Santiago as a Code Hero

a deeper story about a man attempting to prove to society that he is not useless

This novella is an example of Man’s struggle to maintain dignity in the face of adversity. The old fisherman (Santiago) could have easily given up against the giant 18 foot marlin, but he could not stand going home one more day being looked at as an aging failure by his friend and the other fishermen in the village.

Ernest Hemingway relates this novella to himself and his life. Throughout this story, the old man cannot accept the fact that he is getting old and that he is slowly losing his strength. Hemingway in reality was having the same problems. He was getting old, and things he once did, he no longer could do. Just as Hemingway could not accept that fact, neither could his character, Santiago. Santiago was having some inner conflict while trying to catch the marlin. On several occasions, Santiago would try to talk himself out of his pain;

"I must hold his pain where it is, he thought. Mine does not matter. I can control mine. But his pain will drive him mad." This pain Santiago was enduring was part of his struggle to maintain some dignity. Most importantly, Santiago (and Hemingway) could not give up.

When the sharks attack the fish, it is the same as the Sharks attacking his dignity.As the Sharks tear apart the marlin bit by bit, it is as they are tearing apart his dignity bit by bit.To Hemingway, the dignity of a man should be so important to that man, that he is willing to die for it. Most likely that is the reason Santiago went deep into that sea, following the Marlin, tearing the skin off his hands as he held on to that line.Finally, Santiago found the courage to fight off sharks to protect his dignity. If a man will not risk his life for his dignity, then what is in that life to live for?

The Old Man and the Sea deciphers man’s constant battle with maintaining the right to keep his head up high. The old man, caught the Marlin after days of hard work. He was willing to die to protect his catch. When he returned, he had not lost because he came back with what he set out for: a marlin. He had done everything a person possibly could have. That earned him the respect from the others and the dignity for himself that he so badly wanted.

some of the similarity between the repetitive statement “I never died, I never died” and “Man can be destroyed but cannot be defeated”.------Alfred Hayes “Joe Hill” --------He is a labor activist, a member of Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), through that organization he became an important figure who organized many strikes, made songs, and satirical poem in order to fight for the right oh labor.------------. Later on, although he has died it is only his body that has gone but, his life essence, spirit to gain a better life for labor, and case of death are still be remembered by people. That is why in this poem there is a repetitive statement that is said by Joe Hill “I never died”, he is a man who never died.

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Hemingway characterizes a hero as skillful, someone who endures in spite of physical pain, and he is respectful to his opponents.

Ernest Hemingway had a specific type of character in each and every one of his works of literature. These characters were called the Hemingway Code
Heroes. Hemingway Code Heroes followed a strict code of behaviors which allowed them to live their life to the fullest. These Heroes lived simple lives without all the luxuries that others had. They concentrate on the problem at hand and do not get swayed by outside events. Avoiding intense personal relationships allows the Hero to stay focused. In The Old Man And The Sea, Santiago is considered the
Hemingway Code Hero for many reasons.
Santiago lived an extremely simple life, the life of a fisherman.
Although sometimes he wished for some of the modern conveniences others had, he was able to do without them. Other fishermen had radios to pass the time while all Santiago had were his thoughts and sometimes the boy. The old man asked for the help of no one, for he did fine without the others. Santiago learned how to make due with the supplies that he had. On the boat while he is battling the mighty fish, he is able to deal with limited food and drink. He realizes he may be out at sea for a long time, so he rationalizes his supplies. Santiago copes with what he has. The sail on his boat is torn and tattered, consisting of countless rags stitched together. Although a nicer sail would have been nice he knew that he could get by with the one he has.
Santiago displayed a great deal of grace while under the pressure of catching his great adversary. While battling the marlin he always keeps his eye on the goal, and figures out new ways to get through the tight spots. Even when it seem that all hope is lost, he continues to persevere, so he may achieve his goal. When he is out at sea his hands cramp, and it looks as if he has to give up the fish, but he decides to stick with it in a hope that he may strive through the...