Title
The World of Spirit or the World of Sport? Figuring the Numbers in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
Document Type
Essay
Annotation
Gives a broad overview of the varying critical responses, often related to religion, aimed at explaining Hemingway’s fascination with numbers. Argues that the numbers reflect Santiago’s enthusiasm for baseball and high regard for Joe DiMaggio. Analyzes Santiago’s parallel to and fictional competition with DiMaggio, both aging heroes who must ultimately face defeat despite their resolve and strength of will.
Published in
The Faith of Fifty Million: Baseball, Religion, and American Culture
Date
2002
Pages
83-95
COinS
Citation
Hurley, C. Harold. “The World of Spirit or the World of Sport? Figuring the Numbers in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea.” In The Faith of Fifty Million: Baseball, Religion, and American Culture, edited by Christopher H. Evans and William R. Herzog II, 83-95. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.