The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway Understanding the Author and His Work

Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) Born the son of a doctor in Oak Park, Illinois – July 21, 1899 Became a reporter shortly after finishing high school Was not allowed to join the Army in World War I, so he joined the Red Cross. Reported on WWI, the Spanish Civil War, and WWII.

Ernest Hemingway & Modernism Modernism – literary movement after World War II that sought to gain a clear understanding of their world Features of Modernism Rejection of traditional themes and subject matters. A focus on alienated individuals rather than “heroes” who stood for the values of society. Frequent themes of impermanence and change.

Ernest Hemingway & Modernism Features of Modernism (cont.) Use of understatement and irony to reveal important emotions and ideas. Use of symbols and images that suggest meanings rather than statements that explain meanings. Use of stream-of-consciousness technique to show what’s going on both inside and outside the characters.

The Old Man and the Sea Won Pulitzer Prize in Literature – 1954 Hemingway’s last work Novella – brief work of fiction “His novella shows how death can invigorate life. . . [In the novel] we see how killing and death brings man to an understanding of his own mortality--his own power over it” (Topham, np).

The Old Man and the Sea Style & Diction Style – straightforward, simple clipped dialogue Diction – simple words, BIG effects

Hemingway’s 5 Rules to Writing Well Use short sentences Have short first paragraphs Use vigorous English Be positive, not negative Have only 4 rules (Clark, NP)

The Old Man and the Sea Universal Themes Power of Nature The Limits of Man Unconquerable Spirit

The Old Man and the Sea Archetypes: The Christ Figure Critics have recognized the character of Santiago as that of a Christ figure. The comparison is made on both physical and philosophical connections that may be made between Santiago and Christ.

Archetypes: The Christ Figure Physical Comparisons 1. Scars in Santiago’s hands 2. Forty days of temptation 3. Followed by disciple 4. Carrying of the “cross”/mast 5. Crucifix position 6. Three day battle

Archetypes: The Christ Figure Philosophical Comparisons 1. Burden of proof 2. Name sake – Saint James-saint of fishermen 3. Belief in the power of faith

Ernest Hemingway’s Code Hero Hemingway was the first to coin the term Code Hero. The Code Hero was “a man’s man,” with set standards of living, expectations, and rules of conduct. Often in Hemingway's stories, the hero's world is violent and disorderly; moreover, the violence and disorder seem to win.

Ernest Hemingway’s Code Hero A Code Hero must. . . 1. Be self-disciplined, A man of action rather than theory. ENDURANCE IN LIFE Of STRESS, MISFORTUNE, and PAIN. COURAGE HONOR

Ernest Hemingway’s Code Hero 2. Have a clear concept of death, Avoidance – not in a cowardly manner Seeks rewards in this world

Ernest Hemingway’s Code Hero 3. Always displays grace under pressure. ACTS HONORABLY IN THE FACE OF A LOSING BATTLE. IN DOING SO PROVES HIS MANHOOD AND HIS WORTH.

Other Symbols and Universal Themes The Old Man and the Sea is often called a parable or fable – Lesson learned? Santiago, a fisherman, symbolizes everyone who struggles honestly for their own idea of a “good life.” The sea symbolizes everywhere. Santiago symbolizes the sinner by deliberately fishing beyond the usual zone and because he defies those rules, he is punished.

Other Symbols and Universal Themes Santiago can be seen as the archetype of The Stoic, who accepts terrible physical pain and disappointment without complaint. Santiago may be seen as a hero achieving spiritual triumph despite his material defeat – “A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”

Other Symbols and Universal Themes Santiago’s Relationship with the Sea Sea is romanticized Feminine being Place of brotherhood Place of baptism