What is the theme of the old man and the sea?

Question

What is the theme of the old man and the sea?

Answer 1

"A man can be defeated, but not destroyed"

After getting back home, the old man gets no money for the fish because it was torn apart by the sharks.  He is physically beaten and exhausted, but he's still happy because, now, he has his pride for catching the fish.  

Answer 2

There are quite a few study guides that can help you with your study of The Old Man and the Sea, most of which analyze the story, discuss themes and symbolism and other literary devices, and give character sketches.  A number of them have quotes.  If you do a search you will find many helpful resources.  Additionally hundreds of questions have been asked here on Y!A about Of Mice and Men so do a search for it in the Yahoo Answers search window and you will find lots of Q’s and A’s that should help you.    

http://www.literary-quotations.com/o/old...

http://classiclit.about.com/od/oldmanthe...

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/oldman/

http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/t...

http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/Hemin...

Answer 3

If you haven't read it, you are cheating yourself.

If you have read it, and don't understand the theme, it is likely because you aren't old enough to know the regrets of an old man.

He has wanted to catch a fish like this his entire life, and, now, he has caught it and, surprise, surprise, it isn't all it was cracked up to be.  He feels sorry for the fish and for himself, as well.