Old Man And The Sea

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A commentary on the use of a particular image, idea or symbol in one text or in a writer’s work Criteria: 10 minutes presentation + 5 minutes discussion Total word Count: 1000-1250 words The Importance of dreams in The Old Man and the Sea In "The Old man and the Sea" Ernest Hemingway illustrates the wisdom and life experiences of an old fisherman who seeks for his unanswered goals in the sea and its creatures. My presentation looks at the use and importance of dreams in the novella. The novella would be little more than an adventure story if it were not for Santiago's dialogues with himself - his repetitive thoughts and daydreams. They allow us to the see the character of the old man, particularly his courage and strength, while giving us insight into his past. Santiago often dreamed of lions on the beach. The first mention of his dreams of the lions is early on in the novella, after Manolin had visited him and then left him to sleep. The lions immediately filled his dreams. As a boy he had travelled to Africa as a shipmate: "He lived along that coast and now every night and in his dreams he heard the surf roar and saw the native boats come riding through it... He dreamed of places now and loins on the beach" (pg 18-19) Now as an old man he constantly dreamed of the great and noble beasts. Dreaming of Africa each night provides Santiago with a link to his younger days, as well as the strength and idealism that associated with youth. Santiago's almost childlike dream of playful lions, symbols of male strength and virility, before his voyage is a gesture of Santiago's second youth. Similar to the lions Manolin provides Santiago with a symbol of youth, potency and hope. Santiago recalls memories of Manolin, wishing the boy was with him to give him strength and hope. He does this more often than he prays to God for help. Besides the themes of youth
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