Symbolism and the Functions of Symbols in The Old Man and The Sea

Abstract

This study revolves around symbols and how they function in The Old Man and the Sea. This novella by Ernest Hemingway centers on the story of an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago and his relentless struggle against a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. Symbols play a significant role in the narrative, enhancing the thematic depth and emotional resonance of the story. Overall, symbols in The Old Man and the Sea help to enrich the narrative by conveying deeper meanings and universal themes such as the human condition, the pursuit of dreams, the struggle against adversity, and the inevitability of mortality. They invite readers to reflect on the complexities of life and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

Keywords: symbols, struggle, dreams, humanity, mortality