The Old Man and the Sea

Nowadays I have read a book called The Old Man and the Sea. This novel written by Hemingway told us a story about an old man whose name is Santiago. It was one of Hemingway’s most famous novels and helped Hemingway made great achievement in his literature career. What’s more, this book was published by YILIN PRESS in April 1, 2007.

The hero of The Old Man and the Sea was a senior fisherman who called Santiago. He was ordinary but brave and great. Whatever the weather, he had to fish to make a living. His life was very hard, but he never gave up. Santiago faced his life positively and lived well by himself. Fortunately, he was not lonely because of the company of a little boy. The cute boy’s name was Manolin. In Manolin’s heart, this old fisherman was not only a hero, but also his idol. He treated Santiago very well and often helped him. Though Manolin’s parents prevented him staying with Santiago, this little boy didn’t do this. He still chose to accompany and learn from the senior fisherman, who was a hero in his eyes. He believed that Santiago was a good fisherman and he could obtain some knowledge from him.

I think that we should also learn from Santiago due to his great spirit. Although he was very poor, he was still confident enough to overcome all the difficulties in his life. His body was weak, but his mind was strong. For about 84 days, Santiago hadn’t got any fishes. However, he didn’t stop trying. He just made good preparation and set out in the 85th day. Through the 3-day fight, the old fisherman got the first fish in those 88 days. It was a big marlin fish. Seeing it, Santiago was quite tired out but also excited. Unexpectedly, after he made the big marlin fish surrender, he met across some big and fierce sharks. Those sharks wanted to eat the big marlin fish too. Certainly, Santiago wouldn’t allow it happen. Facing those terrible sharks, Santiago wasn’t afraid. He fought against them bravely. Finally, those sharks ate the meat of the big marlin fish, just leaving the bone of the big marlin fish to the old man.

Maybe someone would regard Santiago as a loser, but from my point of view, Santiago didn’t lose. He was a hero and his spirit would exit in people’s heart forever.

Nowadays, more and more people lack the spirit of bravery and insistence. That was what we should learn from the old man. Santiago was quite aware of the trouble he would get into. He just tried his best to solve it, though. So, in fact, he was a real winner. We ought to set the senior fisherman as an example. Santiago was worthy to be learned by Manolin. The little boy’s choice was right and sensible.

As far as I am concerned, whatever and whenever difficulty we may come across, we shouldn’t be scared. First, we ought to calm down and be confident and rational to face it. Second, trying our best to find the appropriate way to settle the problem is very important. Third, whatever the result will be, we just work hard to realize it as possible, or we may regret. Only in this way, can we succeed and make more achievements in the future.