and also indicates that this will not be a story about a young boy learning from an old man, but a story of an old man learning the unique lessons of the autumn of life.

Discuss the importance of the sense of sight to the characters in the novella.

Hemingway peppers the novella with numerous references to sight. We are told, for instance, that Santiago has uncannily good eyesight for a man of his age and experience, while Manolin's new employer is nearly blind. When Manolin notices this, Santiago replies simply, "I am a strange old man" (14). Given the analogy between Santiago's eyes and the sea, one suspects that his strangeness in this regard has something to do with his relationship to the sea. This connection, though, is somewhat problematic as it might suggest that Santiago would have success as a fisherman.

Santiago's statement that his eyes adjust to the sun during different parts of the day furnishes another example of the importance of sight and visual imagery in the novella. Santiago says, "All my life the early sun has hurt my eyes, he thought. Yet they are still good. In the evening I can look straight into it without getting the blackness. It has more force in the evening too. But in the morning it is just painful" (33). Given the likening of natural time cycles to human age, e.g. September as the autumn of life, it is plausible to read this passage as a statement of the edifying power of age. While it is difficult to find one's way in the morning of youth, this task becomes easier when done by those who have lived through the day into the evening of life.

How is the figure of Joe DiMaggio used to emphasize Santiago's respect for nature?

As he struggles against the marlin despite the pain he suffers, Santiago recalls the figure of Joe DiMaggio, identified at the beginning of the novella as a heroic paragon. "I must have confidence," thought Santiago, "and I must be worthy of the great DiMaggio who does all things perfectly even with the pain of the bone spur in his heel" (68). It is strange, though, that immediately after valorizing DiMaggio, Santiago immediately diminishes the baseball player's greatness by thinking that the pain of a bone spur could not be as bad as the pain of the spur of a fighting cock. He even concludes that "man is not much beside the great birds and beasts. Still I would rather be that beast down there in the darkness of the sea" (68). Nature, and the marlin especially, is privileged above even the greatest exemplars of human endurance.

The Old Man and the Sea Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Old Man and the Sea is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Describe The Encounter of the old man with Marlin?

The marlin comes out of the water quickly and descends into the water again. Santiago is amazed by its size, two feet longer than the skiff. He realizes that the marlin could destroy the boat if it wanted to and says, "...Thank God, they are not...

The old man and the Sea

Santiago feels the life is draining from his old body. The youth of his past only exists in the memories he clings to. Santiago is obsessed with proving his worthiness to those around him; a worthiness that says I am still here and I am still a...

Santiago, the boy said.

I'm not sure what your question is here.

Study Guide for The Old Man and the Sea

The Old Man and the Sea study guide contains a biography of Ernest Hemingway, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

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Essays for The Old Man and the Sea

The Old Man and the Sea essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.

• Hemingway’s Fight with Old Age
• A Different Outlook on Christian Symbolism in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
• Santiago: Transcending Heroism
• Chasing Fish: Comparing The Ultimate Goals Found in "The Old Man and The Sea" And "Dances with Wolves"
• Hemingway the Absurdist

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Study Help Essay Questions

1. Consider just some of the literary and biblical characters with whom Santiago is identified. In what ways is he the same and in what ways different?

2. Three times during the novella's conclusion, Manolin expresses his faith in Santiago and all he represents. What do each of these three affirmations represent? Considering that Santiago eventually must die, what role(s) will Manolin assume after Santiago's death and how will Santiago's memory continue to impact Manolin's behavior?

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The Old Man and the Sea Essay Topics & Writing Assignments

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about overcoming difficulties in life.

Essay Topic 2

Write your opinion about Hemingway's style of writing. Use examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about gaining knowledge and wisdom through experience versus formal education. Use Santiago as your example.

Essay Topic 4

Write an essay about the effects of loneliness on people.

Essay Topic 5

Write an essay about fishing as a hobby versus fishing for a living.

Essay Topic 6

Write an essay about loyalty. Use Manolin as your example.

Essay Topic 7

Write an essay about symbolism Hemingway uses in The Old Man and the Sea.

Essay Topic 8

Write an essay about how people turn to religion when times are difficult.

Essay Topic 9

Write an essay explaining you opinion on what happens to the old man after he returns with the marlin bones.

