There are several instances in The Old Man and the Sea that Hemingway blends Spanish phrases into his sentences. This is most likely because the novel is set in Cuba, where Spanish is a common speaking language. Salao, a term translated to "the worst kind of unlucky", was used by Manolin's parents to describe the old man (Hemingway 9). He was unable to catch a fish for eighty-four days; therefore, Manolin's parents would not allow him to fish with Santiago anymore. This tragedy was just the beginning for Santiago. When he was finally able to catch the marlin, predators got to it, and the old man ended up having to eat it in order to survive. These sad events and emotions engage the readers and make them feel for the poor old man.
Santiago's grueling journey home lasted three days, and whether or not he would make it was a mystery. The suspense created by this long trip kept readers interested in what would happen. Wondering if the marlin and the old man will make it home safe is what made me never want to put the novel down.
After all the tragedy and suspense is up, there is one thing that every reader loves: a good miracle. One small miracle that Santiago came across was ending his no catch spree. He always stayed positive saying, "Eighty-five is a lucky number (Hemingway 16)." For most of the novel, the ending is very questionable. Will the marlin survive? Will the old man make it home safe? Making it home with little food, water, and strength was no small feat. Santiago would very well be considered the underdog in this novel, so for him to come out on top is a great happy ending.
[Bibliography]
Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 2003. Print.
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