Trace Out the Major Symbols in “The Old Man and the Sea.” 

Answer

Trace out the major symbols in “The Old Man and the Sea.” [2019, 2016]

A symbol is a sign that represents a deeper idea or meaning. In a literary work, it adds depth, shows hidden truths, and strengthens the central theme. Every object and event in “The Old Man and the Sea” (1952) stands for something larger than itself. The marlin, the sharks, the mast, the boy, and even Joe DiMaggio carry symbolic meanings. Through these symbols, Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961) expresses man’s struggle, hope, pride, and faith in life.

The Marlin: The marlin is the most powerful symbol in the novel. It stands for nature’s beauty, strength, and dignity. Santiago calls it his “brother” and says, 

“He is my brother. But I must kill him and keep strong to do it.”

This shows both love and conflict. The marlin becomes a test of Santiago’s courage and endurance. Their long fight symbolizes man’s battle against life’s significant challenges. To catch the fish, Santiago must go beyond his physical limit. The marlin also represents Santiago’s dream and human ambition.

The Sharks: The sharks are a strong opposite to the marlin. They stand for destruction and cruelty in nature. They attack the marlin’s body and destroy Santiago’s success. Yet Santiago fights them bravely and says, 

“A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”

The sharks symbolize the blind forces in life: death, decay, and failure. Santiago kills many sharks, but new ones come. His struggle against them shows that man must keep fighting even when success is impossible.

The Mast: The mast of Santiago’s skiff symbolizes suffering, faith, and duty. It is like the cross that Jesus carried to his crucifixion. When Santiago carries the mast on his shoulders after his defeat, he becomes a Christ-like figure. The narrator says, 

“Then he shouldered the mast and started to climb.”

His bleeding hands and tired body remind us of Christ’s pain. The mast shows that suffering is a