Literature Essay on the Old Man and the Sea: What Does It Mean to Be Strong

Essentially, strength can be defined as the ability to be physically strong by exerting a great force. Similarly, it can also be perceived as the emotional or mental ability to endure great hardships or stress. In the book the old man and the seas, Hemingways have illustrated different types of strengths. Hemmingways definition of strength encompasses physical and mental strength. This essay seeks to analyze different events where elements of strength have been illustrated. In particular, it will look into strength regarding the living conditions, the arm wrestling and the catching of the Marlin.

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Living conditions

From the beginning of the novel, Santiago and Manolin discusses the old fishermans abilities and strength to continue with his work on the sea. Despite being old and weak, the old man pushes on his efforts and continues to work. After a conglomeration of bad luck, Santiago believes that he has the abilities to push his efforts further. The discussion between Santiago and Manolin focuses on the idea that strength is essential; however, it is not everything when it comes to fishing. The old man said '''I may not be as strong as I think', 'But I know many tricks and I have resolution''' (p. 5).

Catching the Marlin

Another event that clearly illustrates the element of strength is when Santiago found out that he was about to catch a great Marlin. At this particular time he began to physically struggle against the size of the fish as well as reluctance to get caught. He baited for a couple of days, after some days, Santiago harpoons it. However, he is forced to struggle or rather to fight off sharks. It is at this time that his physical strength is tested continuously at a time when Santiago is both physically and mentally exhausted. At this particular event, it is both his skills and strength that enabled him to defeat the first shark. Santiago clearly stated ''The dentist is cruel and able and strong and intelligent. But I was more intelligent than he was'' (p. 29).furthermore, in this particular scene, Manolin and Santiago realized that despite physical being important, sometimes skill and resolution are also important for a fisherman.

Santiagos self-talk

An element of mental strength has also been discussed by Hemmingways in the novel through the character Santiago. Santiago shares with him while out to sea. Notably, Santiago speaks of self-doubt, loneliness as well as pain; however, after that, he talks himself out of the negatives of the mind. From the story, it can be noted that each time he faced some difficulties or something defeating, he was always quick to retort or rather engage his mind with an uplifting or motivating response. For instance, he says, What will you do now if they come n the night? What can you do? Fight them, he said. Ill fight them until I die (p. 32). He took about forty pounds. the old man said aloud... Think about something cheerful, old man, he said. Every minute now you are closer to home. You sail lighter for the loss of forty pounds (p. 29)

From Santiagos self-talk, mental strength has been demonstrated which has clearly helped him in surviving some of the most challenging moments at sea. His experience furthermore, shows that mental strength can sometimes be more important as compared to physical strength especially when it comes to facing difficult moments.

Works cited

Hemingway, Ernest Miller. The old man and the sea. Al Manhal, 2007.