An example of Man vs. Society in The Old Man and the Sea is Santiago's struggle against the social stigma in his village. After failing to catch fish for eighty-four days, he is labeled "salao," or unlucky. This perception isolates him, as evidenced by his apprentice's parents forbidding their son from working with him. Santiago's determination to prove himself by catching the marlin reflects his resistance against societal judgment.

The old man hates jellyfish because their deceptive beauty hides their dangerous nature. In The Old Man and the Sea, he refers to the Portuguese man-of-war as "agua mala," meaning "bad water," and a "whore," highlighting his disdain. Despite their iridescent appearance, these jellyfish deliver painful stings that cause unbearable pain and welts. The old man finds satisfaction in seeing turtles eat them and in stomping on those washed ashore.

During the night, Santiago faces several potential dangers as he battles the giant marlin far from land. The absence of the sun poses a threat, as he could freeze, lose his bearings, or face shark attacks. Despite these risks, Santiago draws inspiration from Joe DiMaggio and his past successes, such as winning an arm wrestling match, to bolster his courage. However, he remains concerned about his hand cramping, which could jeopardize his grip on the fish.

Santiago is a dynamic character due to his evolving attitudes and internal conflicts throughout the narrative. Engaging in a profound struggle with nature, particularly the sea, he undergoes significant change. Initially despairing, Santiago ultimately embraces an existential understanding of life, recognizing his resilience and spiritual strength. Despite losing the marlin to sharks, he remains unconquered in spirit, shifting from despair to hope, symbolized by his continued dreams of lions.

The old man ventures far out to sea to break his unlucky streak and because of his deep appreciation for the sea. In "The Old Man and the Sea," Santiago's determination to catch a massive marlin drives him further from shore. His journey is both a literal and allegorical exploration of his love for fishing and the wilderness, highlighting themes of obsession, beauty, and the harsh realities of nature.

Santiago cannot save the marlin from the sharks because its immense size prevents him from bringing it aboard his skiff, which is too small to hold the massive fish. He ties it to the side, making it vulnerable to shark attacks. Despite his efforts to defend it, his limited resources and the marlin's size make it impossible to prevent the sharks from devouring it. Ultimately, Santiago's reputation is restored by the marlin's skeleton, showcasing his skill as a fisherman.

In "The setting of the sun is a difficult time for all fish," Santiago refers to his own challenges as an aging fisherman. The metaphor suggests his struggle with declining strength and luck, paralleling his life's sunset. It reflects broader themes of mortality and the uncertainties of old age. This statement also exemplifies Hemingway's modernist style, using simple language to convey deep emotional and existential tensions.

The central conflict in The Old Man and the Sea is between Santiago and the marlin, representing his struggle against nature and his own limitations. This external battle is paralleled by Santiago's internal conflict, as he grapples with his pride, isolation, and the passage of time, striving to prove his worth and maintain his dignity.

Santiago harbors a deep respect and love for the sea, reflecting his lifelong dedication as a fisherman. Although his feelings are not explicitly stated, context suggests he values his life at sea despite its challenges. Santiago's respect is evident in his empathy towards sea creatures, as shown in his sorrow over killing a marlin. His determination to continue fishing, even after setbacks, underscores his enduring connection to and affection for the sea.

Santiago's enemy in the novel is not a conventional antagonist but rather the forces of time, old age, and an indifferent universe. While the marlin could be seen as an adversary due to its struggle to escape, Santiago's true challenges are his physical limitations and the randomness of luck. He battles against these existential forces, seeking meaning and dignity despite the universe's indifference and his physical decline.