Christ Symbolism in The Old Man and the Sea
Symbolic Elements in the Novel:
Santiago's name.
He continues to have faith when others doubt
the Yankees' success.
Santiago teaches Manolin through aphorisms
and stories.
Manolin believes despite all the other fishermen doubting.
His left hand betrays him.
Santaigo is suffering sharp pain in his shoulders from the line pulled taut across his
back.
He is cut on both hands. ("Ay!")
His face is cut.
Santiago nearly faints with the pain of his ordeal.
His is near despair.
Santiago tastes something bitter while struggling with the sharks.
He is gone to sea for three days.
Everyone believes he is dead.
Santiago reappears to Manolin alone.
Santiago falls five times while carrying the
mast up the hill.
He sleeps with his arms out at right angles to
his body.
Symbolic Meaning:
Hemingway Code Hero:
"A man is not made for defeat ... A man can be destroyed but not defeated."
Definition:
He must be willing to dare more than
those around him.
He also must stretch his abilities to the
limits.
He must expose himself to death, ...
failure,
and ridicule, ...
and do so alone.
While suffering these indignities, he
must not only endure great suffering,
but ...
retain his dignity and self-esteem.
K. Vilkas, North Salem High School, March 3, 2016
Example(s) from the novella
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