Name: Poojaba S. Gohil
Class: M.A. Sem. 3
Paper no.: 9
Topic: Symbolism in Old Man and The Sea
Submitted to: Smt.S.B. Gardi
Department of English
M.K. Bhavnagar University
Old Man And Sea is a great novella with many philosophical ideas. Hemingway is very careful while portraying characters in his works. The novella is centred on one major character Santiago. As the title suggest Santiago is an old man. He is of 75 years old Cuban fisherman. Hemingway has presented the character of Santiago with strong determination will power, hope and confidence.
Class: M.A. Sem. 3
Paper no.: 9
Topic: Symbolism in Old Man and The Sea
Submitted to: Smt.S.B. Gardi
Department of English
M.K. Bhavnagar University
Old Man And Sea is a great novella with many philosophical ideas. Hemingway is very careful while portraying characters in his works. The novella is centred on one major character Santiago. As the title suggest Santiago is an old man. He is of 75 years old Cuban fisherman. Hemingway has presented the character of Santiago with strong determination will power, hope and confidence.
Hemingway has borrowed a surprisingly abundant supply of facts from his own life for his novels. The books have therefore something autobiographical about them. Something of the author's character and personality is attributed to the hero of the Hemingway novel. But in The Old Man and the Sea the identification between the author and the hero is complete: and the story is an interesting personal allegory. ( Hemingway)
What is the Symbolism
The word symbolism is derived from the Greek word “symbollein” which means ‘to throw together, mark, emblem, token or sign’. The verb symbol is an object which can be animate or unanimated. Symbols represent or stand for something different.Definitive to manifesto of symbolism was published in September 1886 in an article ‘le Figaro’written by Jean Mores’. He founded the symbolist school whose members were Baudelaire, Mallarme, and Verlaine etc. Other famous followers include Reme Ghil, Griffith and Gustavo khan.
According to Oxford Dictionary
"Symbolism means use of symbols like Object, character use of figure of color to represent abstract idea concept or quality."
The element of symbolism is presented in all the works of Hemingway. However, the word symbolism came to be associated with him only after the appearance of his novel “Old man and the sea”. Hemingway’s use of symbols comes to climax in this novel. As a result,the novel is reach in symbolism images and motifs that enhance both the plot and the themes.
“In the usage of literary historian, symbolist movement designates specifically a group of French writers beginning with Charles Baudelaire”.
According to critic M.H.Abrahm
According to critic M.H.Abrahm
Now there might be question that what can be effective and universal symbols in literary writing. To answer the question critic J.A.Cuddon suggest that any object and action can be symbol in literary writings. EXAMPLE in literature there are many objects commonly used as symbols by writers.
1) SCALE symbol of justice2) MONARCHY symbol of rule3) DOVE symbol of peace4) A GOAT symbol of lust5) THE LION symbol of strength and courage6) THE ROSE symbol of beauty7) THE LILY symbol of purity8) CROSS symbol of christianity9)THE SWASIKA Nazi in German10) BLOOD mourn and violence
Symbolism is an essential literary device used by Ernest Hemingway in his book the old man and the sea. Hemingway uses numerous forms of symbolism but a recurring contour id biblical allusion. Hemingway filled this story with biblical allusion to create a deeper meaning within the text. Knowing biblical allusion allows a reader to have wider perspective of the story.
vSymbolic use of sea.
vSymbolic use of sea.
The major symbol used by Hemingway in distinctive way is the wide sea. This sea is symbol of life itself. Man has to sail either it is sea or life to go through. According to Hemingway, in both the sea and in life, there are many possibilities and similarities that the eye cannot see. The first similarity between them is that, both the sea and life are full of mystery, surprise, shock and challenge. However man has to fight bravely and nobly until the end.
Accordingly, it the man is lucky enough, and then he may discover treasure from sea. Likewise if the man is lucky then he will gain love, good family, peace and education. However, if he is unlucky than he may not find even single small fish from the greatest and wide sea.Same case with life.If the person is unfortunate then he struggle and suffer, a lot even for one time meal.
However, either it is like or sea, man has to embark journey and go through it amid all possible odes.
For example- Santiago goes for eighty four days without a single fish but he does not give up. He even continues his journey on eighty fifth days and brings a giant Marlin which shows his victory.
vSymbolic use of Baseball and lion.
