When I initially read the ending to this book, I was really sad. This poor old man spends so much time and effort attempting to catch a fish. and it is eaten by a couple of hungry sharks (Hemingway 56). I was so confused. I was trying to understand, but it was really depressing to me. Maybe I'm just overemotional towards literature, but I cannot help it! I suppose this was the reason that the book has such an important message to it, but it is still sad.
I believe that the most significant part that the conclusion was showing was the old man's ruthless endurance and dedication. The entire time he is on that boat, he is spending it enduring horrible pain and a zero hours of sleep. Also in the end, he is able to endure the loss of his marlin brother. Even after all that, picks himself up, goes home, and makes plans to go out fishing once his hands heal (Hemingway 59). The story would be nearly meaningless if the old man would have given up after the sharks devoured he marlin. The story is worth reading because the old man never gives up.
The end is not all bad, anyway. Some good comes out of it. Santiago is able to earn the respect of the other fishermen in town because of the skeleton he brings back (Hemingway 58). Of course they respected him then. he caught the massive all on his own with no help whatsoever. Also, the boy agrees to fish once more with the old man afterwords (Hemingway 59). This is a plus because the old man really wished that the boy was with him while he was out at sea. It is good that he gets to have something to look forward to.
Sure, a happy ending to a good book would have been nice, but if you look at it optimistically, you'll see that this was a good ending. The old man has respect from everyone, a great best friend, new memories to learn from, and a massive skeleton of the prize fish that he took down alone. His struggles are finally over and they will not be missed.
Hemingway, E. The Old Man and The Sea. New York, NY: Scribner, 1980
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