In the opening scenes of the novel, we see a glimpse of the old man Santiago’s special relationship with the boy Manolin. What do you think each character represents to the other?

“He no longer dreamed of storms, nor of women, nor of great occurrences, nor of great fish, nor fights, nor contests of strength, nor of his wife. He only dreamed of places now and of the lions on the beach.” What is the significance of what Santiago is or is not dreaming of? What do these dreams represent about his state of mind and his journey?

How would you describe Santiago’s relationship with the sea and its creatures? Does he view them as adversaries, companions, or something else?

Why is Santiago so determined to pursue the marlin despite the overwhelming odds? Do you think his motivation comes from bravery, pride, necessity, or something else? What do you think the marlin represents to Santiago? Is it simply a challenge to overcome, or does it symbolize something deeper?

The novel often explores the idea of suffering, both physical and emotional. How does Santiago’s suffering during his battle with the marlin compare to the idea of spiritual or existential suffering? What does the novel suggest about the purpose or meaning of suffering

Santiago often associates his resilience, endurance, and perseverance with his sense of manhood. What do you think the novel suggests about masculinity? How does this view of manhood compare to the novel’s depiction of the sea, which is sometimes described in more fluid, feminine terms?

The sharks that attack the marlin after Santiago catches it are a key part of the novel’s conclusion. What do you think they are meant to represent

How do you view Santiago—do you see him as a hero, a mythic figure, or a saint? What aspects of his character and journey support these interpretations, and how does his struggle with the marlin contribute to these qualities?

“But man is not made for defeat”, he said. “A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” How would you interpret the meaning of this passage? How does The Old Man and the Sea develop and embody this theme?

In a 1954 interview with Time magazine, Hemingway said: "There isn’t any symbolism. The sea is the sea. The old man is an old man. The boy is a boy and the fish is a fish. The sharks are all sharks, no better, no worse. All the symbolism that people say is shit."
Do you believe Hemingway’s statement, and that he only set out to write a story about a man and a fish?
How much control does an author have over how their work is interpreted?
Do you believe the novel warrants deep study and analysis despite Hemingway’s claims?