Man vs. Nature: An Ecological Analysis of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea

Abstract

Ernest Hemingway's novel The Old Man and the Sea (1952) is largely regarded as one of his best works which portrays the close relationship between man and nature. In fact, nature is of high significance in this novella that happens in the sea, and revolves around an old fisherman’s endeavours to catch a big marline fish. Obviously, Hemingway has a recognizable rank among the twentieth-century literary figures. The above mentioned novella of Hemingway has been considered as one of the most renowned works of fiction that capably examines brave inspirations through its central character, Santiago who is a representation of quality and confirmation. The purpose of this investigation is a precise analysis of Santiago's excellence in his insights, his quality, his perseverance soul, and his agreement with life; moreover, this study seeks to illustrate that remarkable qualifications, as the writer indicates in his novella. Actually, these qualities show that the life capacities which the protagonist has amassed through association have shaped his character and changed him into a man who differs hugely from the culmination of masculinity anticipated by his dominant machismo. In Hemingway's novella, we learn that overcoming against unfathomable circumstances is at the essence of bravery, and that if a fisherman wants to be a heroic figure for humanity, his difficulties must be vital. In this paper, it has been also endeavoured to find and reexamine the subject of heroism which has been displayed through Santiago as the hero. As a result, the primary focus of this paper is to examine and evaluate the heroic highlights of Hemingway's masterworks, it is attempted to identify the diligence and courage in Hemingway as a legendary author in order to know the reasons why he composed such a notable novella. The main focus of the present study is therefore Santiago who has been depicted as being mentally enduring all through the occasions of the novella. This research is based on an expository topical method founded on extricating the novella’s most gallant occasions and scrutinising them.