The Old Man and the Sea (Cyclopedia of Literary Places)
At a glance:
- Author: Ernest Hemingway
- First Published: 1952
- Type of Work: Novella
- Type of Plot: Symbolic realism
- Time of Work: Mid-twentieth century
- Genres: Long fiction, Psychological fiction, Short fiction
- Subjects: Caribbean, Twentieth century, Symbolism, Sea or seafaring life, Cuba or Cubans, Baseball, Fishing or fishermen, Fishes
- Locales: Caribbean, Oceans, Havana, Cuba
Places Discussed
*Caribbean Sea. Branch of the North Atlantic Ocean that surrounds Cuba. The sea contributes to the sense of fatalism in the primary character. Alone on the vast expanses of the sea, Santiago, the “old man” of the title, suggests a symbolic understanding of human alienation amid an indifferent world. The sea functions as a backdrop for his reflections of his interior being, thus reinforcing themes of loneliness, struggle, and courage. Ernest Hemingway says of Santiago, “He looked across the sea and knew how alone he was now.” His loneliness, however, is...
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See Also:
- - For teachers, the The Old Man and the Sea Lesson Plan.
- - The Old Man and the Sea summary and study guide in the eNotes.
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