The Old Man and the Sea is a simple story, so simply and precisely told, that it invites the reader to fish for symbolism. We feel something more must be at work here then the surface plot. The text does seem to offer hints and clues, and critics have taken these tips and developed rather different readings of the story. The huge list of Christian reference in The Old Man and the Sea is unavoidable. …showed first 75 words of 483 total…

…showed last 75 words of 483 total…is immaterial. The fish has acted well and bravely and truly. It has been a brother to Santiago, and it has died like a man. There is thus meaning and purpose in the fish's death. As you can see there are many ways to interpret The Old Man and the Sea, in a Christian light. It just depends on how well and how deeply you read the book. Bibliography Old Man and the Sea.... Hemmingway