Old Man’s Struggle

Fishing is not easy, especially when one’s life and pride are at risk. In Ernest Hemingway’s Old Man and The Sea, Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman, has not caught a fish for 84 days and struggles to protect his pride. When the old man gets the biggest fish he has ever seen on his hook, he is determined to catch it. Throughout the fight with the huge marlin, Santiago’s persistence never lessens. He is a true fisherman, and he is a hero. Even though Santiago is weak, exhausted, and worn out, he conquers the sea and preserves his pride.

Determination is very important in the process of achieving a goal. Santiago has all the determination he needs when it comes to catching the marlin. “‘Fish’, he said softly, aloud, ‘I’ll stay with you until I am dead’” (Hemingway, 52). Santiago does not worry about his life, because if he does not catch the fish, he considers himself unworthy. Santiago’s pride can only be protected if he catches the enormous marlin. The old Cuban is very determined in his struggle with the fish.

Santiago is also remarkably persistent in his fight with the huge fish. At times when any other fisherman would have given up, the old Cuban keeps his head up. “The old man held him with his left hand and his shoulders now and stooped down and scooped up water in his right hand to get the crushed dolphin flesh off his face” (84). No matter in what situation he is, Santiago overcomes obstacles. His persistence gets him through hard moments and helps the old man, but Santiago comes out of the fight tired and scarred. Santiago is extremely persistent while catching the huge fish.

The old Cuban fisherman is a hero. After a long time of catching nothing, he finally gets the catch of his life. “Now alone, and out of sight of land, he was fast to the biggest fish that he has ever seen and bigger than he ever heard of, and his left hand was still as tight as the gripped claws of an eagle” (63). Even though he is hurt badly and unable to use one hand, Santiago still stays with the fish. He catches it all by himself in the middle of the ocean. For what he has been through, Santiago is undoubtedly a true hero.

After enduring wounds, starvation, and exhaustion, Santiago comes out of the battle victorious. His determination plays a huge role in his victory. So does his persistence, as he fights through the hardest times. He is a true hero at sea. At the end, accomplishment and pride require effort.