Symbols are hidden in novels as a character or an idea in order to portray significant meanings in the story. Similar to how a heart is used to symbolize love, the marlin in The Old Man and the Sea is used to symbolize strength. This scenario also holds true when it comes to the old man's dreams and the man that is brought up so many times in the novel and that is Joe DiMaggio.
Both the marlin and Santiago had to provide an abundance of strength throughout the journey. The marlin had to work hard to pull the skiff for long hours, and the old man had to work even harder in order to protect the fish. The marlin was also used to bring out some traits of the old man that would not have otherwise been seen. The courage, respect, and love that Santiago shows towards the marlin is only seen because the marlin was used as a symbol to bring out the best in the old man.
The dreams that continually occurred during the old man's naps served as moments for Santiago to forget what he was going through yet brought up many mixed emotions at the same time. One dream he had frequently consisted of lions roaming on the beach, which provided him with calm, joyous memory. "He waited to see if there would be more lions and he way happy (Hemingway 81)." This dream occurred both in the beginning and end of the novel. Another dream involved mating porpoises because he had witnessed a similar creature earlier that day. However, the most pleasurable dream for the old man was the one where he was taken back to his own bed and would wake up in his own home. This was most likely because this was all her ever thought about and wished for on his long journey. Each dream Santiago had allowed him to step out of his awful reality and symbolized a better time.
The old man's hero, Joe DiMaggio, was used as a symbol of a lighter time and happier thoughts in this deep, depressing novel. Discussing the Yankees always made Santiago so excited because it wasn't just a sport for him; it was a place of hope and happiness.
[Bibliography]
Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 2003. Print.
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