IB Summer Reading for the 2018-2019 School Year 

Welcome to International Baccalaureate! Your IB journey begins this summer by reading The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.  Read and annotate the novel, and be prepared for class discussions.  You should label themes, symbols, and language you find interesting or important.  Below is a list of symbols, motifs, and themes to consider while you read.  

Themes:

Pride – Pride in a job well done, even if it draws one unnecessarily into a situation, is a positive trait.

Worthiness - A man must constantly demonstrate his worthiness through noble actions.

Unity – There is unity between man and nature.

Heroism – Triumph over crushing adversity is the heart of heroes.

Manhood – To be a man is to behave with honor and dignity; to succumb to suffering; to accept one’s duty without complaint, and to display self-control. 

Success – An indefatigable spirit is more important than material possessions.  Inner spiritual success is more important than tangible items. 

Motifs:

Baseball

Tragic hero

Masculine vs. Feminine

Christian allegory

Friendship

Youth vs. Age  

Symbols:

The Old Man

Manolin

Sharks

Lions on the beach

The marlin

The skiff

The mast

The harpoon

Joe DiMaggio