Every individual has the ability to be a hero. A code hero is one who shows bravery, courage, and humility in the midst of stressful times. Throughout his literary works, Ernest Hemingway has created characters which are classified as code heros. These characters are known as “Hemingway Code Heroes.” They possess an ability known as “grace under pressure” meaning they keep their moral values intact even in times of great misfortune and pain. A thorough analysis of Santiago, the protagonist in Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Old Man and the Sea, reveals his identity as a “Hemingway Code Hero” through his acts of perseverance, courage, and dignity. Throughout Hemingway’s novel, Santiago shows he is capable of persevering through almost anything.
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There are many obstacles that he faces, which in some way destroy him. For example, the sharks come and destroy hi trophy of a fish. Hemingway writes, “A man can be destroyed but not defeated,” (103). There is a theme presented throughout the novel that death is inevitable. Santiago knows that he is facing the end of his life but refuses to let this stop him from living. Consequently, he embarks on this journey to catch the greatest fish of his life. He goes to all ends to catch the marlin and bring it home, keeping his dignity intact even in the face of death. Mark Twain once said, “The fear of death follows the fear of life. One who lives life fully is prepared to die at any time.” Santiago is prepared to die because he is not afraid to live. He keeps his dignity by preserving his morals and values. Santiago is considered a “Hemingway Code Hero” because he is facing the idea of death with dignity by not being afraid to live and keep proving himself as a man. Santiago is a prominent example of a “Hemingway Code Hero” as shown by his perseverance, courage, and dignity. Hemingway characterizes Santiago as a man who goes to all lengths to prove himself, one who is brave enough to face great dangers and misfortunes, and an individual who can face his own death with grace and honor. These qualities define not only heroes but “Hemingway
There are many obstacles that he faces, which in some way destroy him. For example, the sharks come and destroy hi trophy of a fish. Hemingway writes, “A man can be destroyed but not defeated,” (103). There is a theme presented throughout the novel that death is inevitable. Santiago knows that he is facing the end of his life but refuses to let this stop him from living. Consequently, he embarks on this journey to catch the greatest fish of his life. He goes to all ends to catch the marlin and bring it home, keeping his dignity intact even in the face of death. Mark Twain once said, “The fear of death follows the fear of life. One who lives life fully is prepared to die at any time.” Santiago is prepared to die because he is not afraid to live. He keeps his dignity by preserving his morals and values. Santiago is considered a “Hemingway Code Hero” because he is facing the idea of death with dignity by not being afraid to live and keep proving himself as a man. Santiago is a prominent example of a “Hemingway Code Hero” as shown by his perseverance, courage, and dignity. Hemingway characterizes Santiago as a man who goes to all lengths to prove himself, one who is brave enough to face great dangers and misfortunes, and an individual who can face his own death with grace and honor. These qualities define not only heroes but “Hemingway