The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway Study Guide

by Prentice Hall

Ernest Hemingway took great pride in using an economy of carefully measured words and tightly wrought phrases in his writing. Nominated for Grammy, this recording of The Old Man and Sea is perfect example of Hemingway's precision and is read here in its entirety by Oscar-winning actor Charlton Heston.

A novella, The Old Man and Sea tells the story of an old fisherman, Santiago, and his long lusty struggle isn't so much over one fish, but the act of living living fully, actively, robustly. Charlton Heston is marvelous in this recording with his voice adding a quality and texture to Hemingway's words that will engage listeners completely.

Paperback

Published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to criticize a classic written by a Nobel Prize winner. It’s a matter of style I think, and that Hemingway is so damned depressing – man against fate and the elements. I find the writing spare to the point of being static, yet at the same time Hemingway finds a way to get you completely into the situation, and the head of the old man. But I ended up feeling more empathy for the fish. Maybe that’s what Hemingway wanted.
I read a student study guide version of this book, last encountered by me in Grade XIII, 50+ years ago. The guide is very helpful in drawing out inner meaning we might have missed in just a read through. But the author of the guide, a high school teacher I think, is too much of a cheerleader of Hemingway. But just imagine, she too has long since died.

[Marwan Asmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to be read, a book to be cherished. The Old Man and the Sea must be one of the finest ever written because of the mantle torture found in the dialogue between man, the deep blue and the marine beast. Dejected but undefeated the old man goes to sea for another try to catch the fish. This time its a test of edurance for he stays at sea waiting patiently for the big 1500 catch, a game of hide and seek under the boat till the fish is caught, but the old man finds out that the thrill and anticlimax is yet to begin as sharks, first one, then two begin to chase him...timeless in imagination and dialogue with one self, a book for the taking.

[Gianna]

Momma - there are no words to express how BRILLIANT Hemingway is in his writing...I could actually imagine myself on that boat and feeling the rocking of the boat...I can feel the seaspray...I read this when I was a teenager and just recently I heard it on audio books...it was Donald Sutherland's voice that really romanced my senses...when it comes to the ocean and my respect and love for it.

A must read for all!

[Lakshmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very beautiful book with beautiful descriptions of the sea and the fishes and the birds seen from the sea. The old man and the boy have a strong bond. It is a pleasure to read about the old man's courage and strength of mind. But, what I did not understand was why hemingway got the Nobel Prize for it ? There are equally good books.

[Olga H. Rivas]

This is the book that started it all for me. I was just a kid, but I remember the sorrow I felt for the old man and always wished it had had a happy ending...I was 13

[Krollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gem of a book. Short and very simple - yet it still holds within it a wealth of wisdom (and a surprisingly effective way to deal with cramp). This is one everyone can and should read.