Abstract：There are a lot of images which are full of the symbolic meanings in The Old Man and the Sea, and the big marlin is the most symbolic literary image. Besides, there were few experts and scholars researched the symbolic meaning of the marlin. This paper not only explored the symbolic meanings of the marlin, but also discussed the symbolic meanings of the marlin’s skeleton further. What’s more, the marlin symbolizes the achievement, hope and pursuit that human beings want; and the marlin’s skeleton symbolizes the "tough man" spirit of the old man and the victory of the Cuban Revolution War. Thus, it is greatly implicational and practical for us to carefully taste the significance of the symbolic meanings of the marlin in The Old Man and the Sea. Whatever for the society of America at that time or for those people who are living nowadays.

Key words：marlin; the Old Man and the Sea; symbolic meaning; symbolism

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Background and Outline of The Old Man and the Sea-2

2.1 The Introduction of the Author-2

2.2 The Background of The Old Man and the Sea-3

2.3 The Outline of The Old Man and the Sea-3

3. Literature of Symbolism-4

3.1 The Origin of Symbolism-4

3.2 The Definition of Symbolism-4

3.3 Earlier Stage and Latter Stage of Symbolism-5

3.3.1 The Earlier Stage of the Symbolism-5

3.3.2 The Latter Stage of Symbolism-6

3.4 The Characteristics of Symbolic School-6

4. Symbolism and Symbolic Meaning of the Marlin-6

4.1 The Symbolic Meaning of the Marlin-6

4.1.1 Marlin— the Goals-7

4.1.2 Marlin— Hope and Pursuit-8

4.2 Symbolic Meaning of the Marlin’s Skeleton-9

4.2.1 Marlin’s Skeleton— Tough Man Spirit of the Old Man-9

4.2.2 Marlin’s Skeleton— Victory of Cuban Revolution War-10

5. Conclusion-11

References-13

Acknowledgments-14