Question

Santiago views the marlin as:

• A. An adversary
• B. A brother in suffering
• C. A source of wealth
• D. As a mere fish

Answer 1

Answer:

B. A brother in suffering

The Old Man and the Sea: Santiago's Bond with the Marlin

• The Old Man and the Sea, published in 1952, is a novella by Ernest Hemingway, a prominent American novelist and short-story writer.
• The story centers on Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman, and his epic struggle to catch a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.
• Santiago's view of the marlin as 'A brother in suffering' highlights a central theme of the novel: the profound and respectful bond that develops between man and nature, specifically between the fisherman and his quarry.
• Throughout their arduous, multi-day battle, Santiago develops an immense admiration for the marlin's strength, nobility, and courage. He repeatedly refers to the fish as a 'brother' or 'friend'.
• This perception stems from their shared struggle: both Santiago and the marlin endure immense physical pain, exhaustion, and isolation during their intense fight for survival.
• Santiago recognizes the marlin's dignity and spirit, viewing its struggle as a mirror of his own battle against the sea, age, and misfortune. It's not just a catch but a contest between equals.
• This relationship transcends mere hunter-prey dynamics, evolving into a mutual respect born out of a shared experience of suffering and endurance. Santiago even feels a sense of camaraderie and pity for the fish.
• Key themes explored:
  • Man vs. Nature: It's not a simple conquest but a complex interaction where man respects, admires, and even identifies with nature.
  • Perseverance and Endurance: Both Santiago and the marlin exemplify an extraordinary capacity to endure pain and hardship.
  • Dignity in Defeat: Even though the marlin is ultimately caught and then devoured by sharks, its struggle and Santiago's efforts are portrayed with immense dignity.
  • The 'Code Hero': Santiago embodies Hemingway's concept of a 'code hero' – a character who faces life's challenges with honor, courage, and 'grace under pressure'.
• Notable Facts for Competitive Exams:
  • The novella earned Hemingway the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953.
  • It was cited as a major reason for his being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
  • The book is often interpreted as an allegory about human perseverance, the spiritual journey, or even Christ-like suffering.
  • It is one of Hemingway's most enduring and widely read works, embodying his minimalist 'iceberg theory' of writing.