Final answer:
Symbolism is crucial in 'The Old Man and the Sea', with symbols like the marlin, sea, and sharks representing the protagonist's struggles. These symbols, interpreted through Hemingway's minimalist 'iceberg approach', provide depth to the theme of man's struggle with the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symbolism does indeed play a significant role in conveying themes in literature, including the theme of man versus struggle with the world in Ernest Hemingway's novel The Old Man and the Sea.
The novel presents various symbols such as the marlin, the sea, and the sharks, each representing different aspects of the protagonist's struggle and perseverance. The marlin symbolizes the ultimate challenge, a worthy opponent that makes the struggle meaningful for the old man, Santiago. The vast sea represents the world and the challenges it brings, constantly in motion and indifferent to human struggle.
Hemingway's minimalist writing style, using terse sentences and the 'iceberg approach', means that much of the thematic depth lies beneath the surface, with symbols serving as a conduit for deeper understanding. By interpreting these symbols, readers are able to grasp the complexities of the human condition as depicted by Hemingway's sparse but rich prose.