The Old Man and the Sea is a classic novella published in 1952 by the Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway The story follows an aged Cuban fisherman named Santiago, who experiences a difficult and ultimately rewarding quest for a giant marlin in the waters off the Gulf Stream of Cuba. Despite being caught in a three-day long battle with the fish, and ultimately losing it to sharks, Santiago learns many lessons about life in the process.
The Old Man and the Sea has been the subject of much critical and scholarly analysis, making it an ideal topic for essays. Here are the five best Old Man and the Sea essay topics:
1. Discuss what Santiago’s experience with the marlin teaches us about life.
2. Analyze the symbolism of Santiago’s “brother,” the marlin.
3. Examine the ways in which nature plays a role in Santiago’s journey.
4. Discuss how Santiago’s interactions with the sea creatures, such as the sharks and the “great diurnal birds,” contribute to his journey.
5. Explain the significance of Santiago’s physical and emotional resilience throughout the novella.