The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway Understanding the Author and His Work

Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) Born the son of a doctor in Oak Park, Illinois – July 21, 1899 Became a reporter shortly after finishing high school Was not allowed to join the Army in World War I due to poor vision, so he joined the Red Cross. Reported on WWI, the Spanish Civil War, and WWII.

Ernest Hemingway & Modernism The US had entered a wave of modernism. Features of Modernism Rejection of traditional themes and subject matters A focus on alienated individuals rather than “heroes” who stood for the values of society. Use of symbols and images that suggest meanings rather than statements that explain meanings. Use of stream-of-consciousness technique to show what’s going on both inside and outside the characters.

Hemingway and Cuba Hemingway lived in Cuba in the 1930s and much of WWII. He recognized that Cuba, though a close neighbor to the US, was a country of poverty. It is a subsistence society. Each person strives to survive independently, not as a single piece of a bigger system as in the US. In spite of this struggle to survive, Hemingway saw their inner strength, a sense of heroism. We are more system based. People are just cogs in a greater machine of production, marketing, sales.

The Old Man and the Sea Won Pulitzer Prize in Literature – 1954 Hemingway’s last work Novella – brief work of fiction “His novella shows how death can invigorate life. . . [In the novel] we see how killing and death brings man to an understanding of his own mortality--his own power over it” (Topham, np).

The Old Man and the Sea Style & Diction Style – straightforward, simple clipped dialogue Diction – simple words, BIG effects

Hemingway’s Rules to Writing Well Use short sentences Have short first paragraphs Be positive, not negative

Setting (time and place) A Cuban village near Havana Mostly set on the sea in the Gulf Stream Characters Santiago—Old Cuban fisherman Manolin—The boy who is Santiago’s friend The giant marlin (symbolic) The sharks (symbolic) The sea (symbolic) Joe DiMaggio (symbolic)

The Old Man and the Sea Universal Themes The Limits of Man Man’s Pride Power of Nature Unconquerable Spirit- perserverance Honor Through Santiago’s struggle, Hemingway attempts to demonstrate what man can endure showing the nobility of the human endeavor in the face of extreme odds.

Symbolism Most of these symbols have multiple layers of meaning. The Marlin The Sharks Santiago’s Dreams about Lions Santiago Joe DiMaggio Religious Symbolism

Symbolism of the Sea In the novel, Santiago embarks on a sea journey (life) and encounters a giant marlin (treasure). He battles nobly to earn the treasure and then fights the sharks (problems) to save it. The struggle defines him as a hero. Even though he loses the treasure (the marlin) to the sharks (the problems), he has won the sea battle (life). He is destroyed, but not defeated.

The Marlin In the beginning, the giant marlin becomes a symbol of the mysterious world of the unknown that challenges everyone. The marlin can also be seen as one of life’s treasures to be found and fought for---something to strive for (family, education, accomplishment) The fish is also a symbol of Christianity, and Hemingway imbues the giant fish with several Christian virtues: kindness, patience, and determination. The fish is also described as being a source of food for others, a sacrifice so that others may live. The Marlin is also a symbol for Hemingway’s greatest works---his novels--- that he tirelessly suffers over

The Sharks The sharks themselves are portrayed as malevolent creatures and symbolize the deadly forces of evil that reign in nature and life. The sharks seize the old man’s prize from him and leave him shattered and shamed, just like sin can do in the world. The sharks also represent the critics who have been tearing Hemingway’s work (writing) to shreds.

The Lions- strength and nobility When the lions appear in their adult majesty, they suggest and signify great strength and nobility and provide Santiago with inspiration, a nobility of purpose, and a sense of vitality that goads him toward fulfilling his ambition.

Joe DiMaggio DiMaggio, the partially handicapped baseball player, who often figures in the old man’s waking thoughts, as well as in his dreams. DiMaggio inspires him with leadership qualities and the determination to win, in spite of handicaps. When his left hand cramps and he feels drained of his strength, the old man reminds himself of the painful bone spur that handicaps the great DiMaggio. The image of the baseball hero playing in pain gives Santiago renewed vigor and stamina to bear his own pain

The Old Man and the Sea The Christ Figure Critics have recognized the character of Santiago as that of a Christ figure. The comparison is made on both physical and philosophical connections that may be made between Santiago and Christ.

Archetypes: The Christ Figure 1. Scars in Santiago’s hands 2. Forty days of temptation 3. Followed by disciple 4. Carrying of the “cross”/mast 5. Crucifix position 6. Three day battle

Ernest Hemingway’s Hero A Hero must. . . Be self-disciplined, A man of action rather than theory. ENDURANCE IN LIFE Of STRESS, MISFORTUNE, and PAIN. COURAGE HONOR

Ernest Hemingway’s Hero Have a clear concept of death, Avoidance – not in a cowardly manner Seeks rewards in this world

Ernest Hemingway’s Hero Always displays grace under pressure. ACTS HONORABLY IN THE FACE OF A LOSING BATTLE. IN DOING SO PROVES HIS MANHOOD AND HIS WORTH. Students write down what they think makes a hero. Read pages 5-17 and discuss characteristics of the old man. his eyes were the same colour as the sea….cheerful and undefeated he is unaffected by the pity or contempt of others, they laugh at him still respected, would never steal from him he is humble. “he knew he had attained humility and he knew it was not disgraceful and that it carried no loss of true pride” dreamed of the lions on the beach- royalty Is he what you would normally think of as a hero? He is a tragic hero. Wins and looses at the same time. In mythology, had to leave home and return against all odds. Usually much was lost in the process.

Character Development Characters are developed through What they say and do What others say and do What the narrator tells us