The Old Man and the Sea
"A man can be destroyed but not defeated."
The Story
Fishing is your life. Literally. If you don't catch fish, you won't live long. Things aren't looking good for you, old man: it's been a wopping 84 days without a fish. People are starting to whisper, laugh, or just feel bad for you. But you aren't worried--you've gone 81 days without fish before.
What happens when you decide to go farther out than usual, only to end up with a dinosaur-of-a-fish on the line? This fish is bigger than your boat. If you rush it, you'll lose it. But going slowly might mean staying on the water overnight. It's been hours and you can feel your stomach aching with hunger. What will you do to keep from passing out under the hot Cuban sun?
The Old Man and the Sea tells the story of old man Santiago, a poverty-stricken Cuban fisherman who catches a marlin bigger than anything the people of Havana have ever seen. As you read, consider ways that this story reflects the Hemingway Code Hero (see Author's style).
WARNING: There are no chapters; but before you go complaining that it's just one never-ending boat ride, remember this is just 100 pages. Much of the book is the old man's thoughts. What would be going through your mind if it were you on the sea? That is the best way to appreciate this book, beyond the rich symbolism of the marlin, the young lions, the long walk up the hill, and the #stupidtourists.
Lastly, keep track of days as you read. The plot is five-days long, and with no chapters, it will help to categorize the story in your head by days.
Questions to consider
How does the old man fit the Hemingway hero? How does Manolin represent the kind of young adult Hemingway believes in? How do the following function as symbols: the marlin, the sharks, the turtles, the birds, the sea, and the mast/hill at the end? How are the Americans portrayed?
Havana, Cuba
Stop-Motion Video
SPOILER WARNING: Check out this cool stop-motion video of the novel's plot if you are confused or just want to see something awesome.
Cuban inspiration
Gregorio Fuentes is now one of the most famous Cubans, being the inspiration for Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea. Read this NY Times story of the friendship and events that became the bestseller.
Instant success
Within 48 hours of the release of The Old Man and the Sea in Life magazine, every copy in print was sold out. Read the following original 1952 New York Times book review to see the critics' first thoughts.
What's a Man?
The Old Man and the Sea is a stark portrayal of what Hemingway's view of true masculinity. For more on how the novel shows this, check the article "Lessons in Manliness from The Old Man and the Sea."