Abstract

The Old Man and the Sea is one of the greatest works of Ernest Hemingway in the 20th century. It once started a controversy about symbolism in the academia. This paper intends to analyze the symbolic meanings of Santiago, the boy, lions, marlin, sharks and specifically expound Hemingway’s superb writing skills and the use of them in his other works. By analyzing, this paper will help readers have a better understanding of Hemingway’s writing techniques and the symbolic meanings in his classic works.

Key words: Hemingway; The Old Man and the Sea; symbolism;

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction-1

1.1  Introduction to the Author and The Old Man and the Sea-1

1.2  Introduction to Symbolism-2

2.Symbolism Reflected in The Old Man and the Sea-3

2.1 The Symbolic  Meaning of the Title-3

2.2  The Symbolic Meaning of Santiago-4

2.3  The Symbolic Meaning of  the Boy-6

2.4  The Symbolic Meaning of  the Marlin and the Lions-8

2.5  The Symbolic Meaning of  the Sharks-9

3.Responses to Hemingway’s Writing Technique in Academia-11

3.1 Hemingway’s Statement and Scholars’ Refutation-11

3.2  Symbolism in Hemingway’s Other Works-13

4.Conclusion-15

References-16