Abstract

The work of the Old Man and the Sea has received a vast of praise and recognition since its publish. Scholars in different countries have done a lot of researches and related analyzing work from a variety of angles. They have achieved a multitude of research findings. The protagonist Santiago is undoubtedly the soul of this work. He is also treated as a mirror of the author himself with regards to the old man’s unyielding spirit. Meanwhile, the little boy Manolin, the great marlin, the sharks are all bestowed with symbolic meanings. And it is the existence of these characters that presenting us readers a vivid picture of a fisherman’s genuine life.

The thesis is going to analyze the characteristics of the hero Santiago, reveal the power that stimulates him to be so courageous to face any challenges and obstacles, understand the old man’s loneliness, tenderness behind his tough appearance, his pursuit for pride and dignity. The goal of the thesis is to comprehensively and completely present the hero of Earnest Hemingway to the readers. The original work is the theoretical foundation of the passage, which backs up the author to further analyze the deep meanings underneath the literal meanings of the words, and have a knowledge of the purpose of the Hemingway’s writing. The passage first of all introduces the creative background of the work the Old Man and the Sea and common feature of Hemingway’s heroes. Secondly, the thesis discusses the characteristics of Santiago from various aspects according to his three days and nights’ fishing experience at sea. At last, the author summarizes the outstanding and charming characteristic of the old man. Santiago is indeed an example and spiritual mode for us to follow. At the same time, the thesis tries to bring Hemingway’s unique writing skills and creation techniques to light. As a supplement to researches on Hemingway’s works, this thesis does also provide reference for later analysis.

Key words: the old fisherman, the undefeated hero, masculinity, loneliness.