The irony at the end of The Old Man and the Sea lies in the fact that Santiago, the old fisherman, finally catches the giant marlin after an intense and grueling struggle, only to have it devoured by sharks on his way back to the shore. Despite his monumental effort and the physical and emotional toll it takes on him, Santiago returns with nothing but the skeleton of the marlin. This outcome is ironic because Santiago’s victory in catching the marlin is ultimately rendered meaningless, as he is unable to bring back the prize that would have validated his skill and endurance.
Furthermore, the villagers who initially doubted Santiago’s abilities see the skeleton and recognize the magnitude of his achievement, but this recognition comes too late. The irony underscores the themes of struggle, perseverance, and the often harsh reality of life, where effort does not always lead to tangible rewards.