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The sharks represent consequence. As Ahab reaches his prize, the sharks surround the boats and bite the oars to shreds. It's a punishment for Ahab's sins, as his quest of vengeance against the whale represents a strike against God.

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13y ago
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1mo ago

The sharks in "The Old Man and the Sea" symbolize the destructive forces of nature and the inevitable death that awaits us all despite our struggles and achievements. They also represent the relentless challenges and obstacles that the old man faces in his pursuit of his goal.

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11y ago

The shovel-nosed sharks are little more than moving appetites that thoughtlessly and gracelessly attack the marlin. As opponents of the old man, they stand in bold contrast to the marlin, which is worthy of Santiago's effort and strength. They symbolize and embody the destructive laws of the universe and attest to the fact that those laws can be transcended only when equals fight to the death. Because they are base predators, Santiago wins no glory from battling them.

So basically it symbolizes the problems you encounter in life (the sea).

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Q: What do the sharks symbolize The Old Man and the Sea?
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The harpoon in "The Old Man and the Sea" symbolizes the old man's determination and skill as a fisherman, as well as his struggle against nature and the marlin. It represents his connection to the sea and his reliance on his own strength and experience to overcome challenges.


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