What does the marlin symbolize in the story?

A. a deadly adversary

B. love and trust

C. hopelessness and despair

D. a worthy opponent

The Marlin fish in the story "the Old Man and The Sea" represents the biggest opponent of Santiago during his excruciating voyage that he ultimately beat but took no credit for that.

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

In the short story "The Old Man and the Sea", Ernest Hemingway has beautifully explained the zest of a human life which is surrounded with numerous challenges and that, the man can prove himself the best and strongest in front of bigger troubles of life even being alone.

Marlin was a big fish in the story that was caught in the fish line of Santiago. being larger in size, it proved to be the toughest opponent for Santiago who kept on holding her for around two days and fort he third day and finally stabbed her on the third day. The fight for pulling Marlin into his yard presents a fair sketch of the troubles faced by common man in his life but he can overcome all of them only when he believed in his strengths.