Old Man and the Sea

¶ … Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway [...] religion and spiritualism in the novel. At first glance, Hemingway's novel may simply seem to be the story of an old man's quest for a giant fish off the coast of Cuba. However, there is much more to the story than fishing and culture. In fact, the story tells a tale of brotherhood, courage, and a sense of spirituality and belief that carries the man through his lengthy battle with the marlin.

Santiago, the protagonist of the story is nothing if not strong and courageous. He sails out alone every day, hoping to find the biggest catch of his life. Hemingway shows the reader a man who is completely courageous and self-reliant, able to take care of himself even in solitude. Literary critic Harold Bloom notes, "It is the solitude which requires absolute courage and complete self-reliance" (Bloom 1999, 22). Thus, one of the most important elements to look for throughout this novel is the courageous nature of Santiago, who is unwilling to give up his career even as he grows old. He is still strong, courageous, and capable, even if the other fishermen cannot see or acknowledge this. He knows it in his heart, and that is all he needs to be content.

There is also a sense of brotherhood in the story that is extremely important. First, the boy, Manolin, is devoted to the old man and takes care of him, even after his parents force him to leave the old man to fish alone. He feels a deep bond with the old man, far past the baseball and fishing they discuss, and he represents the bond of brotherhood that exists between the village and the sea itself. Santiago also represents that brotherhood in his respect for the marlin and its strength and beauty. Throughout his lengthy battle with the fish, he refers to it as his brother and notes his respect for its strength and beauty. Hemingway writes, "I wish I could feed the fish, he thought. He is my brother. But I must kill him and keep strong to do it" (Hemingway 1980, 59). Near the end of the story, the fishermen may not understand Santiago's courage and accomplishment, but they still support him. Manolin tells him, "Pedrico is looking after the skiff and gear" (Hemingway 1980, 124), which indicates the brotherhood of fishermen that binds them together and brings them out to support each other. Early in the book, the fishermen look at him with sadness, or with derision (Hemingway 1980, 11), but there is still a camaraderie and togetherness in their group that indicates they are all brothers in the same quest for a living.

Finally, religion and spirituality is an important aspect of the novel that many critics acknowledge. Critic Bloom continues, "In the Old Man and the Sea, Santiago, the principal figure, is a primitive Cuban, at once religious and superstitious. Yet neither his religion nor his superstitious beliefs are relevant to his tragic experience with the great marlin; they do not create it or in any way control its meaning (Bloom 1999, 13). Thus, the religion and spirituality that form the backbone of the novel form the backbone of the people, as well. They believe, but their spirituality does not control every aspect of their lives. Hemingway alludes to this faith early in the novel when Manolin says of his father, "He hasn't much faith," and Santiago replies, 'No, [...] but we have, haven't we?'" (Hemingway 1980, 10-11). This sense of spirituality continues throughout the story. In fact, Santiago even urges Manolin to have faith in the Yankees (Hemingway 1980, 17). Thus, faith, in every aspect of life, permeates the people's lives and guides them in what they do, even if it does not control the outcome of the novel.