The Old Man and the Sea

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   reidalot Teacher
   College - Freshman

   Hemingway is using Santiago, the main character, to comment on the nature of the greatness of the marlin and nature. Santiago is attempting to reel in the great marlin who is "two feet longer than the skiff." The Old Man recognizes that the marlin does not have man's intellect, yet, ironically, as far as nobility of character and strength, the fish is actually greater than man. The marlin and Santiago are likened as brothers. Both illustrate many characteristics of the Hemingway code hero: Bravery, courage, and grace under pressure. The idea of grace under pressure (when the world fall apart around you, you stay calm and face unbeatable odds with courage), is why the marlin is so hard to conquer and what makes this a great tale of an Old Man and a Marlin.

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   Posted by reidalot on Monday June 2, 2008 at 6:57 AM
   
   

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