The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway has been extensively analyzed and interpreted, with each analysis offering a unique meaning. Among all of Hemingway’s works, no other story has generated as much discussion as The Old Man and the Sea. This novel has received the most attention and interpretations compared to his other works, providing multiple ways to understand it. In this article, we will explore the perspectives of different critics who have examined this masterpiece by Ernest Hemingway. Despite varying opinions, many critics share a similar viewpoint on Hemingway’s literary contributions. As a result, The Old Man and the Sea can be approached from various perspectives.
All critics agreed that Ernest Hemingway had a highly defined writing style. In 1944, during his time in Havana, Cuba, Hemingway penned a letter to Maxwell Perkins discussing his idea for The Old Man and the Sea (Nelson and Jones 139). The inspiration behind this novel came from stories shared by Carlos Gutierrez, an acquaintance of twenty years, about small fishing towns in Cuba where marlin battles were common. It was during this period that Hemingway conceived the concept of a man facing similar circumstances as depicted in The Old Man and the Sea. After pondering on this tale for approximately two decades, Hemingway eventually made the decision to commence writing the book.
The central focus of the story “The Old Man and the Sea” centers on Santiago, an aged individual who confronts nature’s formidable forces. Initially, Santiago embarks on a quest to secure a meal but finds himself grappling with an unexpected turn of events when he catches the largest marlin he has ever encountered. This colossal catch drags Santiago deeper into Cuba’s bay, intensifying his already precarious circumstances. Despite sustaining hand injuries during this ordeal, Santiago remains unable to sleep due to the imminent danger posed by sharks.
In the novel, when the sharks eventually launched their attack, the main character suffered a loss – he had formed a deep connection with the marlin. He was aware that his attempts to convey the immense size of the marlin would be met with disbelief by others. This particular struggle between man and shark is a standout, but I also hold the opinion that the author’s skill in constructing the novel was equally remarkable.
After combining them, he discovered that his writing revolved around the conflict between humanity and the natural world. Intrigued by this idea, he decided to include it in the struggle scene with the marlin. Magill characterized the book as “a fable illustrating mankind’s unwavering determination, capable of achieving spiritual victories even when confronted with challenges and material setbacks” (Magill 4325).
According to Magill (4325), the conflict in the novel can be described as a battle between the strength of an ordinary man and the power of nature. Personally, I believe that Santiago’s role in the story is significant as he demonstrates resilience and the ability to overcome the challenges posed by nature. Furthermore, Magill (4326) suggests that The Old Man and the Sea can be considered a direct descendant of Moby Dick.
He believes that the battle between Santiago and the marlin is reminiscent of the confrontation between the whale and the captain in Moby Dick. Upon reading both stories consecutively, one can easily observe the striking similarities between The Old Man and the Sea and Moby Dick, though there are disparities in their narratives. The primary contrast lies in the fact that Santiago does not emerge victorious, unlike the captain in Moby Dick.
Santiago found himself with only a broken boat, a poor fishing pole, and the anguish of defeat. The narrative can be construed as having religious undertones due to Santiago’s arduous struggle. Some individuals perceive it as religious based on the injuries he incurred – his palms from the rope, his feet from the front of the boat, and his head from being struck by the bow – reminiscent of Jesus on the cross. I am uncertain if I truly agree with this religious interpretation.
I disagree with this because if someone getting cuts on their hands and feet in a movie or book automatically resembled Jesus on the cross, then that interpretation would apply to many instances. However, this story has various interpretations. What would the interpretations be if the story included everyone from the village, depicting their upbringing, birth, education, and childbearing? This inclusion would make the story extend beyond a thousand pages (Plimpton 125).
The central question is, if the aforementioned elements were incorporated into the novel, how much would the interpretation change? It is my belief that the interpretations would vary greatly as the entire story revolves around the epic duel between Santiago and the marlin. Additionally, religious interpretations would be less prominent due to a focus on the lives of city dwellers and Santiago. Hemingway is a writer who constructs narratives from his imagination.
Hemingway won a Pulitzer Prize for his story “The Old Man and the Sea” despite not having genius. He admits to having limited understanding of the situation and being unaware of the complete story. Hemingway had to create a narrative based on what he knew, discarding anything that wasn’t entirely true or couldn’t be verified (Bruccoli 179).
According to my viewpoint, Hemingway’s novel showcases his exceptional writing skills. The novel engrossed me with its portrayal of the battle between humanity and nature, a concept that still intrigued me even during my third reading. Moreover, the novel’s underlying message about the fleeting nature of positive experiences strongly resonates with me in regards to relationships with loved ones. Hemingway holds widespread recognition as one of the twentieth century’s greatest writers.
Ernest Hemingway is renowned for his candid and unambiguous storytelling style as a prominent writer. In one of his novels, he directly confronts Santiago’s destiny, leaving no space for uncertainty. However, some individuals critique Hemingway’s writings by asserting that they primarily contain sorrow or fabrication. Fredrick Busch expressed reluctance in engaging with any work from Hemingway that depicts unhappiness or falsehood (Bryfonski 130).
Although The Old Man and the Sea is commonly thought to be inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s life, it centers around Carlos Gutierrez, a Cuban man. However, some elements of the story are influenced by Hemingway’s personal experiences.
Although there are several interpretations of The Old Man and the Sea, its true essence surpasses mere interpretation. While some derive pleasure from exploring different meanings within a book, I personally believe that reading novels should primarily serve as an opportunity to learn from others’ mistakes and broaden one’s understanding of American and English literature. Numerous books have had a significant impact on my life in diverse ways.
Reference
- Bruccoli, Matthew J. Conversations with Ernest Hemingway. Mississippi: UP Mississippi, 1986
- Bryfonski, Dedria. Contemporary Authors. Michigan: Bok Towers,1984
- Magill,Frank M. Masterplots. 8 vols., New Jersey: Salem Press,1976
- Nelson, Gerald B., and Glory Jones. Hemingway: Life and Works. New York: Facts on File Publications,1984
- Wagner, Linda W. Ernest Hemingway, Five Decades of Criticism . Michigan: Michigan State UP, 1974
- Wagner, Linda W. Ernest Hemingway, Six Decades of Criticism. Michigan: Michigan State UP, 1982