The novel introduces two important symbols of baseball and lion. These are recurring reference to DiMaggio who symbolizes Santiago’s determination, will- power enthusiasm and physical strength at the age of 75 year. In American baseball history, DiMaggio is the greatest player of baseball of all time. Though he was handicapped physically, he was determined and strong mentally. Santiago’s frequent returns to baseball players DiMaggio empires him to win the battle in spite to old age. The image of the baseball hero playing in pain, giver Santiago renewed vigor and stamina to bear his own pain.
Thus, DiMaggio in the role model for Santiago and he symbolize triumphant survival.
Hemingway has presented lions. They are little cubs who symbolize youthful possibility and great thing to come Santiago often dreams lion playing on African beach. The image of them always makes Santiago happy. They have his good company just like mandolin. The appearance of lion suggests great strength, nobility, aspiration, victory and ambition. According to the novelist Hemingway,
“He no longer dreamed of storms, or of woman, nor of accordance nor of great fish… did he only dream of places now and then lion on the beach.”
Santiago’s dreams of lion suggest circular nature of life and harmony between two opposite force like death, love and hate, destruction and regeneration of nature
v symbolic use of Marlin and Shark.
Accordingly, it the man is lucky enough, and then he may discover treasure from sea. Likewise if the man is lucky then he will gain love, good family, peace and education. However, if he is unlucky than he may not find even single small fish from the greatest and wide sea.Same case with life.If the person is unfortunate then he struggle and suffer, a lot even for one time meal.
However, either it is like or sea, man has to embark journey and go through it amid all possible odes.
For example- Santiago goes for eighty four days without a single fish but he does not give up. He even continues his journey on eighty fifth days and brings a giant Marlin which shows his victory.
vSymbolic use of Baseball and lion.
The novel introduces two important symbols of baseball and lion. These are recurring reference to DiMaggio who symbolizes Santiago’s determination, will- power enthusiasm and physical strength at the age of 75 year. In American baseball history, DiMaggio is the greatest player of baseball of all time. Though he was handicapped physically, he was determined and strong mentally. Santiago’s frequent returns to baseball players DiMaggio empires him to win the battle in spite to old age. The image of the baseball hero playing in pain, giver Santiago renewed vigor and stamina to bear his own pain.
Thus, DiMaggio in the role model for Santiago and he symbolize triumphant survival.
Hemingway has presented lions. They are little cubs who symbolize youthful possibility and great thing to come Santiago often dreams lion playing on African beach. The image of them always makes Santiago happy. They have his good company just like mandolin. The appearance of lion suggests great strength, nobility, aspiration, victory and ambition. According to the novelist Hemingway,
“He no longer dreamed of storms, or of woman, nor of accordance nor of great fish… did he only dream of places now and then lion on the beach.”
Santiago’s dreams of lion suggest circular nature of life and harmony between two opposite force like death, love and hate, destruction and regeneration of nature
v symbolic use of Marlin and Shark.
Marlin a magnificent and glorious fish symbolizes the mysterious world of sea which is full of surprise and challenge.
Secondly, the marlin symbolizes the ideal and worthily opponent. Even Santiago finds him lucky to match against a creature like marlin because it is his battle with marlin that brings out the best in him. Santiago realizes his strength, courage, love and respect due to marlin.
Thirdly, it is only due to marlin, both Santiago and even we realize the unexpected world of sea. Santiago is shocked when he realize marlin’s size power and determination. He is pulled by marlin for a large portion.
A part from this, marlin is even presented as a Christian allegory. Marlin is as calm and cool as lord as Jesus was. Though it is hooked by Santiago, it is not attacked on him instead of tries to guide its followers to win him over. Moreover marlin is also described as s great source of food for other. It means it sacrifices itself so that other may live and survive.
However the sheiks are in great contrast to marlin. The shoved nose shark has attacked the marlin thoughtlessly. They symbolize the destructive force of the universe. They stand for evil.
Fish can resemble the Christian faith in this book. Fish are the antagonist of Santiago. Santiago may find the fish as his brother but through the tension of opposites within destruction and defeat fish bring out the best in Santiago. This tension makes Santiago feel a love for fish the fish while struggling against the fish. He has to work hard for them and they are the force that pain him through his crucifixion and allows for his later resurrection.
Throughout the story Santiago has faith and perseveres that he will catch fish like the other entire fisherman. Near the end sharks start killing all of the fish. The shark resembles the evil of the world trying to pick away at him. Santiago never gives up on catching his faith though even if the flesh is eaten off he still wants to finish what he started. Santiago finally catches his fish on Monday also known as “Good Friday’’ the day of sacrifice. When he caught the fish he did not do it for the pride of the fish itself, he did it for a personal sense. This can portrays the image that evil may be able to try and break apart people and their faith. Evil can never truly take away the bones or the morals that are the structure of the real faith.