Essay Topic 10

Write an essay on the importance of self-confidence.

Essay Topic 11

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The Old Man and the Sea

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Essay Topics

Santiago is considered by his fellow villagers to be “salao.” Explain what this means and why locals might keep the old man at a distance.

Suggest two reasons why the boy loves and admires Santiago.

Some of the younger village men make fun of Santiago, but he doesn’t mind. Why is this?

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78 The Old Man and the Sea Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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• Hemingway’s Code Hero in The Old Man and the Sea. Traits & Definition To solve the misconception, Hemingway sets in with his The Old Man and the Sea, featuring Santiago, an aged angler and an epitome of code heroes.
• The Old Man and the Sea “The Old Man and the Sea” is a story of a modest old man and his struggle for the greatness. This essay seeks to make a detailed review of the story, “The Old Man and […]
• The Old Man and the Sea It can also be stated that the novel itself has distinct religious overtones as evidenced by Santiago’s reference to the crucifixion in the scene where the sharks came to eat the body of the marlin.
• Don Quixote Comparison to Movie “The Old Man and the Sea” Both stories, The Old Man and the Sea and Don Quixote have a number of common features as they are based on all those characteristics inherent to men who are challenged the world they live […]
• Human Victory in “The Old Man and the Sea” by Hemingway “[…] he wrote about pity: about something somewhere that made them all: the old man who had to catch the fish and then lose it, the fish that had to be caught and then lost, […]
• The Old Man and the Sea by Hemingway In The Old Man and the Sea, Hemingway reveals his conception of heroism not as a measure of the glory and recognition his character receives, but instead in the determination of the struggle.
• “The Old Man and the Sea”: Unlucky but Undefeated The main character of Hemingway’s book The Old Man and the Sea is a person with great experience in life and in his work but he does not seem to be lucky; this is where […]
• Friendship in The Old Man and The Sea The book was the last published during the author’s lifetime, and some critics believe that it was his reflection on the topics of death and the meaning of life.
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• The Old Man and the Sea: The Old Fisherman as a Hemingway Code Hero
• The Symbiotic Relationship Between Lennie and George in Of Mice and Men and Santiago and Manolin in The Old Man and the Sea
• Inner Happiness in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
• The Narrative Techniques and Style of the Language in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
• An Interpretation of Key Symbols in The Old Man and the Sea
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• Why Santiago Lost the Prize He Was After in The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
• The Similarities And Differences Of The Old Man, The Boy, And The Sea (The Old Man And The Sea)
• The Theme of Pride in The Old Man and the Sea, a Novel by Ernest Hemingway
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• Religious Symbolism in The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
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• Final Impression Of Triumph And Despair In The Old Man And The Sea
• Moving Past Triumphs and Tragedies in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
• The Concept of Man in Ernest Hemingway’s the Old Man and the Sea
• The Character Santiago in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
• Theme Of Heroism In The Old Man And The Sea
• Conventional Heroism: The Old Man And The Sea
• Characterization of Santiago from Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
• Comparison Of Tom Is Uncle Tom’s Cabin And Santiago In The Old Man And The Sea
• The Different Perspectives on The Old Man and The Sea
• The Dangerous Yet Rewarding Road to Success as a Fisherman in The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
• What Is the Main Conflict in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• How Does “The Old Man and the Sea” Prompt the Audience to View the Human Condition?
• What Does Hemingway Convey About Success in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• How Is Luck Important to Santiago and Manolin in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• Why Did Santiago Loose the Prize He Was After in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• How Are the Nightly Precautions Santiago Takes With His Fishing Equipment Both Realistic and Optimistic?
• Is Santiago a Prideful Man in “The Old Man and the Sea”? Why or Why Not?
• How Does Santiago Embody Hemingway’s Ideals for Manhood?
• In Your Opinion, Is Santiago Successful as a Fisherman in “The Old Man and the Sea”? Why or Why Not?
• How Does Hemingway Imply That Santiago Is a Christ-Like Figure?
• What Is Santiago’s View of His Sinfulness in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• How Is the Figure of Joe Dimaggio Used to Emphasize Santiago’s Respect for Nature?
• What Significance Do the Lions on the Beach Have for the Old Man in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• How Is Santiago (The Old Man) Characterized Early in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• What Is the Relationship Between Santiago and Manolin in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• How Is Santiago Separated From or Different From the Other Fishermen in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• What Do Santiago and Manolin Pretend in “The Old Man and the Sea”? Why Do They Do This?
• How Is Santiago’s House Described in “The Old Man and the Sea”? What Do These Details Reveal About Him?
• Why Won’t Santiago Borrow Money in “The Old Man and the Sea”? What Does This Reveal About Him?
• What Are Santiago’s Feelings for Creatures of the Sea Including the Birds?
• Why Does Santiago Call the Sea “La Mar”? What Might This Indicate About Santiago?
• Is the Old Man Right to Kill the Marlin in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• How Does Santiago Feel About the Marlin?
• Why Doesn’t Santiago Worry About Talking to Himself?
• In What Ways Are the Fish and Santiago and the Fish Alike?
• What Do the Sharks in “The Old Man and the Sea” Symbolize?
• Why Does Santiago Say the Fish Is More Noble Than He?
• How Does Hemingway Stress the Endurance of Santiago in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• What Does Santiago Conclude Even When Things Are Hopeless?
• Is the Ending of “The Old Man and the Sea” Hopeful or Discouraging?
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'The Old Man and the Sea' Questions for Discussion

