Symbolism and allegory of Ernest Hemingway's “The old man and the sea”

Valeriia Honcharuk
Abstract

This article explores the rich symbolism and allegory present in Ernest Hemingway's acclaimed novella, "The Old Man and the Sea." A comparative analysis of different interpretations examines the diverse meanings attributed to the novella's symbolism, particularly focusing on the sea, the old man (Santiago), the marlin, the sharks, and the character of Manolin. Furthermore, the article delves into scholarly articles and essays that shed light on the novella's symbolic layers, emphasizing the significance and contributions of various analyses. The article underscores its lasting legacy in literature by evaluating the enduring relevance and impact of the novella's symbolism and allegory. Through the exploration of its themes of life's challenges, the duality of nature, the search for meaning, and the interconnectedness of human existence, Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" emerges as a profound work that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of the human condition

Keywords

Hemingway; The Old Man and the Sea; symbolism; allegory; comparative analysis; scholarly perspectives; enduring relevance; the human condition

Suggested citation
Honcharuk, V. (2023). Symbolism and allegory of Ernest Hemingway's “The old man and the sea”. International Journal of Philology, 14(1), 72-80. https://doi.org/10.31548/philolog14(1).2023.08
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