Symbolism, The Old Man and the Sea

Out of the three books that I read this summer, I found the most symbolism in The Old Man and the Sea. Throughout the novel, Hemingway makes many references to the Bible and leads the reader to believe that Santiago represents Christ. Santiago's hands are cut by the fishing line when the marlin drags him out to sea. This represents the nails that went through Jesus's hands when he was crucified. When the old man finally returned from sea, he got out of his boat and began to carry his mast back to his shack. Santiago struggled with the mast and carried it on his shoulders. This compares to the walk that Jesus had when he carried his cross across his shoulders to his Crucifixion. Despite the Christian symbolism throughout the book, Santiago says that he is not religious. When it comes to sin Santiago says, "I have no understanding of it and I am not sure that I believe in it." Another example of symbolism in The Old Man and the Sea is Santiago's dreams about the lions on the beach. I think the lions represent strength. Santiago thinks of the lions to give himself strength and take his mind away from the struggle against the marlin. The lions are an escape for Santiago. Ernest Hemingway used a lot of symbolism in his novel The Old Man and the Sea. I think it added to the overall effect of the story and made it a more enjoyable read.