Symbolism in The Old Man and the Sea Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea isn't just a book about an old man and the sea. There are many meanings to it. Each element represents different things. The marlin, for example, represents strength, beauty and the last challenge we all go though. The lions in his dreams resemble youth, freedom, and also strength. Santiago, himself, symbolizes Christ in many ways. The marlin represented many different things. For example, he symbolized strength and durability by putting up such a struggle. By doing this he also made Santiago a legend among the other fishermen. This struggle would be Santiago's la