On Hemingway's Philosophy Of Life A Study Of The Old Man And The Sea

Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) is a famous writer in America in the 20th century. He is also an international literary celebrity in the world. His life was full of adventures. He took part in World War I and World War II. These wars left him serious wound both in his body and in his mind. He felt disappointed with the world and the fate of the man. Then, he began to write his own experiences and feelings about the world. He wrote many influential books such as A Farewell to Arms, The Sun Also Rises, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and The Old Man and the Sea.Among his books, The Old Man and the Sea (1952) is the most famous one. The work made Hemingway win the Nobel Prize in 1954. And the main character-Santiago becomes the typical "code hero" in literature. The work aroused interest of many readers, and many critics have made comments on it. But these comments from critics mostly talk about his "code hero" and "grace under pressure". In fact, the work deeply reveals Hemingway's philosophy of life and life attitude.This thesis intends to reach a thorough understanding of Hemingway's philosophy of life through the novel The Old Man and the Sea: when facing the cruel social reality and miserable fate, man should be brave and struggle with all the pains and sufferings, loving life and treasuring life. The story of the old man- Santiago just reflects Hemingway's philosophy of life. He does not catch asingle fish for eighty-four days but he does not feel discouraged. He goes to sea alone, and finally hooks a giant marlin. His fighting against the marlin and later sharks shows his struggling spirit. In addition, the description of the environment and plot also reflect Hemingway's philosophy of life: the meaning of life neither lies in the "success", nor lies in the "failure", but in the struggle itself.Furthermore, the novel is rich in symbolism that enhances both the plot and the theme. The sea is boundless, full of raging waves and hidden reef. It is cruel, savage and insidious, just like the real world where Hemingway lives. So the novel actually discloses and criticizes seriously the cruelty and ruthlessness of American society. It calls for people to struggle against the dark world, and to set up a new life style. This is the social significance of the novel.Hemingway's philosophy of life has a profound influence on modern American values. At the same time, it has extensive significance on the whole world. In Hemingway's world, you will learn how to adopt a correct attitude towards failure, and how to struggle in adversity. His "code hero"-Santiago is a guide to all human beings. He represents the spirit of the time. And the novel The Old Man and the Sea has brought luster to the realistic literature.