The novel is about the story of a battle between an old, experienced Cuban fisherman, named Santiago, and a large marlin. Santiago stands for warrior fighting against the power while the large marlin represents the ideal of life.

它围绕一位老年古巴渔夫，圣地亚哥与一条巨大的马林鱼在离岸很远的湾流中搏斗而展开故事的讲述。故事中的圣地亚哥是与强大势力搏斗的勇士的代表，而大马林鱼则象征人生的理想。