Ecological Ethics Interpretation of Man's Status in “The Old Man and the Sea”

By detailed analyzing the old man's review and reflection on sea fishing life in “The Old Man and the Sea”, the article puts forward that the proposal of eco-criticism and the subsequent advance must take man's proper needs into consideration and eco-criticism of neglecting to discuss man's development is pseudo-ecological performance. The article also points out that “The Old Man and the Sea” only reflects the prelude of ecological criticism. For in the work, the revelation of relations between man and nature, man and man, and man and himself is merely human reflection in their early survival crisis, that is, in perspective of ecological criticism, people must learn to respect the development needs of other species and make great effort to live harmoniously together. From the situation of the old man, his reflection did not provide more space for human's improving relationship with nature, still clinging to human interests' satisfaction and realization. But “The Old Man and the Sea” foreshadows the arrival of eco-criticism, from this point of view, it is a great work.