Symbolism in Old man and the sea Essay

Reading a story can sometimes be like reliving a piece of history. Through symbolism authors can bring to life a piece of the past and show it through someone elses eyes. Ernest Hemingway in The Old Man and the Sea tells the story of Jesus Christ in a simple and plain way. Hemmingway, who was not religious, uses subtle symbolism throughout the story and adds Christian imagery to his writing.

Santiago was once a strong and well respected man in his community, but now washed away by age he is fighting for survival and is kept alive only by Manolins faithfulness, his determination and dream of the lions on those soft warm beaches. Although Jesus Christs troubles did not come about due to age as Santiago did, but before his prosecution he was a well respected part of his community. However throughout his prosecution was when he showed his faith and determination. In the story whenever Santiago was in a time of privation he would say a Hail Mary or an Our Father which shows Santiagos faith in prayer. In this novella Manolin is portrayed as a disciple. He learned everything he knows from him, has full faith in him and wants to follow in his footsteps.

In the Bible it tells of Jesus journey and prosecution. Before Santiago leaves for sea, he and Manolin eat supper together. This is the symbolism of Jesus last supper with his disciples. In addition, the Bible says that Jesus takes one fish and makes enough to feed the whole community and in The Old Man and the Sea Santiago caught a dolphin and upon the cutting of the dolphin a fish was found inside and he then had both dolphin and the extra fish to eat. This allows us to see some of the symbolism between Santiago and Jesus Christ. Throughout the story the old man is face with many challenges like going out to far, his lack of food and water, the sharks, and his age, but even while being face with so many challenges he is able to overcome them and capture a fish that it much greater then he could ever imagine. His willpower and persistence symbolizes Jesus efforts to get the people to believe that he is the son of God even though he was faced with many challenges also, such as the king of Jerusalem and the non believers. Both Santiago and Jesus were put through many trials and overcame them almost like a miracle. Another example of symbolism was whilst fishing the line cut open the palms of his hands. This is like when Jesus was nailed to the cross and had holes in the palms of his hands. Also after Santiago returned from sea with nothing but the skeleton of his eighteen foot long marlin, he carries his mast on his back all the way up the hill and to his house. On his journey he fell out of pure exhaustion with no one to help him up and get him to his destination. This symbolizes Jesus walk to his crucifixion on the peak of the hill and him having to carry his cross on his back. During Jesus trip he also fell and no person could help him. When Manolin checks Santiagos house everyday to see if he returned home is just as in the bible when the women visit Jesus to tomb.

Even though Hemingway was not particularly religious The Old Man and the Sea symbolized Jesus Christ, the bible and the Christian religion on copious occasions. Santiagos faith and determination allowed him to denote Jesus and allowed the reader to make connections between the two.