The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest

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 n Became a reporter shortly after finishing high school n Was not allowed to join the Army in World War I, so he joined the Red Cross. n Reported on WWI, the Spanish Civil War, and WWII. n

Ernest Hemingway & Modernism n n n 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

Ernest Hemingway & Modernism n n 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 n n 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 n Style & Diction Style – straightforward, simple clipped dialogue Diction – simple words, BIG effects

Hemingway’s 5 Rules to Writing Well Use short sentences n Have short first paragraphs n Use vigorous English n Be positive, not negative n

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

The Old Man and the Sea n 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 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

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

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

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? n Santiago, a fisherman, symbolizes everyone who struggles honestly for their own idea of a “good life. ” n The sea symbolizes everywhere. n Santiago symbolizes the sinner by deliberately fishing beyond the usual zone and because he defies those rules, he is punished. n

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

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