Question

What does the marlin symbolize in the novel The Old Man and The Sea?

• A. Santiago’s lost youth
• B. The beauty and struggle of life
• C. The unattainable dreams of men
• D. The wrath of nature

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The beauty and struggle of life

he marlin in The Old Man and the Sea can be seen as a powerful symbol of the beauty and struggle of life.

• Beauty: The marlin is portrayed as a magnificent, majestic creature—strong, graceful, and worthy of admiration. Santiago respects and honors the marlin’s beauty and spirit, reflecting how life itself has moments of greatness and wonder.

• Struggle: The long, exhausting battle Santiago has with the marlin represents the universal human struggle — the fight to achieve goals, to overcome challenges, and to find meaning despite hardship.