NON AFRICAN PROSE
ERNEST HEMINGWAY: The Old Man and The Sea
Examine santiago’s attitude to nature.
Explanation
Santiago, an old and experienced fisherman spends the most part of his days at sea. His fishing expeditions which often take him far away from the shore enable him to know and understand the ways of the sea and its creatures. They also give him a vantage ground from which he can have a clear view of birds and such other phenomena as the. stars, the moon and the sun. As a result of his experiences at sea and his intimate observation of birds, Santiago develops peculiar views about them.
For instance, the old man recognizes, respects and empathizes as well as talks to them as if they can hear him and respond like human beings. He does this at great length though his monologues. For example, he says "if the others hear me talking out loud they would think I am crazy but since I am not crazy, I do not care"
As opposed to the views of others, Santiago always thinks of the sea as a woman who gives or withholds great favours This may explain why he bemoans his bad luck rather than bear the sea any grudge for losing the marlin be catches.
The old man recognizes the ability of birds to give a fisherman an insight into where he can find fish to catch. Such is the warbler that circles over him and leads him to locate the marlin he kills. During his ordeal with the big fish, he feels sorry for turtles but is also inspired by them as he compares his heart to theirs which live long after they have been killed. Hence, he eats their white eggs all through May to be strong in September and October.
In his fantasies, Santiago regards fish including the sharks which he knows species by species and which also deprive him of his big catch not only as friends but also as nobler, more beautiful and more able although less intelligent brothers. He sees the sinister sharks not as mere scavengers but as creatures with friends, mothers and relatives in their own right. He kills them in self-defence and to protect his catch.
His unusual view about other creatures is most noticeable in his encounter with the marlin. He pities the fish in its moment of anger and anguish even as his own life is on the line. He catches and kills the fish since no one is worthy of eating it from its behaviour and great dignity. He acknowledges its equal right to live and kill him if in self-defence. He argues that he kills the marlin neither for money nor for food but simply for pride. He wishes that the big fish were like the moon, the stars and the sun that no man can kill. -