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Written by Ernest Hemingway ,  The Old Man and the Sea is a famous novel about man versus nature and the determined struggle against inevitable aging and death. While Hemingway is known to be the master of brevity, his concise works also are much more complex than they would first appear, and  The Old Man and the Sea  is no exception.

A literary classic, this novel is a great pick for a book club and a part of many schools' curriculum. Here are questions related to The Old Man and the Sea that will get the discussion going. 

Start From The Top:

• What is important about the title? 

Plot Development:

• What are the conflicts in The Old Man and the Sea ? Would you describe them in terms of physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional conflict?
• How does Ernest Hemingway reveal character in the novel?
• What are important themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
• What are some of the symbols in the novel, and what do they represent?
• How universalare the ideas in  The Old Man and the Sea ? 
• Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why? How realistic is the story?
• Where does The Old Man and the Sea take place? Is the setting important to the ideas in this book?

What's Your Opinion?

• Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
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The Old Man and The Sea Essays

The old man and the sea essay rough draft.

Introduction People have different interpretations of The Old Man and the Sea. Some may believe Santiago’s trip was worth it while others may disagree. In The Old Man and the Sea, Hemingway provides his readers with an allegory that illustrates the path to earned respect. ALLEGORY An allegory is a story, poem or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. This book has many hidden meanings and symbols. The sharks, fish, […]

The Old Man and the Sea: the Relationship between Santiago and Manolin

Throughout The Old Man and the Sea, it’s evident that Santiago and Manolin have an interestingly deep relationship. However, the contributions that the old man and Manolin put forth into this substantially loving, strong, and caring relationship change as they both age. In the beginning of the old man and Manolin’s relationship, love is established and one can see that Santiago takes care of and mentors the boy. Hemingway states, The old man had taught the boy to fish and […]

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The Old Man and the Sea and the Martian by Andy Weir

Imagine being stranded on a world alien to your own, unknown which direction you are facing, how long until the night falls, wondering if you will ever make it home to see your family again. One of the most fascinating human characteristics is the way we operate in Isolation. In both Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and Andy Weir’s The Martian, the protagonists are stranded in places foreign of their own. However, isolation in the middle of […]

“The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway

Concealing the pain and suffering can be necessary to define true power and character. Hemingway’s interpretation of Santiago in the novella The Old Man and the Sea can be seen as a comparison to Christ and his struggles through excruciating treatment and crucifixion. The portrayal of Santiago as a Christ figure reflects the importance of inner strength to overcome challenges. The mast of Santiago’s skiff can be recognized as Christ’s cross he carried to his crucifixion, posing a challenge to […]

The Old Man and the Sea Themes

In The Old Man and the Sea the author, Ernest Hemingway, uses methods of characterization and point of view in order to help the reader better understand the story’s characters. In this novela, the old man, Santiago, and the boy, Manolin, have an inseparable friendship. Even with Santiago growing older each day Manolin still treats him like the greatest fisherman alive, and serves him with whatever he needs. In The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway uses Santiago’s thoughts […]

