The Old Man and the Sea 2

Symbolism in The Old Man and the Sea Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea isn't just a book about an old man and the sea. There are many meanings to it. Each element represents different things. The marlin, for example, represents strength, beauty and the last challenge we all go though. The lions in his dreams resemble youth, freedom, and also strength. Santiago, himself, symbolizes Christ in many ways. The marlin represented many …

…it was just a simple book with little meaning about a man, his boat, and a fish. However, the reader can conclude that one should not go too far without thinking of the consequences beforehand. If one does not think things through completely, the results can sometimes be worse than what was originally planned. A beautiful prize at the end of a struggle does not always end up being worthwhile, or worth what one expected.