In everyday life, we as people have struggles to confront, challenges to overcome, and uncontrollable, unexpected forces to face. In Ernest Hemingway’s novella, The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago, an old fisherman who lived a simple life, had to face the daily trials of his physical limitations, the incredible strength of sharks, and frustration of not having adequate supplies. Such obstacles not only impacted the plot of the story but also affected and shaped Santiago as a character.
Perhaps the most obvious of Santiago’s physical limitations was his old age. Even though Santiago almost always referred to himself as “old man,” he rarely thought of himself as unable to do things because of his age. He more often griped about how his left hand was weaker than his right and sometimes betrayed him. “But his left hand had always been a traitor and would not do what he called on it to do and he did not trust it” (71). Several times in the story, Santiago worried that his left hand would cramp and fail him so that the great fish would slip away.
In the segment of the story in which the battle ensues between Santiago and the sharks, much energy was expended in both parties. Sometimes the sharks came in groups of two or more. Santiago had to concentrate on fighting because he had to accommodate his skills and strength to the number of sharks attacking him. Even when there was only one shark, he couldn’t be off guard because some of the sharks were so big. “And he was the biggest dentuso that I have ever seen. And God knows I have seen big ones” (103).
As a fisherman with years of experience, Santiago surprisingly went out to sea unprepared. “You should have brought many things, he thought. But you did not bring them, old man” (110). One of the things Santiago did not bring was salt and limes to season the raw fish he caught to eat. It was unfortunate he did not bring them because he was famished from lack of food. He did not want to eat and afterwards feel nauseated. Also, Santiago regretted not bringing a stone to sharpen his knife so he could use it as a more effective weapon against the sharks. Perhaps if he had thought more ahead and brought more, he would not have had such a difficult time.
Perhaps the most obvious of Santiago’s physical limitations was his old age. Even though Santiago almost always referred to himself as “old man,” he rarely thought of himself as unable to do things because of his age. He more often griped about how his left hand was weaker than his right and sometimes betrayed him. “But his left hand had always been a traitor and would not do what he called on it to do and he did not trust it” (71). Several times in the story, Santiago worried that his left hand would cramp and fail him so that the great fish would slip away.
In the segment of the story in which the battle ensues between Santiago and the sharks, much energy was expended in both parties. Sometimes the sharks came in groups of two or more. Santiago had to concentrate on fighting because he had to accommodate his skills and strength to the number of sharks attacking him. Even when there was only one shark, he couldn’t be off guard because some of the sharks were so big. “And he was the biggest dentuso that I have ever seen. And God knows I have seen big ones” (103).
As a fisherman with years of experience, Santiago surprisingly went out to sea unprepared. “You should have brought many things, he thought. But you did not bring them, old man” (110). One of the things Santiago did not bring was salt and limes to season the raw fish he caught to eat. It was unfortunate he did not bring them because he was famished from lack of food. He did not want to eat and afterwards feel nauseated. Also, Santiago regretted not bringing a stone to sharpen his knife so he could use it as a more effective weapon against the sharks. Perhaps if he had thought more ahead and brought more, he would not have had such a difficult time.
Santiago’s experience catching the great marlin, fighting off sharks, and returning to his town alive was one of value. Even though his left hand was not as useful as his right, he exerted tremendous amounts of effort to compensate for it. Not once did he let the idea of being too old stop him. The battle with the sharks shaped his character, making him realize that he wasn’t just fighting for his life, but he was fighting to preserve his marvelous fish. Santiago gained wisdom when he noticed that he wasn’t as prepared as he should be. He learned from his mistakes and grew stronger. Lastly, the plot of the story was affected by these struggles. For example, if Santiago had been more prepared, he may have been able to fend off the sharks and would bring the fish home with meat on its bones. Without struggles, The Old Man and the Sea could have turned out to be a very different book, and Santiago a very different person.
5 comments:
Your thesis is clearly stated without being long and drawn out. My favorite example is “You should have brought many things, he thought. But you did not bring them, old man” That very true. It's strange that he didn't bring all those things with him, after being a fisherman for so long.
My favorite thing about Taylor's essay is its writing style. Everything is connected well and flows nicely through the varied vocabulary and quotes.
One thing to change for next time is just to cut back on the size of the end paragraph.
The first thing that stood out to me from this essay was the thesis. Out of all that I read, yours was the best organized and clear, and it did prove to be engaging.
My favourite quote would have to be the one Connie mentioned. It not only supported your point well, but it was one which no others had really mentioned.
Your essay did a lot of things well, it didn't "overkill" on vocabulary but gave a direct point. I think that's what a good essay should do.
Advice? I'm not sure, I wasn't sure about one of the quotes relation to the paragraph, but that was nothing. Maybe shorten the last paragraph for better reader interest.
Great job though.
You had a really strong thesis statement and it was clearly stated. I really like how you had a wide variety of vocabulary. Your first paragraph was really engaging and it made me want to read more of your essay. The quotes you used fit really well with the subjects you were explaining. It was organized and flowed smoothly.
Wow, very powerful I can't wait until I can read a college essay of yours. You had a very strong thesis and stuck to it. My favorite quote was“ But his left hand had always been a traitor and would not do what he called on it to do and he did not trust it" mainly because it fit so strongly in your essay and helped clarify your point in relation to the story. I really liked your choice of words; they were the 'icing' to your story and helped it flow smoothly. Advice? I think, personally that your last paragraph dragged on a bit compared to the others. Not really much else I could suggest.
Your thesis was very engaging and you made it all the more so by using more creative vocabulary than one might have. You don't stray from your topic, the obstacles of Santiago, and it is engaging. My favorite quote is the one in the second paragraph about his hand being traitorous. It is interesting that Santiago would view his own hand as something that he couldn't trust and depend on. I'm sure he learned it from years of fishing. I liked your whole essay. I think it is special that you used one scene in the story with the sharks as opposed to something else that might have radiated throughout the story and been easier to find examples of. I don't have any suggestions on what to change to make it better. I do agree with Jack that the final paragraph is a little tedious.
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