Secondly, the marlin symbolizes the ideal and worthily opponent. Even Santiago finds him lucky to match against a creature like marlin because it is his battle with marlin that brings out the best in him. Santiago realizes his strength, courage, love and respect due to marlin.
Thirdly, it is only due to marlin, both Santiago and even we realize the unexpected world of sea. Santiago is shocked when he realize marlin’s size power and determination. He is pulled by marlin for a large portion.
A part from this, marlin is even presented as a Christian allegory. Marlin is as calm and cool as lord as Jesus was. Though it is hooked by Santiago, it is not attacked on him instead of tries to guide its followers to win him over. Moreover marlin is also described as s great source of food for other. It means it sacrifices itself so that other may live and survive.
However the sheiks are in great contrast to marlin. The shoved nose shark has attacked the marlin thoughtlessly. They symbolize the destructive force of the universe. They stand for evil.
Fish can resemble the Christian faith in this book. Fish are the antagonist of Santiago. Santiago may find the fish as his brother but through the tension of opposites within destruction and defeat fish bring out the best in Santiago. This tension makes Santiago feel a love for fish the fish while struggling against the fish. He has to work hard for them and they are the force that pain him through his crucifixion and allows for his later resurrection.
Throughout the story Santiago has faith and perseveres that he will catch fish like the other entire fisherman. Near the end sharks start killing all of the fish. The shark resembles the evil of the world trying to pick away at him. Santiago never gives up on catching his faith though even if the flesh is eaten off he still wants to finish what he started. Santiago finally catches his fish on Monday also known as “Good Friday’’ the day of sacrifice. When he caught the fish he did not do it for the pride of the fish itself, he did it for a personal sense. This can portrays the image that evil may be able to try and break apart people and their faith. Evil can never truly take away the bones or the morals that are the structure of the real faith.
v Symbolic use of numbers like three, seven, forty and eighty five.
The numeric symbolism in the novel ‘’the old man and the sea’’ seen to be religious. Numbers of figure like three, seven, forty and eighty five have special significant I the bible.
Example-when the novel opens, we come to know that Santiago has unsuccessfully fished for forty days. This figure is considered unlucky in the Bible.
Then Santiago’s fight with great fish marlin lasts for three days. Thus figure symbolizes struggle in the bible.
There is reference to figure eighty five which is considered to be lucky and good figure. Even Santiago remarks;
“Eighty five is a lucky number’’
Example-when the novel opens, we come to know that Santiago has unsuccessfully fished for forty days. This figure is considered unlucky in the Bible.
Then Santiago’s fight with great fish marlin lasts for three days. Thus figure symbolizes struggle in the bible.
There is reference to figure eighty five which is considered to be lucky and good figure. Even Santiago remarks;
“Eighty five is a lucky number’’
Thus, such figures are biblical allegory in the novel.
v Santiago; symbol of crucifixion and Christianity.
Many times, stories by Hemingway have much religious influence and symbolism. In the old man and the sea, by Ernest Hemingway, numerous occurrences in the life of Santiago the fisherman are similar to the incident recorded in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The names of the character translated from Spanish to English are just one of those many similarities.
In the story, there are many references to the crucifixion of Jesus. Santiago’s badly injured hand evokes the hands of the crucified Jesus and three other situations reinforce this theory first, Santiago’s marlin is approached by a pair of shovel nosed sharks.
According to Carlos Baker
“Santiago shows certain qualities of mind and heart;which are clearly associated with the character and personality of Jesus Christ in the gospel stories."
In the story, there are many references to the crucifixion of Jesus. Santiago’s badly injured hand evokes the hands of the crucified Jesus and three other situations reinforce this theory first, Santiago’s marlin is approached by a pair of shovel nosed sharks.
According to Carlos Baker
“Santiago shows certain qualities of mind and heart;which are clearly associated with the character and personality of Jesus Christ in the gospel stories."
To wind up
This novella, the symbolism has far deeper significance. The book is representation of life as struggle against unconquerable force of nature. In this novella Hemingway symbolized person , place or thing to represent the real meaning of his writing In every day struggle of old man there is deep meaning behind it. Hemingway is very much connected with the nature .
This novella, the symbolism has far deeper significance. The book is representation of life as struggle against unconquerable force of nature. In this novella Hemingway symbolized person , place or thing to represent the real meaning of his writing In every day struggle of old man there is deep meaning behind it. Hemingway is very much connected with the nature .
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