Santiago as a Hemmingway Code Hero in The Old Man and The Sea

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Ross Mueller

Mr. Harocopos

AP. English 11

29 September 1996

An Anylization of Santiago as a Hemmingway Code Hero in The Old Man and the Sea


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 Heros followed a strict code of behaviors which allowed them to live their life to the fullest. These Heros 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.
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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 area of difficulty. His hands finally free up and he continues on his mission, just glad that he did not give up. Sharks attack the marlin on his voyage back to his small town, he works his hardest to keep them away. Santiago finds unique ways to keep them away. He makes a spear out of his knife, a paddle, and some cloth. When that breaks, he then uses the other paddle as a club to beat the sharks away. When food is low, the old
man figures out ways to get more without losing his marlin. He sets up another rig while still concentrating on the task at hand.
Santiago's relationships with others never go into deep personal information, they always stay friendly and never get intimate. His relationship with the boy is one of great importance in The Old Man And The Sea. Their relationship is a great friendship which has grown over years. The old man was the first person to ever go fishing with the boy. He was a teacher to Manolin, and showed him everything he knew. The boy would occasionally bring the old man food when he returned if he had not caught anything that day. Santiago read to the boy about baseball. Manolin enjoyed this immensely. He enjoyed being in the old man's company for he cared for this man because he was always kind to him. The boy prepared the old man's bait some of the time. They both offered each other the best of company. While out at sea Santiago is constantlywishing the boy was there to talk to or to help with the mighty fish. Santiago does not have relationships with any of the other fishermen,
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outside of polite conversation. His perseverence to catch his prey implicates the importance of his relationship with it.
Santiago's humility in The Old Man And The Sea should be an example for all to follow. He fishes to be a fisherman. His goal was not to catch a huge fish. It was to fish and try to catch a fish of any size. He did not pride himself on catching the fish. He did not go running to tell the other fishermen of the town about it, he just went home and fell asleep. Landing the fish did not matter to the old man only to get it as far as the side of the boat.
The Old Man And The Sea portrays Hemingway Code Heros to their fullest potential. As Heros they try their hardest to persevere under pressure and achieve the goal in front of them. They show the characteristics of a stoic, working hard in the hardest of situations. Hemingway Code Heros are very rare in real life, but in fiction they survive, setting good examples for all.