How Is Santiago Justified In The Great Gatsby

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In the novel, The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway, the character Santiago is able to be condemned and justified for his actions toward Manolin, however Jay Gatsby of the novel The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald is only able to be condemned for his illegal practices. In Hemingway’s acclaimed novel, the protagonist Santiago battles against a giant marlin for several days. The two are locked in a grueling rivalry that tests their physical and mental strength. Santiago eventually won the fight, but his victory was short-lived; sharks began to eat away at the marlin. But the sharks were not the true cause of the marlin’s death, but instead, it was Santiago’s pride that truly brought the fish’s life to end. He turned down the request of the boy who was willing to help him. …show more content…

Manolin even offered to help in the fishing trip, “I could go with you again. We’ve made some money” (10). Santiago’s pride is his downfall since he refused Manolin’s help which resulted in the marlin’s death. Manolin regretted not coming on board, but Santiago didn’t. He believed that he was doing the right thing. This is justified when Santiago says that the reason he refuses Manolin’s assistance is so Manolin can have a promising future. Santiago said “You’re with a lucky boat. Stay with them” to Manolin (10). Santiago believes that although Manolin would help Santiago, he is better off on a different, luckier ship. Santiago is humble: by refusing the help of Manolin, he is giving Manolin a better chance at catching a fish. Santiago hasn’t caught any fish for over 80 days, whereas Manolin is making more money on the other ship. This is why Santiago can be considered prideful or humble for his refusal of

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