How Does Santiago's Hands Symbolize Manhood In Hemingway

Some authors use symbols to enhance the meaning of their novel and draw parallel between the writing and the lives of their audience. Ernest Hemingway uses his own symbolism to represent something more. The first way that Santiago’s hands symbolize manhood throughout the book is by his hand cramp. Next, Santiago’s hands show manhood when he gets cut in the hand and he pushes through the pain. Lastly, Santiago symbolizes the strength of being a man through the arm wrestling battle.
The first way that Santiago’s hands symbolize manhood is through his hand cramp. Santiago got a hand cramp from pulling the line for a very long time. “He could feel the steady hard pull of the line and his left hand was cramped” (Hemingway, 1952, p. 58). This quote shows that he had a cramp in his left hand. But, Santiago still pushed through the pain like a man is to do. Therefore, my first way Santiago’s hands show manhood is through his terrible hand cramp.
The second way his hands symbolize manhood is when he cuts his hand. Santiago cut his hand but he kept going and did not complain. “He felt the line carefully with his right hand and noticed his hand was bleeding” (Hemingway, 1952, p. 55-56). This quote explains manhood because even though his hand is cut he is still going to fight through and try to catch the marlin. Therefore, …show more content…
The 24 hour arm wrestling match shows his manhood through his hand because he fought through the pain and did not succumb to suffering. “ Blood came out from under the fingernails of both his and the negro’s hands and they looked each other in the eye”(Hemingway, 1952, p. 69). This quote explains manhood because they are pushing through the pain and exhaustion and they both don’t want to be defeated. Therefore, my third way Santiago’s hands symbolize manhood is because of his willfulness to take the pain and fight through tough