Hemingway's prose seems simplistic at first, as the old man has another unlucky day of fishing and is fed by the young man he taught to fish years ago. But as the man's life slowly comes into focus, Hemingway's prose seems the only thing that could give it justice: a humble man with incredible skills on the water, but more stunning than anything is his determination and will. The best example I can think of of a man vs nature story.