International Journal of Emerging Research in Engineering, Science, and Management
Vol. 3, Issue 3, pp. 06-12, July-Sep 2024.
https://doi.org/10.58482/ijeresm.v3i3.2

Rethinking Man and Nature in The Old Man and The Sea

Gajalakshmi G

Meenakshi S

Research Scholar, Department of English, School of Social Sciences and Languages, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore

Associate Professor, Department of English, School of Social Sciences and Languages, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore

Abstract: This paper explores the intricate relationship between man and nature in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea through the lens of deep ecology. It challenges the traditional anthropocentric interpretation of the novella, proposing that the protagonist Santiago’s struggle is not merely a tale of human triumph over nature but a journey towards understanding and coexisting with the natural world. By applying the principles of deep ecology, the study reveals how Santiago’s evolving relationship with the marlin and other sea elements reflects a broader ecological consciousness. The analysis also draws parallels between Santiago’s experience and the Biblical narrative of Jonah, suggesting that Santiago’s success is not solely due to his physical endurance but also the cosmic forces that aid him. This paper ultimately rethinks the themes of struggle and victory in the novella, emphasising the need for a harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment.

Keywords: Deep Ecology, Ecocriticism, Environmental Consciousness, Man and Nature, Santiago, The Old Man and the Sea.

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