In the novel The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, there is quite a bit of symbolism, whether it is religious or not. This symbolism helps to bring to light the characteristics and personalities of the characters. This helps the reader understand who or what they really are. As well it explains what they represent. The symbolism of Santiago's struggle with the marlin, the lions in his dreams, and his constant talk of Joe DiMaggio portray Santiago's views and beliefs of the world and others around him.

Santiago's struggle with the marlin for days on end is symbolic of his own personal struggle with himself and with nature. Santiago does not want to give up his pride to the marlin but wants to finally end his long drought of not catching any fish. "'Fish,' he said, 'I love you and respect you very much. But I will kill you dead before this day ends.'"(p.54) This shows that he has great respect for the fish, yet he has to kill him for his own personal pride. Even though Santiago feels as if his struggle with the marlin and the sea might

kill him, it has united him and the fish. Through their bond as creatures, he now understands the mysteries of the sea and her creatures. He now feels compassion towards the marlin and understands how he would feel if he was in the marlin's place. "' I shouldn't have gone out so far, fish,' he said. 'Neither for you nor me. I'm sorry fish.'"(p.110) By calling him his brother, Santiago has now created a bond with the marlin after spending so much time with the fish and now feels sorry for what he

Santiago's constant talk and references about Joe DiMaggio is symbolic of the inspiration and influence that he has on Santiago in everything that he does. "'But I think DiMaggio would be proud of me today. I had no bone spurs.'"(p.97) Like DiMaggio, Santiago is no longer a great champion that he once was when he was younger. They both suffer from injuries but continue to "play the game," using their skills, hearts, and their endurance to replace the strength they once had in their youth. That is why Santiago associates himself so closely with the ballplayer, whose "father was also a fishe

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Approximate Word count = 740
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)