Discussion Question 6- The Old Man and the Sea

I think we still read the novel because the message is so important for any generation. Not only can people in general learn from this story, but individuals can take away life lessons that they can use. I think that the book does a great job at portraying its themes. The themes are what I took away from this book and I will use in my own life. I think one reason we read this book is to learn to not judge a book by its cover. The way a person appears on the outside can be totally different from who they are on the inside. From the outside, Santiago looks old and weak. Most people would assume that Santiago is not much help, and that he likes to fish for fun no matter how many times he may be unlucky. On the inside though, Santiago has a lot of pride. He looks at each challenge as a new way to challenge himself. He finds an inner strength within himself the moment he feels like giving up, which I love. The characters in this book are timeless because as you read the book, you discover hidden meanings in their existence. The boy existed to help take care of the old man. He was always there for the old man and never doubted him. He wished to go fishing with Santiago even when his parents said no. He never gave up. The old man existed to fish. He was a fisherman. Even though he had bad luck, he was very good at what he did. The eighty seven days he did not catch any fish (Hemingway 10) were just leading up to the day where he catches the biggest fish in his life. I think lots of people can learn how determination helps you succeed. When it may be easier to give up, it’s better to persevere because in the end you will succeed. I think readers can also learn honor and respect from this novel. The people at first did not have a lot of respect for the old man (Hemingway 11), but after he caught the huge fish at the end of the story more people respected him and wanted to help him out. Honor is a good thing, if people do not become full of themselves. I think that the old man did everything in the book because he was honored. It was what he loved to do. Even though he was alone, he accomplished many things. Overall, I think the book is timeless simply because the message it brings to its readers.

 Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. Cuba. Scribner’s Publishing. 1952