Plot Overview
The story begins with an old man named Santiago. He is a fisherman who has not caught a fish in 84 days. There is also a boy in this story, Manolin, who is dear friends with the old man. The old man taught him to fish when he was young, and the boy brings the old man food.So this old man goes to sleep dreaming of the lions he used to see back in the day in Africa. He wakes before sunrise and does what fishermen do – namely, get in his boat and head out to fish. A "marlin" to be more exact. Most of the novella consists of this struggle, which lasts over three days.
But this is no happy ending. It’s just a happy mid-point followed by an extraordinarily sad ending. The old man straps the fish to the side of the boat and heads home. By the time he makes it back to shore, there is nothing left of the fish but a skeleton.
There are at least 10 or more themes in "The Old Man and the sea" story such as: Perseverance, Suffering, Pride, Memory and the Past,Defeat, Man and the Natural World, Hunger, Respect and Reputation, Luck, Friendship, etc., the following are some themes explained:
Perseverance
The old man makes up for his old age with incredible endurance, willing to withstand hunger, physical pain, and isolation from the rest of the world as he battles the fish.
Strength and Skill
The old man may, certainly, not be as strong as in his youth, but he makes up for it and more with his knowledge of the sea and his fishing talent.
Isolation
This isolation defines who he is, and emphasizes the unique nature of his character. Isolation becomes both a weakness (he suffers from loneliness), but also a necessary element to his battle with the fish.
Friendship
The old man’s relationship with the boy is characterized as "love," and Manolin expresses deep admiration for the old man’s fishing abilities. The old man also finds brotherhood with certain creatures on the sea; this type of relationship is based on similar characteristics such as nobility or determination.
Personal Point of View
I believe Santiago is a brave old man who had the courage to catch a "marlin" on his journey to the sea together with Manolin. This boy against his parents decision, determined to take care of the old man until his return each night. This novel also remind us of our own loneliness and quest for survival.
Besides, Santiago was once the best fisherman ever. But then he grew older and couldn’t catch a fish for 84 days. Everyone assumes he is cursed and packs him away in the “old” and “unlucky” boxes. He fights the labels, and so do we. It’s our natural human tendency.
