Essay On Santiago's Isolation In The Old Man And The Sea

Santiago’s Isolation in The Old Man and the Sea

Santiago’s isolation displays how man’s true character is tested when alone. A substantial amount of the novel, The Old Man and the Sea, is the main character, Santiago, alone on a skiff fishing for a great marlin. Ernest Hemming describes Santiago’s physical attributes as being very old, except for his eyes. His eyes are, “the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated” (10). The “fire” in his eyes is what keeps him going even through his toughest trials while on the skiff. Indeed, one of the most difficult trials Santiago has to face is the sharks. They tear away and demolish his prized marlin. In addition, the sharks came one after another, continuously until there was essentially nothing left. The first shark came shortly after Santiago caught the marlin, “The shark was not an accident. He had come from deep down in the water as the dark cloud of blood had settled and dispersed in the mile deep sea” (100). This exhibits how regardless

There are many points during Santiago’s journey where he thinks it would be easier to give up, or that he might not be able to cope with pain. But his pride keeps him strong and determined to keep going. Santiago always refuses to be defeated, “I could just drift, he thought, and sleep and put a bight of line around my toe to wake me. But today is eighty-five days and I should fish the day well” (54). It has already been eighty-four days without the catch of one fish, but Santiago is still determined to catch the marlin. Furthermore, he has to undergo aches and pains, especially from his hands, and specifically here his left hand, “‘What kind of hand is that,’ he said. ‘Cramp then if you want. Make yourself into a claw. It will do you no good” (58). Santiago refuses to let the pain stop him from his current task. Even with his pride, Santiago is never arrogant and keeps his