The Old Man and the Sea is a novella published in 1952 by American author Ernest Hemingway, who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954. Having previously read the Chinese translation, I deliberately purchased the English edition this time to better appreciate the linguistic charm of the original work. I had previously read Hemingway's A Moveable Feast, which gave me some insight into his life experiences.
The Old Man and the Sea is not lengthy—just a hundred or so pages. Most of the vocabulary is common, though some fishing-related terms required consulting a dictionary. The difficulty level is manageable, making it a relatively quick read. The story itself is uncomplicated and can be summarized in a few sentences. There are few characters—just the old man and a boy—with minimal dialogue. The focus lies in psychological portrayal and soliloquy. Alone at sea, the old man spends most of his time talking to himself or to animals. Despite harsh conditions, he maintains an optimistic outlook, never complaining or giving up easily. He calmly does what he can, remaining hopeful even when outcomes fall short.
Personally, I see this as an allegorical tale reflecting Hemingway's views on life. The old man symbolizes the author himself, rich in experience, striving to prove his worth through action. Even when facing hardship or mortal danger, he confronts challenges head-on. Rather than viewing setbacks as insurmountable, he embraces them as life lessons.
Though Hemingway and Fitzgerald were American writers of the same era, their styles differed greatly. Fitzgerald's prose was more ornate, like a masterpiece embroidered with a needle, while Hemingway's was rugged, like a sculpture carved with an axe. Though the old man's physical description is sparse, his mental state leaps off the page, leaving a profound impression.