Santiago Symbolism

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Pages: 7

Santiago’s response to the threatening and conflicting moments in which he encounters defines him as a Hemingway hero. It showed his courage, humility and dignity while on his boat in the middle of the ocean battling a marlin. Santiago then again, questions his ability to conquer such a noble and beautiful fish. With old age, fatigue, pain, and growing weaker by the day, many doubts creep into Santiago’s mind, stirring a few internal conflicts. He connects to his inner resources for hope and strength and thinks about his all-time hero, Joe DiMaggio, who played baseball for the New York Yankees in center field outstandingly despite the agonizing pain of a bone spur. He also remembers his youth “glory days” winning an arm wrestling match …show more content…
There are many different hidden connotations throughout Santiago’s journey. Each component symbolizes different significances. The marlin, for example, represents strength, beauty and a final struggle, which we all go though, some point in our lives. The lions in his dreams resemble adolescence, freedom, and bold character. Santiago, symbolizes Christ in various ways as well. From societies distant refrain from him, assorting Santiago as an outcast to his strong faith, humility, and random occurring prayers, he shapes his world around everything but himself. Manolin was told to stay away from Santiago because he was presumed to be a bad influence. He liked to listen to what Santiago had to say and Santiago even began to grasp the idea of Manolin as a younger form of himself. Manolin symbolized one of Jesus’ disciples (Waggoner), who would walk in his footsteps to his death and then share his teachings and purpose with others. He believes in Santiago, letting all other fishermen know not to interact with Santiago after his return. Manolin displays his affection for Santiago by taking care of him as he enters old age. Manolin only sought the best for Santiago, allowing no one to disrespect Santiago for his accomplishments. Manolin especially wanted to learn about Santiago’s stories of his own adolescence and even his mentors, like Joe