Something that stands out to me as a symbol was the bird that landed on the old man’s boat. I think it represents the old man in a way. They are both determined to do something and get somewhere but they are both tired and frail after the long journeys they have taken.

A small bird came towards the skiff from the north. He was a warbler and flying very low over the water. The old man could see that he was very tired. The bird made the stern of the boat and rested there. (54)

Another thing I think the bird stands for is kindness. The reason I say that is because he flys around the old man kinda checking him out and keeping him company. The old man wishes to return a kindness by taking him in but can’t because hes with the fish.

Then he flew around  the old man’s head and rested on the line where he was more comfortable. (54)

“Stay at my house if you like, bird,” he said. “I am sorry I cannot hoist the sail and take you in with the small breeze that is rising. But I am with a friend.” (55)

That’s the symbol I think would be good for this part of the book.  This part of the book was a lot more interesting because you get to read about the fish jumping and the old man’s delima and how he is going to try and over come it all by himself. How he just won’t give up and how much he respects this big fish but still plans to catch and kill him. This is an old man but he is still as strong or stronger then any youth. Maybe not in strength but in determination and will.