When was The Old Man and the Sea published?
A1954
B1952
C1951
D1955
Answer:
B. 1952
Read Explanation:
The Old Man and the Sea: Publication and Significance
- The Old Man and the Sea was first published in 1952. It initially appeared as a complete novel in Life magazine on September 1, 1952, selling over 5 million copies in two days.
- This novella was written by Ernest Hemingway, a prominent American novelist and short-story writer.
- It was Hemingway's last major work of fiction published during his lifetime.
- Awards and Recognition:
- The novel was immediately met with critical acclaim and became a bestseller.
- It earned Hemingway the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953. This award is a significant recognition in American literature.
- The success of this work was a key factor in Hemingway being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954. The Nobel Committee specifically cited 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.'
- Key Themes: The story revolves around an aging Cuban fisherman, Santiago, and his epic struggle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. It explores themes of perseverance, defeat, pride, dignity, the relationship between man and nature, and the concept of 'grace under pressure,' a hallmark of Hemingway's protagonists.
- Literary Style: The novella is celebrated for its concise, direct, and evocative prose, characteristic of Hemingway's iceberg theory, where much of the meaning is left unstated.
- Impact: It solidified Hemingway's status as one of the most important writers of the 20th century and remains a widely read classic.