Faculty of Humanities and Social Science > English

Art of Living in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea

(1/2) > >>

Razon Mahmood:

Ernest Hemingway, the noted literary figure in the American Literature, is best known for his profound literary work The Old Man and the Sea. He has portrayed the old man Santiago’s relentless struggle to catch and save the marlin.


We come to know that the old man, Santiago, has a great skill in fishing. But, most of the people around him start to say that he has a bad back because he has passed last eight four days with having any fish. Mark Twain once said “All you need is ignorance and confidence and the success is sure”. Santiago probably believes in the sentence and works according to it.     

This novella is not merely the story about the old man’s fishing in the sea rather than Ernest Hemingway has portrayed our life through this metaphorical work. The ‘sea’ and the ‘marlin’ represents human’s ‘life’ and ‘aim’. The old man, Santiago, an individual human being, struggles in his life to achieve his goal. To fish the marlin, he has to endure severe pain. But his self-inspiration is truly admirable. When the blood blows from his hand to catch the fish he scolds his hands and inspires his hands after eating a small tuna. He finally kills the fish (after 3days battle) and heads towards his home. During fishing the marlin, he has been afflicted by the rain, the sea waves, the head of the sun etc. He has also to wrestles to save the fish from the sharks. But he can’t save the fish. He feels upsets for the fish. But he acknowledges- “A man can be destroyed but not defeated”. Although, the old man can’t save the fish but his stoic endurance and continuous struggle have brought him respect.
 
Ernest Hemingway shows to us that human life is a state for struggling. A man has to face many problems in the journey of the life. The meaning of life justifies through struggle. One must take the wounds as grace like Santiago.

There are two philosophies of leading life; one is to struggle and test the life (Stoicism), and another is to take the pleasure as the most important part of life (Hedonism). Ernest Hemingway actually shows that one must struggle to reach his destiny. I strongly believe that the meaning of life underlies through struggle.   

cmkhasan:
Dear Razon

Earlier I have said you that you have a good skill in writing. This piece is provided another evidence of my saying.

I like your writing. One thing I want to share with you, that is, beside 'struggle' Santiago has great 'determination'. I think a combination of these two qualities can bring the desire success in life.

Razon Mahmood:
Respected kumrul Vhi,
Thank you for your appreciation.I am not a good writer but I am trying to be a good writer.

Ya, you are completely right that the old man, Santiago, has a great determination. I am truly inspired by the speeches of Santiago.

Shamim Ansary:
Please see the attachment:

bidita:
Mr.Samim Ansary

Thank you for the story............

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page