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

Santiago's Philosophy of Inevitable Destruction

• After the relentless shark attacks on his prize marlin, Santiago reflects on the natural order, concluding that "Everything in the world kills everything else in some way."
• This profound realization highlights a core theme in the novella: the cyclical nature of life, death, and destruction within the natural world.
• It signifies Santiago's acceptance of the brutal realities of nature and existence, moving beyond simple despair to a more philosophical understanding of his struggle.
• His acceptance of this inevitability demonstrates his profound connection to the sea and its harsh, unyielding laws, rather than a surrender to defeat.
• This perspective underscores a Stoic resilience, where dignity is maintained even in the face of insurmountable odds and losses.

The Old Man and the Sea: Key Context for Competitive Exams

• Publication and Awards

  • Authored by Ernest Hemingway, this novella was first published in 1952.
  • It was instrumental in Hemingway being awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953.
  • The novella was also cited as a reason for him receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954, for his mastery of the art of narrative, most recently demonstrated in The Old Man and the Sea, and for the influence that he has exerted on contemporary style.

• Central Themes

  • Man vs. Nature: The epic struggle between Santiago and the marlin, and then the sharks, represents humanity's continuous battle against the forces of nature.
  • Endurance and Resilience: Santiago's unwavering determination despite immense physical and emotional pain is central to the narrative.
  • Dignity in Defeat: Despite losing the marlin to sharks, Santiago's spirit remains unbroken, embodying the idea that true victory lies in the struggle itself and the dignity with which one faces defeat.
  • Brotherhood and Respect: The unique bond Santiago forms with the marlin, seeing it as a noble adversary rather than just prey, highlights respect for all living creatures.

Symbolism and Literary Style

• Key Symbolism

  • The Marlin: Symbolizes the ideal opponent, unattainable goals, dignity, beauty, and the formidable power of nature.
  • The Sharks: Represent the destructive, unyielding, and often arbitrary forces that can diminish human achievement, or the harsh realities of the natural world.
  • Santiago: Embodies the heroic individual struggling against overwhelming odds, representing perseverance, courage, and the tragic hero.
  • Manolin: Represents hope, youth, continuation, and the passing on of knowledge and tradition.

• Hemingway's "Iceberg Theory"

  • Hemingway's distinctive writing style, known as the "Iceberg Theory" or the "theory of omission," is prominent. Only a small part of the story (the "tip of the iceberg") is explicitly stated, with a larger, deeper meaning implied beneath the surface.
  • His prose is characterized by conciseness, directness, and declarative sentences, stripping away unnecessary embellishments to convey powerful emotions and themes indirectly.