Isolation in "Old Man and the Sea"
Isolation in "Old Man and the Sea"
Isolation is one of the greatest contributing factors in a person’s defeat. In the book The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, isolation is what brings Santiago down and almost defeats him. This is illustrated though symbolism of actions, events, objects, and characters while Santiago is at sea. Throughout the novella, Santiago has to deal with defeat and isolation. His defeat and isolation become more apparent towards the end of the book. After Santiago had caught the marlin he realizes what it would take to get it back to land safely.
Santiago’s struggle with the marlin to get him in symbolizes the first sings of his defeat. In the middle of the book, Santiago is really struggling with the marlin. At one point he begins to see spots and almost dies. "Fish," the old man said. "Fish, you are going to die anyway, do you have to kill me too? (P.92)" This quote represents Santiago’s isolation because he begins talking to the marlin. In this quote, Santiago states that the marlin is killing him; defeat. With every little piece of the marlin that gets eaten by the sharks a little piece of the old man’s life goes with it. While Santiago is trying to bring the marlin in he says,
"You are killing me, fish, but you have the right to. Never have I seen a greater, more beautiful, or a calmer or more noble thing than you, brother. Come on and kill me. I do not care who kills who. (P.92)"
Santiago wishes himself death. He expresses his love for the marlin and his sorrow for going out too far. He is asking the marlin to end his life so he can feel the same or equal to him. Santiago’s death would represent his defeat.
When dark falls Santiago realizes that he failed when he cannot see the lights of Havana and begins to talk to himself. Santiago speaking to himself symbolizes his loneliness and isolation.
"I hope no one has been too worried. There is only the boy to worry, of course.
But I am sure he would have confidence. Many of the older fishermen will worry. Many others too he thought. I live in a good town. (P.115)"
Santiago saying this symbolizes his hope that someone does care about him. It makes his isolation not quite as harsh because he believes that people do care about...