Group discussions about The Old Man and the Sea are generally most effective when they hone in on the specific aspects of Santiago's character, his interactions with nature, and his bond with Manolin. Close attention to the text is crucial to avoid slipping into sentimental or overly general discussions. More daring discussion groups might explore the contentious, "politically correct" critiques of Santiago (and Hemingway) presented in Brenner's controversial recent study of The Old Man and the Sea (refer to "Resources" in the biographical entry for more details). Well-prepared readers, who are familiar with the intricacies and details of Hemingway's narrative, will find it easy to refute most, if not all, of Brenner's largely unsupported claims.

1. According to Santiago, what distinguishes those who refer to the sea as "lamar" from those who call it "el mar"?

2. Why does Santiago dream of "lions on the beaches"? What do these lions represent?

3. Discuss Santiago's knowledge of nature, particularly the behaviors of birds and fish. How did he acquire this knowledge?

4. Why does Santiago believe "no one is worthy of eating" the great marlin?

5. Examine Santiago as a Christ-figure, focusing on the specific elements of Christian imagery. Santiago's journey is marked by suffering and endurance; does it also have a redemptive quality?

6. Who is Santiago named after, or what is the significance of the name Santiago? (You might want to learn about Hemingway's lifelong fascination with the Pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela, a journey he undertook and referenced in several of his works.)

7. Compare Santiago's feelings toward the sharks with his feelings toward other creatures.

8. Although Santiago claims he is "not religious," he regularly says his prayers and promises to make a pilgrimage if he catches the fish. Discuss Santiago's spirituality, including both his natural piety and his Catholic faith.

9. When Santiago catches the albacore, he strikes "him on the head for kindness." Analyze this scene and Santiago's overall sense of "kindness."

10. Why does Manolin see Santiago (rather than his own father) as his role model? What has he learned from Santiago?

11. What does the "great DiMaggio" symbolize? Why did Hemingway choose DiMaggio over other legendary hitters of the same era like Ted Williams or Stan Musial? Identify the baseball imagery in the novel and explain its significance.

12. Conclude the discussion by focusing on the book's most famous line: "A man can be destroyed but not defeated." How would you rephrase the meaning of this passage? Discuss how the novel develops and exemplifies this theme.