The Cross & Cleaver. From Page to Plate: Old Man and the Sea- How It Ends
The ending of “The Old Man and the Sea” can be seen from many angles. Reading it, we can identify with so many characters and their own life drama. It can be interpreted as failure, success or… nothing. There are two elements of the ending that resonate with me, which make me think of my own life and death.
“… among the empty beer cans and dead barracudas, a woman saw a great long white spine with a huge tail at the end that lifted and swung with the tide …” I stated before that Papa’s writing style enables me to see and smell the dead fish and garbage. This passage also makes me sombre. It reminds me of a line from the book I mentioned before: “The Following Story.” Quoting from the Roman poet, Ovid, the author Cees Nooteboom reflects on the fact that when we die, what is left is “quod bene compleat urnam ,” … scarce enough to fill an urn.”
In the end, “the old man was dreaming about the lions.” That’s the very last sentence in the book. After all the sadness and pensive reflections preceding that dream, there is… peace. It is as if none of that mattered. Yet, I am convinced the old man would say it surely was an experience worth having.
Such drama is in exact opposition to the small scene whereby a woman who noticed the shark’s carcass can only observe: “I didn’t know sharks had such handsome, beautifully formed tails.” Her male companion didn’t either. They were not interested in the story which the waiter was prepared to offer. The couple’s attitude reminds me of the closing scene from the movie “The Truman Show” where two guards watching the show on TV move from initial joy at Truman’s exit to “let’s see what else is on.”
Reflecting on those two scenes, learning from those two little dramas, I want to issue you a blessing, a challenge and an invitation.
May you never tire of being curious about the meaning of life and death. May you never be disappointed when things don’t turn out the way you were hoping they would. May you have your ears, eyes and hearts open to hear someone else’s story. May you always linger, and hang around when things come to an end … to appreciate what has been, to grieve the loss, and to hope for another adventure.
Here is something to snack on if you choose to ponder your mortality. I mean, might as well eat something tasty while you are at it.
Serves one.
On a large plate, arrange:
-Large red beet, boiled or roasted, chilled and cut into ¼ inch slices.
-One half – cover with slices of plain goat cheese (cut it cold, with a knife dipped in hot water – works like a charm), and a handful of shredded basil leaves. Drizzle with good olive oil and balsamic reduction.
-Other half – cover with crumbled blue cheese of your liking, and a handful of crushed walnuts or pecans (allergies). Drizzle generously with honey (I am partial to truffle-flavoured type).
-Serve with plenty of fresh baguette and chilled white or rosé, light lemonade (with lavender flowers if you can find it) or a pint of unpretentious lager (alcoholic or non-alcoholic alike).
Enjoy and … fruitful thinking.
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