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Definition of Allegory
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The Tortoise and The Hare" is... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and... read full definition
Allegory
Explanation and Analysis—Santiago as Jesus:
The Old Man and the Sea is a Christian allegory. The story is full of Christian imagery, with the protagonist Santiago serving as a Christ-like figure. Santiago's injured hands evoke Jesus's stigmata, or the wounds on his palms. The mast of Santiago's ship, which Santiago bears on his back to and from the water each and every day, also evokes Jesus's cross both in shape and in the way Santiago carries it.
Most importantly, Santiago's disposition towards life and death aligns with Christian morality. He accepts his death at points throughout the novella, both when battling the marlin and when fighting off the sharks. Santiago feels kinship with other people and animals, especially the animals he does battle with. Santiago is also unburdened by loss. After the sharks eat the marlin, Santiago lets go of ill-will and resentment: in fact, he sails with "no thoughts nor any feelings of any kind." Finally, what Santiago gains through the story is the companionship of Manolin, whose love and support is evident from the beginning of the novella. Santiago ends the story better off than at the start, even without the meat of the marlin, specifically because he receives Manolin back as an apprentice. The ultimate privileging of one's fellow man above material goods completes the Christian allegory.
Related Themes:
