“The Old Man and The Sea” Celebrates Life and Humanity”-Discuss. 

Answer

“The Old Man and the Sea” celebrates life and humanity. Discuss. [2020]

Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961) wrote “The Old Man and the Sea” in 1952. It is a story that praises the beauty of life and the strength of the human spirit. It tells the tale of Santiago. He is an old Cuban fisherman who struggles with a giant marlin and later with the sharks. Beneath this simple sea story lies a great message about courage, hope, and love. Through Santiago’s endurance, Hemingway celebrates human life, its struggles, and its eternal dignity.

Courage and Endurance: Courage and endurance are the main qualities that make Santiago great. Though he is poor and old, he never gives up. He goes far into the sea and fights alone for three days. He says, 

“Fish, I’ll stay with you until I am dead.”

His body is weak, but his mind is strong. Even when the marlin pulls his boat and cuts his hands, he does not stop. His struggle shows the beauty of human will. His courage and endurance make him a symbol of living strength.

Hope and Faith: Hemingway also celebrates hope and faith in this novel. Santiago’s life is full of failure, yet he never loses belief in himself. He says, 

“It is silly not to hope.”

His faith gives him power when the sea tests him most. He dreams of lions, symbols of youth and energy. These dreams show that he still feels joy for life. His faith in the future, like the boy Manolin’s return, keeps hope alive in the human heart.

Love and Compassion: Santiago’s love and compassion make him a deeply human being. He loves the sea, the birds, and the fish. He calls the marlin his brother, saying, 

“He is my brother. But I must kill him.”

His respect for the fish shows that his struggle is not born from hate but from need. He feels sorry for the marlin and even