Santiago the Unrecognized Hero - Essay Example

Santiago the unrecognized hero Ernest Hemingway described that heroes lived a principled life regardless of the challenges that threatened their lives. He named these principles the ‘code hero’ and they entailed special attributes like humility, dignity, and bravery even in difficult situations. In the publication titled The Old Man and the Sea, Hemingway narrates the gallant virtues of Santiago, an old fisherman in Cuba. Hemingway mentions that Santiago failed to catch a single fish for eighty-four days but still has the wisdom to go out and catch the Marlin in the eighty-fifth day. Therefore, he proves that persons should never allow social or life hindrances to overcome their self-confidence, dignity, and courage to face antagonists. Therefore, Hemingway fits the code hero because he lived a humble life that disguised his innermost abilities. Besides, he fits the code hero because of the performances he exhibited throughout the novella that include a relentless spirit, craftsmanship and autonomy, risk taking, recognition of when to accept defeat and to become a role model for the future generations. Santiago exhibits the code hero by living a decent life characterized by autonomous and artistic skills. Unlike other fishermen who incorporate the assistance of several workers and use motor boats, he prefers fishing alone and using his traditional skiff. Many people would expect an experienced fisherman of his status to use several hooking lines. Nonetheless, he exemplifies an example of a decent hero who uses his artistic expertise, experience, and independence in fishing by casting three lines. Hemingway mentions that Santiago was “an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish” (9). His knowledge of water and fish movements offers him the motivation of big catches. Gurko acknowledges that the “old man goes much farther out than other fishermen and casts a bait in much deeper water” (66). The statement shows that Santiago is a creative, explorative and trusts his instincts to attain development goals. The decision to go further into the sea also illustrates his risk taking and explorative ideas. Notwithstanding the risks, for instance, the tidal waves and dangerous sharks in the interior of the sea, he ventured into a region that other fishermen feared or dare not to reach. In the end, Santiago caught the gigantic fish but never enjoyed the fruits of his hard work. Burhans asserts that Santiago defied the odds meaning that he is a risk taker and values his self-dependence (79). The old fisherman, Santiago had morals that enabled him to persevere the hardships of life ranging from unsuccessful fishing expeditions and attacks in the sea. Therefore, he expressed the relentless spirit in succeeding despite the old age. Hemingway mentions that Santiago had “deep-creased scars [on his hands] from handling heavy fish on the cords’ (10). The statement shows that Santiago was aged and could easily retire or wait well-wishers assistance. However, he expresses a relentless spirit to provide for himself even after unsuccessful outings. When he caught the Marling fish on the 85th day, he promises himself to persevere the possible threats and hardships until he reaches the seashore. Hemingway recognizes the determination by describing Santiago’s statement “Fish…I’ll stay with you until I am dead” (52). Besides, other fishermen’s remarks hurt Santiago but he perseveres not show his aggravation to the rest. Instead, he confides in himself to disapprove other people who mocked him for being outdated and unable to catch a fish. According to Hemingway, when Santiago caught the huge marlin, he questioned the capability of other fishermen like DiMagio, who laughed at him. Hemingway expressed the thoughts, for instance, “Do you believe the great DiMagio would stay with a fish as long as I will stay with this one? He thought.” (68). He prepared himself to endure the battle to kill this fish. In the process of killing the fish, Santiago persevered the various cuts and bruises to get his catch. Hemingway describes that “He was stiff and sore now, and his wounds and all of the strained parts of his body hurt with the cold of the night"(83). Santiago lives a fearless life and takes different risks to overcome life-threatening problems that he faced. The attributes put him in Hemingway code hero. First, Santiago was aware that the blood marks in the sea would attract sharks to his boat. Nonetheless, he showed no discomfort or panic of the imminent attack. Instead, he prepared mentally and physically to protect himself and the catch from the predators regardless of the danger. He vowed to fight the sharks until his death. Weeks mentions that when the sharks started to attack, Santiago fought back with great expertise and precision (38). He managed to kill the sharks one by one while also losing his possessions in the process. In the process, Santiago envisioned to protect the Marlin fish from the Sharks. He exemplified unique qualities of a noble hero that comprises showing bravado while protecting his life and of those that depend on him. Sylvester admitted that Santiago felt that it was his responsibility to protect the fish. Sylvester noted Santiago’s thought, for instance, “I wonder if he has any plans or if he is just as desperate as I am?” (85). In this context, Santiago emphasized his care and compassion for the vulnerable organisms. The thoughts offered him the motivations to become brave and fight the sharks. Santiago accepted the defeat by the Sharks demonstrating that he was not a coward. He lived according to Hemingway’s principles that heroes are honest and never discouraged by failure. Instead, heroes strategize about how to overcome similar incidences in the future. The acceptance emanated when the fish ate all the marlin flesh, and he returned home with only the skeleton. He is disappointed, admits that the shark out shown him, and blames himself for going out far. Hemingway describes that “he knew he was beaten now finally and without remedy” (119). The statement indicates that Santiago acknowledged his fall and the decision to go far into the sea. However, he prides that he achieved more than the other fishermen. Gurko commends that “To be a hero means to dare more than other men, to expose oneself to greater dangers, and, therefore, more greatly risk the possibilities of defeat and death” (66). Finally, heroes are role models and foster an environment for continuity of virtuous characters in the society. Manolin, who is junior, symbolizes the next generation that looks up to Santiago for inspiration and guidance. Santiago’s accepts his role and nurtures a friendship with Manolin indicating that he aimed to pass his capability to the next generation upon his demise. Weeks recognized Santiago’s unique character and his desire to nurture Manolin. Therefore, Weeks admitted, "Santiago...is himself depicted as a natural phenomenon, a strange old man." (34). He fostered a mutual friendship with Manolin that entailed assisting and encouraging one another. Their conversations comprised playing baseball and fishing meaning that he envisioned to prepare Manolin to become a great person in the future. It also shows that Santiago appreciated and aimed to nurture talents in the young generation. Hence, an attribute makes Manolin a true hero. Conceivably, Hemingway framework of a hero is a viable standard to identify and appreciate exemplary characters. Santiago portrayed the codes by living a life of adversity. In the end, he triumphed the obstacles living a dignified life comprising a relentless spirit, courage, independence, and risk taking. Despite the challenges, he expressed Hemingway hero traits that persons should never surrender when faced with life challenges. His performances influence individuals to strive to attain their life goals by respecting and nurturing the moral codes. Therefore, Santiago’s case explains a true hero who uses his internal characters and strength to conquer life challenges. Works Cited Burhans, Clinton S. "The Old Man and the Sea: Hemingways Tragic Vision of Man." Twentieth Century Interpretations of The Old Man and the Sea. Ed. Katherine T. Jobes. Englewood Cliffs: N.J. Prentice-Hall, 1968. 72-80. Print. Gurko, Leo. "The Heroic Impulse in" The Old Man and the Sea." Twentieth Century Interpretations of The Old Man and the Sea. Ed. Katherine T. Jobes. Englewood Cliffs: N.J. Prentice-Hall, 1968. 64-71. Print. Hemingway, Ernest. The old man and the sea. New York: Scribners-Collier, 1952. Print. Sylvester, Bickford. “Hemingways extended vision: The Old Man and the Sea.” Twentieth Century Interpretations of The Old Man and the Sea. Ed. Katherine T. Jobes. Englewood Cliffs: N.J. Prentice-Hall, 1968. 81- 96. Print. Weeks, Robert P. "Fakery in the Old Man and the Sea." Twentieth Century Interpretations of The Old Man and the Sea. Ed. Katherine T. Jobes. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice, 1968. 34-40. Print. Read More