Significance of dreams in novel :: the old man and sea

Dreams play vital role in life of the old man, Santiago. They are source of pleasure, satisfaction and courage in the face of adverse circumstances. They are oasis in the deserts and give a ray of hope to the traveler like Santiago. So he sees loins and golden beaches in his dreams. The moment he is asleep, he is transported to Africa in dreams. He dreams of places, loins and high capes. He enjoys the loins playing like young cats and finds himself a boy there. The old man derives youth and strength by dreaming of the boy and loins.

On the second night of his heroic fight with the marlin, he falls asleep, and dreams of loins. He dreams of the long yellow beaches and loins coming down. The old man longs for his youth and happiness under pressure and painful struggle, even in the end of the novel, the old man dreams about the loins during his exhausted sleep. Despite the loss of big fish, Santiago still retains his confidence, steadfastness and resolution. He finds himself apt to fight against hardships of life.

Thus the old man dreams about the golden beaches, high mountains and the white peaks of island. They also symbolize his desire for unlimited power, pelf and strength. The novelist also shows his deep insight into human psychology. He keeps into the old man’s mind and surfaces the inner forces and desires working there.

Muhammad Sohail Arif