Old Man and the Sea 3

Although The Old Man and the Sea is a short novel, it addresses many important themes. The most persistent theme would be about perseverance, especially when the odds are against you. The old man is unlucky in the eyes of the other fishermen, but he still goes out on the sea every day. In the end he catches a fish because of his perseverance, but the fish is devoured by sharks on his way back. Because the old man persevered, he caught the biggest fish he has ever caught in his life.
Another theme comes from friendship. Santiago, an old man, is friends with Manolin, a young boy. Santiago is an outcast from the other fishermen at this point, and Manolin’s parents do not allow him to fish with the old man anymore. Manolin is upset that he cannot go out with Santiago, and while Santiago is at sea he constantly wishes his friend was there too. Their friendship played a role in Santiago staying alive. He wanted to get back safely, so the young boy would not have to worry about him.
Another major theme is about luck. Very early in the story Santiago says he is unlucky. Then he says “It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready” (Hemmingway, 32.) This is exactly how The Old Man and the Sea goes. Santiago is thorough and prideful in his work as a fisherman, but he goes without a catch. Then, after eighty-four days he is ready when the eighteen foot marlin shows up. But because Santiago is exact and not lucky, sharks show up and ruin his catch.
The thing that Hemmingway understands about human nature is doing prideful work. At any time during the old man’s battle with the giant fish he could have just let it go, but he was far too prideful for that. Santiago is a fisherman who takes great pride in catching his own food and living the way he does. The life that he has leaded has caused him to be too proud to simply let the fish go.

Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 2003. Print.