August on the Waves

Reading Hemingway's 'The Old Man and the Sea' is essential for anyone who appreciates the beauty of simplicity in storytelling and the profound depths it can reveal. This novella, with its elegant prose and restrained style, explores timeless themes of human endurance, dignity, and the struggle against nature, all encapsulated in the story of an old fisherman's epic battle with a giant marlin. Hemingway's ability to convey the universal truths of life through a seemingly simple narrative invites readers to reflect on their own challenges, making it a work of enduring relevance and power.

• Do you believe Santiago’s struggle with the marlin was a heroic effort or a futile endeavour? Why?

• What are your thoughts on Hemingway’s portrayal of nature in the novella? Do you see it as a character in itself, and how does it interact with Santiago?

• Do you think Santiago’s experiences and attitudes reflect a realistic portrayal of human nature, or do they represent an idealized view of perseverance?

• How do you feel about Santiago’s approach to his hardships? Do you find his acceptance of his fate inspiring or tragic?

• Do you think Santiago’s isolation was more of a physical or emotional challenge? How does this isolation impact your view of his character?

• How do you feel about the novella’s exploration of aging and mortality? Does Santiago’s story offer a hopeful or a bleak perspective on growing old?

• Do you see Santiago as a role model or a cautionary figure? What aspects of his character do you admire or criticize?