Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to the Author-1

1.2 Introduction to The Old Man and the Sea- 2

1.3 Structure of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two Analysis of the Protagonist--Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea-3

2.1 An Outstanding Fisherman-3

2.2 An Indomitable Old Man-3

2.3 A Failed Code Hero-4

Chapter Three Hemingway’s philosophy of life reflected in the novel-5

3.1 Never Give up-5

3.2 Keep Grace under Pressure-6

3.3 Have Fighting Spirit-7

Chapter Four Conclusion-10

References-12

Abstract

 Ernest Hemingway, a representative of “The Lost Generation”, is considered to be one of the most famous American novelists in the 20th century. The Old Man and the Sea is one of his most important works which tells a story of an old fisherman, Santiago, who caught a huge marlin after three days’ struggle and then was attacked by sharks on the way back home. But he never gave up and remained cheerful to the challenge of the great force of nature. The great success of this novel enlightened the notion of “code hero” and influenced literary circle and people all over the world. 

This thesis probes to analyze Hemingway’s philosophy of life reflected in this novel. It mainly includes four chapters. The first chapter briefly introduces the author and the book. The second chapter analyzes the characterization of the protagonist Santiago. The third chapter explores the author’s philosophy of life reflected in Santiago. And the last chapter points out the significance of Hemingway’s philosophy of life: the meaning of life does not lie in a person’s success or failure, but in the struggle itself. It is hoped that through this thesis readers can have a better understanding of the novel and the author.   

Key words:  The Old Man and the Sea  Santiago  Hemingway  life philosophy