The Old Man and the Sea: Life Struggle to Survive

The novella Old man and the sea by Earnst Hemingway is a very simple story about an old man and his life struggle to survive. The author has shown many positive characteristics through the character of Santiago who preservers through the ups and downs of life and yet maintained his self-pride always. Hemingway has chosen Santiago to send this positive message that heroism can be demonstrated in your everyday life and actions through perseverance and endurance against all adversary. Santiago […]

The Old Man and the Sea Critical Evaluation

The Old Man and The Sea is a short novel by Ernest Hemingway. An old Cuban fisherman, Santiago, and a young boy, Manolin, have been going out to sea fishing for forty days, but each day, returned with nothing. Manolin’s parents forced him to leave the old man whom they referred to as the worst form of unlucky, (Hemingway 1) on the fortieth day. The young boy moved onto a more prosperous boat, where he was able to catch more […]

Christian Symbolism in the Old Man and the Sea

The Old Man and the Sea may seem like a shallow book on its face level, but many extensive themes are evident throughout the book. Specifically, Christian Symbolism is apparent throughout. These are the themes displayed in my artwork, which shows Santiago as a Christ-Like figure. This is because he persevered through pain and suffering, and turned it into reward and victory, just how Jesus went through pain on the cross, but renewed his life and won. These themes are […]

The Iceberg Theory in the Old Man and the Sea

In business, organization structure means the relationships between positions & people who hold the positions. Organization structure is very important because it provides an efficient work system as well as a system of communication. First of all we should distinguish between the organizing function & organizing structure. The organizing function is the process of breaking down the overall task into small jobs along with delegated authority to do those jobs & then putting them back together in units, or departments, […]

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The Old Man and The Sea theme essay is a typical task that all high school students receive. And this is not surprising. This short story by Ernest Hemingway raises many important questions (a person's dream and victory, a test of the spirit, a fight with nature) and is rich in various symbols. For example, the sea is a symbol of life, and lions are a symbol of strength. The old man symbolizes human experience and, at the same time, its limitations.

If you're looking for The Old Man and The Sea essay topics, an effective outline, or an interesting way to write an introduction, you've come to the right place. WowEssays.com presents a large directory of free sample papers available for free. Here you can find useful summary examples and sample essays on The Old Man and The Sea covering various topics. Our directory can become a great source of fresh ideas, inspiring titles, and useful writing techniques. So check our paper examples out right now and get prepared to write an impressive Old Man and The Sea analysis essay.

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In “The Old Man And The Sea”, a short novel written by Ernest Hemingway, the main protagonist Santiago, is a well-aged man with odds against him. He is in the mists of a horrendous fishing drought, during which the townspeople laugh and ridicule him, as he is left going eighty-four days without catching fish. Through Santiago’s actions, he demonstrations uniqueness, as the combination of qualities that he exhibits places him in the category of a hero. With courage and pride pushing him forward throughout the novel, even when all hope is profoundly lost, he stands remaining unvanquished. By the end of the novel, the reader see’s Santiago physically destroyed… but mentally, remains undefeated.

Conceivably, the crowning act of humility is when Santiago is eventually lead to endure an extensive and exhausting struggle against a marlin. Obligated, the need to distinguish that by his own forces, he alone lacks the strength to grab the fish, he faces several sharks that go on to attack him in pursuit of his prized fish.

Soon after, he sees his trophy catch become destroyed sharks. This all results with Santiago not becoming conceited. He holds a simple, humble soul thanks with a prayer following the aftermath of his exertion. The ruthless brawl has left the man bloodied and worn.

With Santiago defeating the sharks, he won the battle thinking he is the one that has become defeated as they were able to take the marlin. Yet, there is no defeat.

The old man is not self-styled “hero” making him unique. Santiago meekly accounts himself to be a fisherman, the categorization as a hero depends on the reader. “It is the knowledge that a simple man is capable of such decency, dignity, and even heroism, and that his struggle can be seen in heroic terms, that largely distinguishes this book.” (Young 131). The evident association between his humility and dignity helps place Santiago as the perfect role model, someone everyone should aspire to be.

