Examining the Historical Setting of the Novel

The period from 1920-1960 saw a seachange of activity in global affairs. Ernest Hemingway had first-hand knowledge of many world events during his lifetime as he worked as foreign correspondent for several newspapers. Specifically focusing on the historical period 1940-1960, the time surrounding the publishing of The Old Man and the Sea we will look closely at happenings in Cuba and the US and how it connects to the novella.

First take a look at the Cuba/US Historical Timeline.

After the Platt Amendment which allowed the US to intervene in Cuban affairs was nullified, US/Cuban relations improved through the 1950s. Symbolic of the growing friendship between the US and Cuba was the broadcast of the TV show, I Love Lucy whose storyline parodied

the true-life marriage between American actress Lucille Ball and Cuban performer Desi Arnez, Jr. Frequently in The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago references Joe DiMaggio's winning run with the Detroit Tigers as well as his comeback from foot surgery. All of these current events squarely place Hemingway's character in 1950s Cuba. Tensions arose again as the US started buying more Cuban sugar mills, increasing ownership to a staggering 60% of the total. Batista's corrupt communist government contributed to the rise of poverty in Cuba. In 1959, Castro overthrew Batista's government. Hemingway approved of it calling it a "historical necessity." Hemingway took leave during the Castro revolution, moving to Ketchum, Idaho. Shortly thereafter the US broke all diplomatic relations with Cuba.