EXISTENCE AND ABSURDITY IN ERNEST HEMINGWAY'S "THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA"
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14809747Keywords:
existence, absurdity, Santiago, Hemingway, tragic hero, human condition, meaningAbstract
Ernest Hemingway's novella "The Old Man and the Sea" explores profound themes of existence and absurdity through the struggles of Santiago, an aging fisherman. This article examines how Santiago's relentless battle with the marlin serves as a metaphor for the human condition, emphasizing resilience in the face of life's inherent absurdities. By delving into Santiago's isolation, the futility of his efforts, and his embodiment of the tragic hero, the narrative highlights the complexities of finding meaning in an indifferent world. Ultimately, Hemingway’s work invites readers to confront their own struggles and find purpose in the act of striving.
References
Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 1952.
Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus. New York: Vintage Books, 1991.
Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism Is a Humanism. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007.
Stang, David. The Absurd in Literature. New York: Routledge, 2004.
Baker, Carlos. Ernest Hemingway: A Life Story. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1969.