Question

After the shark attack, Santiago reflects that destruction is inevitable. How does he articulate this philosophy?

• A. All good things come to an end.
• B. Everything in the world kills everything else in some way
• C. Life is a continuous struggle
• D. The strong always survive

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Everything in the world kills everything else in some way

The Old Man and the Sea: Santiago's Philosophy of Inevitable Destruction

• Context of the Realization

  • Santiago's journey in Ernest Hemingway's novella, The Old Man and the Sea, depicts his epic struggle to catch a giant marlin.
  • After successfully hooking and bringing the marlin alongside his skiff, Santiago faces relentless shark attacks during his return journey, which strip the marlin's flesh, leaving only a skeleton.
  • This physical destruction of his hard-won prize leads Santiago to a profound philosophical revelation about the nature of existence.

• The Philosophy: "Everything Kills Everything Else"

  • Santiago articulates his understanding of the natural world's brutal, yet inherent, cycle: "Everything in the world kills everything else in some way."
  • This statement reflects a deeply ingrained naturalistic perspective, acknowledging that death, predation, and destruction are fundamental and inescapable parts of life's intricate web.
  • It signifies his acceptance of the inevitable interconnectedness of life and death, where even the greatest efforts can ultimately yield to the forces of nature.

• Themes and Significance

  • Man vs. Nature: The novella intensely explores this conflict, presenting nature not as inherently evil, but as an indifferent force within which man must struggle for survival and dignity.
  • Dignity in Defeat: Despite the physical loss of the marlin, Santiago maintains his spiritual dignity and resilience, showcasing the triumph of the human spirit even in apparent defeat. His philosophy is one of acceptance, not despair.
  • Hemingway's "Code Hero": Santiago embodies the archetype of Hemingway's "code hero" – an individual who faces life's challenges, including inevitable suffering and loss, with courage, stoicism, and "grace under pressure."
  • The "Iceberg Theory": Hemingway's minimalist writing style, where much of the meaning and emotional depth lie beneath the surface, allows this profound philosophical insight to emerge subtly from Santiago's simple, yet impactful, observations.

• Competitive Exam Facts

  • Author: The novella was written by the acclaimed American novelist and short-story writer, Ernest Hemingway.
  • Publication Year: It was first published in 1952.
  • Awards: The Old Man and the Sea was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953. It was also specifically cited by the Nobel Committee when Hemingway received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
  • Significance: It is often considered one of Hemingway's most enduring works and his last major work of fiction published during his lifetime, marking a significant return to critical acclaim for him.
  • Genre: While a novella, it is often read as a modern fable or allegory due to its deep symbolic meanings.
  • Setting: The story is primarily set off the coast of Havana, Cuba.