What Do The Sharks Symbolize In The Old Man And The Sea?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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They symbolize and

embody the destructive laws of the universe

and attest to the fact that those laws can be transcended only when equals fight to the death. Because they are base predators, Santiago wins no glory from battling them.

What does Shark represent in The Old Man and the Sea?

The two different types of sharks provide two distinct symbols for Santiago and Hemingway. To the protagonist Santiago, the shovel-heads are unworthy creatures, but the Mako

symbolizes death

, which Santiago knows he is close to facing. The shovel-heads, to Hemingway, symbolize literary critics.

What does the ocean symbolize in the Old Man and the Sea?

The sea, in the novel, represents

the Universe and Santiago’s isolation in the Universe

. It is at sea, with no help and no recognition, that Santiago faces his ultimate challenge. The novel, in this regard, is an example of Naturalism in Literature.

What does the lions symbolize in the Old Man and the Sea?

The lions symbolize

Santiago’s lost youth as well as his pride

(a group of lions is called a “pride”). Santiago’s love for the lions, which are fierce predators, also mirrors his relationship with the marlin, whom he loves but whose death he feels is necessary to his survival.

What is the moral lesson of the Old Man and the Sea?

The moral lessons from The Old Man and the Sea are as follows:

the journey through life is the reward

; a person who lives with courage and integrity can be destroyed but never defeated; and a strong person never complains about what he doesn’t have but instead uses what is at hand with the knowledge that it is one’s …

What does the sea symbolize?

The ocean is a powerful symbol. Throughout history, it has been seen as a

symbol of power and strength

. Today, it is often seen as a symbol of mystery, endlessness, calmness, hope, and even truth. … Many people see the ocean as a source of calmness.

What happens at the end of Old man and the sea?


Santiago kills a great mako shark with his harpoon, but he loses the weapon. He makes a new harpoon by strapping his knife to the end of an oar to help ward off the next line of sharks

; five sharks are slain and many others are driven away.

What does old man call the sea?

The old man calls the sea

“la mar”

because he likes to think of it as a woman that gives or withholds great favors. The gigantic marlin that provides the main conflict for the novel is the first thing the old man catches.

What is the theme of Old man and the sea?

”The Old Man and the Sea” is a

story that celebrates strength, wisdom, and, above all, friendship

. We learn about the hardships Santiago faces as an aging fisherman who struggles through repeated streaks of bad luck.

What is the irony at the end of The Old Man and the Sea?

The irony at the end of The Old Man and the Sea is that,

though Santiago has finally caught a fish, it has been stripped bare by sharks

. In that sense, the old fisherman has been both lucky and unlucky at the same time.

What does an old man symbolize?

The old man symbolizes

all the innocent creatures, including animals, whose lives are destroyed or upended by war

. … Hemingway has written a story that calls warfare into question. The suffering of the innocent old man, symbolic of what happens to so many others, renders war cruel and pointless.

What does Joe DiMaggio symbolize?

DiMaggio represents

the ultimate hero

—young, skilled, strong, and resilient.

What lessons can we learn from the Old Man and the Sea?

  • “A man is not made for defeat.” …
  • A man does not depend on luck. …
  • A man bears pain and hardship without complaint. …
  • A man does not boast. …
  • A man finds inspiration from others. …
  • A man goes down swinging–no matter his age. …
  • A man’s legacy comes from maintaining his integrity.

How did Santiago drive away the shark?

In The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago first tries to drive away the

sharks with his harpoon, then with a makeshift harpoon he fashions from his knife and an oar, and finally by clubbing them

. He loses against the sharks, but he fights them with everything he has.

What does the sea represent spiritually?

Sea is the symbol of

calmness, peace, spirituality and emotional balance

. The moving sea waves know a lot about your inner feelings. Let’s find out what they mean in your dreams: Symbolism: The sea mainly symbolizes your calm mind, fluctuating emotions and internal strength.

What does the sea represent in dreams?

Firstly, the sea is often thought to represent

aspects of the unconscious

. It may therefore represent all those unexplored emotions that we have about our world and our relationships. It is important to notice how you feel about the sea in your dream.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.