Why You'll Be Hooked by The Old Man and the Sea
The final major work of Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea, published in 1952 is set in a fishing village in Cuba. It features an old fisherman named Santiago and a young boy named Manolin that admires him. After 84 days without catching a fish, Santiago is deemed “the worst form of unlucky”, and Manolin’s father does not let Manolin fish with Santiago anymore, and he instead must go fish in a lucky boat. However, he still cares for the old man and visits his shack at night. The next day, Santiago heads out to the sea in his skiff, and is intent on ending his unlucky streak. The story continues with Santiago’s adventure at sea where he finally hooks a fish after 85 days, and ultimately is a test of his grit as a fisherman.
Throughout reading the book, I admired Santiago’s persistence. He refused to succumb to any mental or physical challenge brought upon him. From surviving off of dolphin meat to spending hours and hours alone at sea in his skiff, Santiago persisted. His mentality is one that I think as readers we could incorporate in our own lives. For example, when you’re running the mile in fitness and you want to stop give up, be like Santiago, and instead, keep on running. Regardless of how you apply it, this mindset is essential when dealing with adversity.
Another aspect of the novel that I think is worth mentioning is the subtle similarity to war. Hemingway is no stranger to this genre, having written A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls, both of which are popular books in their own right. As for The Old Man and the Sea, I thought of Santiago as an old war veteran heading back into battle, dreaming of his youth, and proving to everyone that he still is capable even in his old age. Hemingway himself was passionate about both fishing and war, so I don’t think it’s too far-fetched that certain shades of one will show up in another in his writing.
For such a short novel there really is a lot going on, so if you’ve read this book before, I’m interested in what you got out of reading it. If you haven’t read this book yet, I highly suggest you do. I mean, you’ll probably end up having to read this for some English class in the future anyway, so might as well get a head start now!
Great review! I have never heard of this book, but your review makes it sounds interesting. Your review does a nice job of summarizing the book. I can understand what is going on in Manolin's mind just from your summary. I also liked the relation you made with Santiago's persistence and running the mile in fitness. I hope to check it out soon.
ReplyDeleteI can see how some people might like this book, but based on your review, it seems like not much happens besides fishing. I think it's good that you clarified that it's a short novel, because I think it might get boring if it was a longer book. I also liked how you talked a little bit about the author and other books he has written, but I would have enjoyed it more if you explained more how the story is similar to war. Overall, I thought this was a good review, and I will consider checking this book out.
ReplyDeleteI have never read this book before, but your review summarized The Old Man and the Sea very nicely. I like how you connected it with difficult real life issues (such as running the mile during fitness), since it highlighted the themes in the book well. I really liked how you used hooked as a pun in your title, and I was definitely hooked in by it. I will definitely take your suggestion and make sure to read The Old Man and the Sea. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI think you do a good job at summarizing the book and the key points from it. By summarizing well, it makes it easier to understand the message that you think the book conveys. I like that you give examples of how to implement the theme into life. I have heard of this book before, but never read it. I may take your advice and read it soon. Good job!
ReplyDeleteNice job on this review. I like how you compared Santiago's persistence to what students can relate to in real life. I have read this book before and also reviewed it, and I can say that I agree with many of your ideas. If I hadn't read this book, I would get a good idea of the story. I think just for the review to be clearer, you could have given more examples where Santiago displays his courage. Overall, good job!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting story. It’s impressive how a book about fishing can convey intense feelings of a soldier past his prime or the desire to prove one’s own worth. Your descriptions make me really want to read it for myself.
ReplyDeleteFantastic review! You make the book sound interesting and engaging in your summary, while your review itself is really good. I really enjoyed the fact that you tied together Santiago's story of perseverance along with our young lives today. All things considered, I think you did a great job and I will have to check this book out.
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