Prepare to write a 1,500-word interpretive essay. Your teacher may require that you give this report orally, but both oral and written reports require planning and organization.

State the line of interpretation of The Old Man and the Sea that you wish to defend in an essay. Use one of the interpretations you selected in the previous project or you may choose one (or more) of the four given before:
The Old Man and the Sea is the story of the reconciliation of youth and old age.
The Old Man and the Sea is a novel of a man's fight against adversity.
The Old Man and the Sea is a symbolic and metaphoric work that describes the resolution of conflict.
The Old Man and the Sea is a novel of a man finding peace with himself.
Based on this line of interpretation, write out the thesis statement of your essay in one sentence. You will need to support this thesis through accurate and detailed references to the text. Demonstrate an understanding of the author's use of stylistic devices. Identify ambiguities, nuances, and complexities within the text and their impact on your viewpoint.
Write an outline of your essay.
If possible, discuss your interpretation with a group of three or four classmates who have the same assignment . Compare and contrast your approach remembering that because your view may be different, how you support your interpretation with evidence is critical. Have you included and addressed evidence that might contradict your interpretation? Have you identified the author's techniques and devices that relate to your topic? Does Hemingway's choice of simplistic language and nonverbal technique add to your interpretation? Give and receive feedback from your classmates.
Submit your thesis and outline to your teacher for approval and feedback.