write a short response (2-3 paragraphs) asserting whether The Old Man and The Sea shows characteristics of realism, modernism, both movements, or neither.

The Modernist aesthetic overrides the realistic elements of close attention to detail, objectivity, and simplicity as these elements are enclosed in the dream of the lions and the sense of drifting for days that both take away any certainty or realistic detail.

Perhaps, with the overriding metaphor of the dream of the childhood experience of the lions and the ways that Santiago's mind creates his world as the focal point of your essay, you could demonstrate how the Modernist elements and realistic detail develop Santiago's isolation, disillusionment, and lack of meaning in his life.  At any rate, you may want some unified motif or theme that will connect your discussion of the various elements.

Explanation: Tweak the words don't copy unless you want a f came from multiple sources

"the sandy walls seemed to collapse in on themselves"

and

"the bloodshot waters seemed to have no bottom"