Old Man and the Sea #6

Question six for the novel the Old Man and the Sea asks Why do we still read this book? What is so timeless about its message and characters? What can we learn from reading this novel? This classic book has many reasons while we still read them today.

The main reason we still read this book is because of the message. The books theme is to never give up on yourself and believe you can do anything you set your mind too. The people who live in the village think that Santiago is unlucky and crazy because he has not caught a fish in eighty-four days. The old man doesn’t care what the peers in his town say. He truly believes he can catch a big fish and he does. I think it is an amazing trait to believe in yourself. It is uplifting to see a character believe in himself and succeed. This book also shows optimism. By not giving up on himself the old man shows hope to readers and gives them the strength to follow their goals.

The story also discusses determination and courage. The old man risks his life to follow his dream and show the town he could catch a fish. The old man is someone everyone could relate to. Everyone struggles with something and has to find courage to get over the problem. He can especially relate to older readers who may feel like they cannot do something because of their age.

Santiago is a timeless character because he shows amazing characteristics such as courage and strength. Though the book is sad in parts, it can actually be uplifting because it the Marlin symbolizes Santiago’s accomplishment. Many people get discouraged, and this book shows you just have to keep moving on forward.

I think that we still read this book because of the message and it is an overall good and short read.

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Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 2003. Print.