The Old Man and the Sea: Why do we still read this book? What is so timeless about its message and characters? What can we learn from reading this novel?

The main reason we still read this book is because of the message it has and its characters. Though the book is sad in parts, it can actually be uplifting because it sends a very optimistic message to the readers. It simply says that you shouldn’t give up and quit, especially if something is worth fighting for. It also gives the message that every day is a new day and a second chance to start over. Luck can’t define a person, and if you don’t have any, go out and make your own. Each day brings a new sun and a new chance to accomplish something. Santiago is the main character and he lives out this message and these morals every day. Though his story ends a little sadly because the sharks eat his fish, what really matters is what he did, not what he brought back. The trophy isn’t what matters, it’s the accomplishment. If I win a soccer game and get a trophy, it’s not the trophy that really counts, it’s what I did. The trophy just symbolizes the accomplishment, just like the Marlin symbolizes Santiago’s accomplishment.  Many people get discouraged, and this book is saying that it’s alright, and that life is hard sometimes and you just have to keep moving on forward. This book tells people something they need to hear. These messages that the book projects is why readers still read this book today. I also think that the characters is this book, namely Santiago is what causes people to want to read this book and why we need to read it. Santiago has a great attitude, like I mentioned, and is very optimistic in nature and slow to anger. He ignores the rude fishermen and even though he hasn’t caught a fish in days and days, he still insists that he go out again and continues to move on, optimistic and hopeful (Hemingway 11-13)Santiago is also extremely brave and courageous in the sight of defeat. He strategizes and fights for his fish, and fights the sharks too, though he sees defeat in his future. He doesn’t give up and even says he’ll fight until he dies. (Hemingway pg. 115) This courage that Santiago displays is so amazing and so unique and honorable. I believe that is why we still read this book today.

Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 1952. Print.