The Old Man and the Sea-Q.3

A common topic that we discuss as English students is the theme of the passage we have finished reading. In this instance The Old Man and the Sea has a few different themes that are prominent and common throughout literature. Will power, determination, and passion are things that are shown through this story of an old man, a young boy, and the ocean that they are so connected with. The first theme, will power, refers to the discipline and self control that the old man has. He is a fishing expert and he knows that if he sticks to what he knows that it should eventually end in a good result. And it does... Kind of.

Determination is another theme of this story and possibly the most important. The old man is determined the whole time and never gives up. He always has the end result in mind. After an eighty-four day drought it would be very easy to give up on the craft of fishing. But alas! He uses his will power and determination to get through it! The old man is so strong and wise! He also continues on in his pursuit of fish even though all of the other young fishermen make fun of him. Passion also plays a part in his determined personality. If he does not love what he is doing, I am not sure why he is still going at it. He does have to make a living of course, but if he hates fishing so much I am positive that he can find another career that suits his go-get-'em attitude.

Hemingway truly believes in hard work and dedication. His writing in this story shows it a great deal. Having these elements of the story shine are what makes it so easy to relate to. Most people have had to work extremely hard to achieve a goal they have set for themselves. Santiago is a true example of pushing yourself to the best you can be without having someone else babysit you along the way.

Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 2003. Print.