Something new to discuss

Amber Dietrich
Eng 101
10/01/04
Religion and the Sea

The religious aspects in The Old Man and the Sea are very allegorical. It took me awhile to find the religious views but when I started thinking about them it all made sense. Hemingway does very well at hiding these little clues of religion. Whether he meant to put these in the story it’s hard to say. I have the opinion that if you think about something conscientiously you can usually find another meaning to it.
The first religious image that really comes into play is Manolin and Santiago themselves. Manolin in Spanish means Emmanuel, while Santiago means James or St. James. The relationship makes a lot of sense in this way. Manolin takes care of Santiago in the same way Jesus would take care of us. Giving him things he needed to survive; such as food. Also Manolin helps Santiago unload his boat and carries Santiago’s burdens up to his house. Just like Jesus carries our burdens for us.
Manolin is also a great example of a disciple. Just as Manolin’s parents did not want him to have anything to do with Santiago; the Pharisees wanted none of the disciples to follow Jesus. Although the disciples knew that following Jesus could possibly lead to death for them, they still followed him faithfully. Just as Manolin knows that to give up his job to help Santiago could mean no money or food for him and his family. He still follows Santiago because he believes in him.
Santiago’s hands also have many meanings. I find it interesting that since Jesus was a carpenter his hands were calloused, bruised and scared. At the same time though they were steady and dependable, just as Santiago’s were. Also Santiago’s hands were cut and bloodied after his fight with the fish. Very similar to Jesus’ hands being pierced when he was crucified to the cross.
Another religious aspect is Santiago’s interminable task to carry his mast up the hill. He was beaten and tired yet he had to get the mast up the hill. Just as Jesus had to carry his cross up the hill of Calvary. Also Santiago falls on his way up the hill just as Jesus did. Jesus fell three times before he made it up to the top of Calvary. Santiago fell and had to rest 5 times before he was able to reach his shack. Both did not want carry their burdens up the hill but they had the resolution to do so.
I believe that when Santiago dreams about seeing the lions playing on the beach he is dreaming about his view of heaven. The lions are carefree and very happy. Heaven is supposed to be a happy carefree place. However everyone’s view of heaven is different. I don’t see lions in my view of heaven but if lions are a happy memory for Santiago I can see why he believes they will be there. Heaven is a new earth and there is a quote that says “And the lion shall lay down with the lamb.” The lamb represents Jesus so the fact the animal lying down with him is a lion has some significance.
The Old Man and the Sea is a story that holds many obscure religious views. Through this book you can tell the Hemingway has a very good understanding of his faith and his beliefs. This is definitely a book that should be revered throughout time. Not only for it’s religious allegories but also because it is a wonderful novel. Well written with care and love that shines through the characters in the book.