Question

How does Hemingway describe Santiago's eyes?

• A. They are the color of the sky
• B. They are full of pain and suffering
• C. They are like the ocean's depths.
• D. They are the color of the sea.

Answer 1

Answer:

D. They are the color of the sea.

Santiago's Eyes: A Symbol of Enduring Spirit and Connection to Nature

• The description of Santiago's eyes as "the color of the sea" is one of the most prominent and frequently analyzed physical details in Ernest Hemingway's novella, The Old Man and the Sea.
• This imagery is highly symbolic, signifying Santiago's deep and intrinsic connection to the ocean. His eyes reflect not just the literal color of the sea but also its vastness, depth, and the enduring power of nature.
• Despite his old age and physical deterioration, evident in his wrinkled neck and sun-damaged skin, his eyes remain vibrant and full of life, described as "cheerful and undefeated." This contrast emphasizes his inner strength and unwavering spirit.
• The unchanging color of his eyes, reminiscent of the sea, suggests his timeless wisdom and his profound understanding of the natural world, acquired through a lifetime spent fishing.
• For competitive exams, this detail highlights several key aspects of Hemingway's writing and the novel's themes:
  • Symbolism: His eyes symbolize his soul's purity, his resilience, and his spiritual bond with the sea.
  • Hemingway's "Iceberg Theory": The simple, direct description carries immense underlying meaning, characteristic of Hemingway's minimalist style where much is implied rather than explicitly stated.
  • Characterization: It reveals Santiago's stoicism, courage, and his ability to endure despite immense physical challenges and bad luck.
  • Man vs. Nature Theme: While his body battles the elements, his eyes suggest a deeper harmony and respect for nature, rather than just conflict.
• The Old Man and the Sea (1952) was Ernest Hemingway's last major work of fiction published during his lifetime.
• It earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 and was cited by the Nobel Committee when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
• The novella explores themes of courage, resilience, defeat, personal triumph, man's relationship with nature, and the dignity of struggle.