"The Old Man and the Sea" can be interpreted as a fable due to its rich symbolic language, moral themes, and allegorical structure. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Symbolism:
    - Santiago: Represents the human spirit, perseverance, and determination.
    - Marlin: Symbolizes the sublime, the unknown, and the struggle against nature.
    - Sharks: Represent the destructive forces of nature and the inevitability of defeat.
    - Sea: Embodies the power and majesty of nature.
2. Moral themes:
    - Perseverance: Santiago's unwavering determination to catch the marlin despite his physical limitations and the odds against him.
    - Courage: Santiago's bravery in the face of adversity and his refusal to give up.
    - Humility: Santiago's respect for the marlin and the sea, acknowledging the power of nature.
    - Redemption: Santiago's quest to prove himself and find redemption from past failures.
3. Allegorical structure:
    - Santiago's journey can be seen as an allegory for the human experience:
        - The struggle to achieve greatness (catching the marlin).
        - The confrontation with the forces of nature (the sharks).
        - The ultimate acceptance of defeat and the cycle of life (the marlin's skeleton).
4. Christian symbolism:
    - Santiago's crucifixion-like pose on the boat, symbolizing sacrifice and redemption.
    - The marlin's beauty and majesty, reminiscent of God's creation.
    - The sharks' destruction, representing the corrupting influence of sin.
5. Fable-like qualities:
    - The story's simplicity and directness, conveying moral messages through symbolism and allegory.
    - The use of animals and natural elements to represent human experiences and moral themes.

While "The Old Man and the Sea" is a realistic and poignant portrayal of an aging fisherman's struggle, its symbolic language, moral themes, and allegorical structure also make it a fable, conveying timeless messages about the human condition.