The Old Man And The Sea Book Review Assignment Paper (Book Review Sample)

Student’s Name
Professor’s Name
Date
The Old Man and the Sea
The Old Man and the Sea
Summary
The old man and the sea is a seemingly simple book featuring the life of a poor old experienced fisherman Santiago who for 84 days in a row had not had any catch. He however still went fishing everyday and ensured his fishing lines were in line. On the 85th day of his dry spree he heads further into the Gulf of Mexico where he never went before and here he hooks a giant marlin (Rama Rao, 56). Unable to pull the fish into his skiff he held on the onto line for three days suffering but enduring deep cuts on his back with the struggles of the fish to unhook itself. He however kills it with his harpoon after it gives up and lashes it into his boat and heads home with his hard-won trophy. Sharks however eat the marlin leaving only the skeleton which is the only thing he gets home with (Hemingway, 87).
Conflict of the Story
Though simple, the old man and the sea this a life challenging book which redefines success and victory. Success is too often used to indicate the value of a person but how they achieve it is not considered. Whether or not they struggled and retained their dignity to achieve it or they did wrongs and used shortcuts to achieve it, it is still considered success. This book therefore has the idea of showing that proper success should be earned through honest means, determination and perseverance while taking no shortcuts or depending on mere luck.
How the Book Relates to A Person’s Everyday Life
This book has multiple life lessons that one should and must learn from. First, is to not depend on luck. Santiago says that it is better to be lucky, but he would rather be exact, and then luck finds him. Depending on luck is not convenient as the luck might not always find you. One should work to achieve what they what so that with or without luck they achieve their goals.
Secondly, a man should be determined and perseverant without complaint. Santiago went to the sea every morning while shivering in the cold. He never complained but endured it all, determined and knowing one day he would make a fine catch. In life therefore one should endure the struggles and keep focused on what they want with the dream of achieving it.
Thirdly, the book brings out that one should not boast. Santiago despite his experience in fishing does not boast about it to his young friend Manolin who insists of what a great fisherman he was. He remains humble admitting there are better fishermen than him (Hemingway, 67). One should therefore not boast in life but we should be humble in our success and determined through our struggles.
It also relays the message that one should take inspiration from others. It is the great Joe DiMaggio that gives Santiago inspiration to keep going. People should therefore look for a role model or mentor in life so they have someone to look up to on order to keep them going.
Finally and most importantly, the book sends the message that one s...