The Old Man and the Sea : Literary devices
The Old Man and the Sea is a notable literary work by Ernest Hemingway. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Old Man and the Sea.
Literary devices
Symbols
The Marlin: The marlin represents Santiago’s inner struggle. The fish is not about strength but endurance and not giving up. By fighting the marlin, Santiago faces his own weaknesses. By fighting with the fish, he proves his courage and determination.
The Lions: Santiago dreams of lions from his youth. It symbolizes his lost strength, pride, and vitality. The lions remind him of his younger days when he was stronger and full of life. At the end of the novella, Santiago dreams of the lions again. It shows that his battle with the marlin has renewed his spirit.
The Sharks: The sharks are Santiago’s enemies. The sharks attack the marlin. They symbolize the destructive forces in life. They represent nature’s cruelty and life’s challenges.
Joe DiMaggio: Joe DiMaggio, the famous baseball player, represents perseverance and skill. Santiago admires DiMaggio for overcoming injuries and achieving greatness. Like DiMaggio, Santiago pushes through his own pain and struggles. This helps him to catch the marlin and battle the sharks.
Manolin: Manolin symbolizes hope and the future. He cares for Santiago. He brings him food and support. Although Manolin works on another boat, he has learned everything from Santiago. He promises to fish with him again. Manolin believes in Santiago and ensures that the old man’s legacy will continue.