The Old Man and the Sea Theme

Ernest Hemingways The Old Man and the Sea revolves around Santiago, a poor Cuban fisherman of
the vast, beautiful, and richly populated Gulf Stream. He after 84 days of failure finally catches a fish and toils
in his labors for another 3 days to catch his great marlin and when he had finally met success his miseries
continued as his attempts to fend off the countless sharks were futile letting them ravage his trophy leaving
him with but the head, bones, and the wounds of his labors. As he returns with but regret, exhaustion, and
defeat, and in spite of it all he still dreamt of lions. Although many believe defeat brings dejection, even in
suffering one can attain peace if one is satisfied with their endeavors.
One can infer that Ernest Hemingway was one who had experienced much suffering but was able at
times to obtain peace, through his writing one can tell that Hemingway had a connection to Santiago in that
they both endured pain. Despite Ernest Hemingways ordinary and plain tone it is rather esoteric and cultured
in the way he reveals his theme that peace is obtainable even after great suffering, as in the beginning of the
novel he unravels the story vividly describing the scenery and it transitions when Santiago begins his fishing
and the readers begin to learn Santiagos thoughts and perception.
It can be seen in Hemingways clear and simple writing style that Hemingways The Old Man and the
Sea was meant to be exposed to a large audience in order to broadcast his views of life. An occasion that one
would mention The Old Man and the Sea would be to advise someone experiencing misery, giving those hopes
of reconciliation after all their grief, just as Santiago braved all his hardships, had his success taken, and was
still able to have peace and dream of lions.
One can believe that Hemingways intention of The Old Man and the Sea is to bring across his point
that harmony can be achieved no matter ones past experiences. Hemingway repeatedly displays the topic of
suffering and peace throughout the novel as he vividly describes Santiagos ordeals and injuries as well as his
peace, as in his dreams of the lions.
Despite tragedy one can obtain tranquility as long as one finds contentment in their actions. People
should seek satisfaction in their toil an individual would be able to accept their past and decide to move on to a
better and brighter future .One should be happy with their decisions despite past sorrows and learn to live with
their actions.