Santiago says, “A man can be destroyed but not defeated. (Page 93)” As he proves this to be a factual statement, the quotes can be stated throughout the novel several times. Santiago is physically destroyed by the end, he remains mentally undefeated. Santiago’s pride, courage, and humility pushes him forward throughout the novel, when everything seems to be gone or so far away that they are unattainable, but he is never truly defeated. Destruction means to completely ruin or spoil, a cause of someone’s ruin. Santiago experienced this destruction, but he did not let the destruction ruin him. As for a hero he deems fit, for a hero is someone that is admired, idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or one that possesses noble qualities.

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Some Great ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ Essay Topics for You

The unique literary value of Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” hooks academics from across the world, inspiring them to study this work in their papers. The rich philosophy of manhood and striking religious references presented through an epic adventure of an old fisherman are what make this novella a distinctive piece of classic American literature. In this regard, we have decided to craft some cool “The Old Man and the Sea” essay topics for you to note!

“The Old Man and the Sea” Essay Topics

• What is the role of the lions in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• The “iceberg” rule in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• Hemingway’s outstanding literary style in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• The defining symbolic elements in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• Hemingway’s religious views mirrored in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• “The Old Man and the Sea”: striking Christian references.
• The theme of extraordinary courage in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• “The Old Man and the Sea”: this is where youth and old age rub shoulders.
• The relationship of the old man with the sea.
• The old man as Hemingway’s embodiment of manhood.
• Santiago’s friendship with Manolin.
• Why the sense of sight is important in the novella “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• Santiago as a man of integrity.
• The theme of death represented brightly in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• The theme of the confrontation between man and nature forces in “The Old Man and the Sea.”

“The Old Man and the Sea” Research Paper Topics

• The markers of the “iceberg” philosophy in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• The role of ecocritical culture in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• Gain and loss as themes in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• The sea as a metaphor for life and energy in “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway.
• The theme of man rebelling against society in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• The religious value of “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• The problem of human violence against nature embodied by the protagonist of “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• Man’s resilience against Mother Nature in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• The main conflicts in “The Old Man and the Sea” by Hemingway.
• The idea of human persistence in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• Fishing as the manifestation of craving for living in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• The portrayal of loneliness, despair, and helplessness in the protagonist of “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• The philosophy of positive existentialism in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• Nihilistic undertones in Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.”
• The portrayal of fate in “The Old Man and the Sea” by Hemingway.

Drawing the Line

“The Old Man and the Sea” is definitely one of the most notable and appealing literary creations of all time, being widely favored by avid readers and scholars mainly for the relativity to life through the use of deep symbolism. Arguably, it’s also the captivating story line, concocted by iconic Ernest Hemingway, that gives bookworms the genuine pleasure of witnessing an epic showdown between the unbeatable spirit of man and fate. Sometimes fate indeed toughens us up with the “marlins” it sends in our lives. What literary critic would stay away from diving in the rich waters of this sophisticated and life-affirming work of art? For this reason, our Hemingway-inspired writers have developed the unique selection of “The Old Man and the Sea” essay topics you can use as a starting point for your paper exploring this never-aging masterpiece.

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Essay Samples on The Old Man and The Sea

Interpretation of the ending of "the old man and the sea".

'But man is not made for defeat,' he said. 'A man can be destroyed but not defeated.' These words can be called an epigraph, and a characteristic of Ernest Hemingway's life. He was strong in spirit and body, went through the war, and tried to...

• Ernest Hemingway
• The Old Man and The Sea

Hemingway Views On World In The Old Man And The Sea

When readers hear “old man” they usually think of the term literally and picture a man with worn skin and powder-white hair. However, according to the Dictionary of Symbols, “old man” can also symbolize “the age-old wisdom of humanity” (Cirlot 243). This means the understanding...

Re-Evaluating the Influence of Baseball on 'The Old Man and the Sea'

The spirit of a sport represents the force, identity and nationality of a nation. The sport is capable of representing competition as well as vitality and recreational power of a sportsman. Thus the sports have been arguably important ingredients in the broader U.S culture. James...

Hemingway’s Biblical Allusions to Christ In "The Old Man and the Sea"

Julie Andrews once said, “Perseverance is failing nineteen times and succeeding the 20th”(Julie). Ernest Hemingway illustrates an old unlucky Cuban fisherman by the name of Santiago, who has gone eighty-four days without catching a fish. Santiago puts age aside and believes his preeminent days are...

