Old Man and the Sea: Final Thoughts on the Ending

I actually liked the ending a lot. In my opinion, the author chose the most logical, realistic ending for a story like this. It would have made no sense if the sharks hadn't shown up, what with the fish bleeding so much and leaving a trail through the ocean. It was sad, but that's the way life happens. Ernest Hemingway seems to understand that. I also thought the title is kind of misleading. The sea plays a role in the book, but not a big one. The fish is the main focus for the old man. I think, it would have made more sense to name the book The Old Man and the Fish, but I guess Hemingway The Old Man and the Sea sounded better.

I felt bad for the old man at the end, but, like he said himself, he shouldn't have gone out so far in pursuit of the fish. It weakened him so that he didn't have sufficient strength to beat off the sharks. He was also so far out that if he got into trouble of some sort, no one would know or be able to help him. It was his own fault. At least now the other fishermen are reminded that the old man is still one of the best.

I believe the only reason he is alive is because of his fishing experiences. The old man even  said “This fish is the only reason I am alive. The Boy is the only reason I am alive” (Hemingway 103). I hope the old man goes back out, and tries to catch another Marlin, I think he has learned his lessons and he will do well the next time.

Sadly, Hemingway's writing style did not improve during the rest of the book. It still felt disjointed to me. I felt like I could have gotten so much more from this book if he had elaborated on some things better. I like books to be in depth.

Overall, I thought this book was fairly decent. It got kind of boring and monotonous at times, but the random anecdotes and dreams of the old man were pretty good, especially the dream about the lions that he has several times throughout the book. And the ending was good. I also now understand why Hemingway wrote the book, to show the readers that never give and anything is possible as long as you try and you’re prepared.