The Old Man and the Sea
Scott McKnight at Jesus Creed recently proclaimed The Old Man and the Sea to be the greatest American novel. After mentioning that he reads it every summer, I decided I should give it another read. I read it twice in High School, but had not read it in more than 15 years.
It is silly not to hope, he thought. Besides I believe it is a sin. Do not think about sin, he thought. There are enough problems now without sin. Also I have no understanding of it.
I have no understanding of it and I am not sure that I believe in it. Perhaps it was a sin to kill the fish. I suppose it was even though I did it to keep me alive and feed many people. But then everything is a sin. Do not think about sin. It is much too late for that and there are people who are paid to do it. Let them think about it.
A couple of thoughts as I read:
1) I am amazed at Hemingway’s ability to make this story interesting. Most of the book is an old man alone at sea, fishing in a small boat. Yet, Hemingway tells the story as a master of his craft.
2) As I read, I am drawn-almost compelled-to write. Perhaps it should always be that way when we view the work of a master.