• Jesus Christ

The Character of a Man: Style in Hemingway’s 'The Old Man and the Sea'

Earnest Hemingway is broadly considered as one of the widely renowned stylists in contemporary American literature. Characterized by brief, simple sentences with few adjectives, great use of repetition, and colloquial language, his style additionally avoids emotionalism, and is evolved significantly through brilliant the use of...

• Literary Devices

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Theme of Hope In 'The Old Man and The Sea'

The tale reveals the central reality about life that hope is always better than misery. The saga of an ageing Cuban fisherman and his survival with hope in the grueling life span. Different altitudes come into the light where it seems that it is a...

Archetypes Used in Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea

In this particular novella, Hemingway gets readers to understand the novel more by having archetypes, which is known as a universal symbol for a character. In the novella, The Old Man and the Sea, written by Ernest Hemingway, talks about a character named Santiago who...

Best topics on The Old Man and The Sea

1. Interpretation of the Ending of “The Old Man And The Sea”

2. Hemingway Views On World In The Old Man And The Sea

3. Re-Evaluating the Influence of Baseball on ‘The Old Man and the Sea’

4. Hemingway’s Biblical Allusions to Christ In “The Old Man and the Sea”

5. The Character of a Man: Style in Hemingway’s ‘The Old Man and the Sea’

6. Theme of Hope In ‘The Old Man and The Sea’

7. Archetypes Used in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: British defence giant signs deals with Ukraine; Belarus denies 'stupid' Poland request

The UK's biggest defence contractor, BAE systems, has signed deals with the Ukrainian government to ramp up its supply of weapons. Meanwhile, the Sky News podcast team has been asking what Grant Shapps's appointment as defence secretary means for Ukraine. Listen while you scroll.

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She painted a similarly bleak picture of the lives of Russian soldiers in Donetsk.

Migrants from former Soviet republics have been forcibly moved to Ukrainian territory and held under house arrest in homes belonging to Ukrainians who themselves have been deported to Russia, she said.

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A Russian fighter jet took off at the time the helicopters were attempting to land, he said, calling the crash an "aviation catastrophe".

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"We cannot have a Black Sea initiative that moves from crisis to crisis, from suspension to suspension. We need to have something that works and that works to the benefit of everyone," he said.

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Russia quit the deal in July, complaining that its own food and fertiliser exports faced obstacles due to Western sanctions.

One of Moscow's main demands is for the Russian Agricultural Bank to be reconnected to the SWIFT international payments system.

Explained: The Black Sea grain deal was designed to allow for the smooth export of grain from Russia and Ukraine, both leading exporters, in order to combat global food crises.

This chart shows what was exported...

And this one tells us where the food went...

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Sources in the Ukrainian cabinet told the Ukrainska Pravda website it was "necessary" for him to go, but who could replace him is a sticking point.

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Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said the government is considering re-appointing Mr Reznikov as Ukraine's ambassador to the UK.

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Mayor Klitschko also said he would allocate 300m hryvnias (£6.4m) of the city's budget for the needs of Ukraine's armed forces. 

Russia has begun holding local elections in Russian-occupied Ukraine in an effort to cement Moscow's authority.

Votes are being held in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, despite Russia not fully controlling any of them.

Vladimir Putin has handpicked governors from veteran pro-Russian politicians and those known locally to seek terms of office, and they face nominal opposition.

"[Russian-installed officials] are going to walk from apartment to apartment, as they did before, talking to people," said the exiled Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol, Vadym Boichenko.

"There are two soldiers standing nearby, carrying machine guns, and they tell the people that they must vote."

He said there were no voter lists or candidate lists being used in the Donetsk city.

In one residential complex, a trickle of residents came out to cast ballots, showing newly distributed Russian passports to officials while police officers stood by.

"It is clear that there is no trust from the people toward this process, which should be called a sham election," Mr Boichenko said in an interview in Kyiv.

Former transport and energy secretary Grant Shapps has been named as the new head of the Ministry of Defence after Ben Wallace stood down this morning.

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On Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn and military analyst Professor Michael Clarke to discuss the significance of Mr Shapps's new role.

The guests also turn their attention to the use of drone technology on the battlefield.

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