A Guide to the Marine Life in Ernest Hemingway's “The Old Man and the Sea”

Abstract

Extensive reference to marine life, both plants and animals, found within the novella. Opens with an overview of Hemingway’s interest in marine science and experience as a deep-sea fisherman. Entries are arranged alphabetically, drawing on Hemingway’s personal library and other sources contemporary with The Old Man and the Sea’s composition to situate Hemingway’s understanding. In addition to presenting natural histories for all species mentioned in the novella, including the lions on the beach, Beegel also details relevant contemporary events, issues, and attitudes surrounding species (e.g. sharks and the 1945 sinking of the USS Indianapolis). Beegel’s clarification and identification of species reveals Hemingway’s extensive knowledge of Gulf Stream marine life and lays the foundation for future interpretative studies in this area.

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