Not everyone can be considered a hero. Many of a hero’s traits, such as endurance, courageousness, determination, honor, and optimism, are not as common in society today as they are thought to be. Due to this, heroes who exhibit these traits and more are given their importance. The ones who can step up to the challenge and rise above the opposition are the ones who can truly be awarded for their divinity. Ernest Hemingway created the code hero based on actual war heroes that he was heavily influenced by, and Santiago is a prime example of a code hero. Through symbols and motifs relating to overcoming obstacles and struggles, Hemingway conveys the idea of the code hero in Old Man and the Sea.
One of the most important symbols relating to Santiago …show more content…
In particular, Santiago kills numerous sharks after they attack the marlin, showing his courageousness. He may be quickly losing his strength and energy the longer he stays out; however, he does not simply give up when the sharks start to destroy the marlin. Instead, the old man fights back. He brazenly kills the biggest Mako shark he has ever seen in his life as well as numerous other Galanos sharks that threaten the fish. The old man, unlike the other fishermen would have, does this all without a second thought. He puts all he can into it, even if knows that he is not very strong compared to the sharks. Santiago proves himself fearless by doing so. A true code hero would endanger himself in order to protect the things he cares about; thus, Santiago is a code hero. Likewise, Santiago claims that he will continue to protect the marlin no matter what, showing he is determined and brave. He says that he will “Fight them… I’ll fight them until I die” (115). The old man proclaims himself as valiant and resolute by saying this. He promises to not give up to the sharks until he is moribund. Any courageous, unwavering person would do the same. Code heroes, such as Santiago, are known to be persistent in what they do and very headstrong; thereby, he is a code hero. Overall, the sharks show Santiago as a code hero by showing him to be fearless and
One of the most important symbols relating to Santiago …show more content…
In particular, Santiago kills numerous sharks after they attack the marlin, showing his courageousness. He may be quickly losing his strength and energy the longer he stays out; however, he does not simply give up when the sharks start to destroy the marlin. Instead, the old man fights back. He brazenly kills the biggest Mako shark he has ever seen in his life as well as numerous other Galanos sharks that threaten the fish. The old man, unlike the other fishermen would have, does this all without a second thought. He puts all he can into it, even if knows that he is not very strong compared to the sharks. Santiago proves himself fearless by doing so. A true code hero would endanger himself in order to protect the things he cares about; thus, Santiago is a code hero. Likewise, Santiago claims that he will continue to protect the marlin no matter what, showing he is determined and brave. He says that he will “Fight them… I’ll fight them until I die” (115). The old man proclaims himself as valiant and resolute by saying this. He promises to not give up to the sharks until he is moribund. Any courageous, unwavering person would do the same. Code heroes, such as Santiago, are known to be persistent in what they do and very headstrong; thereby, he is a code hero. Overall, the sharks show Santiago as a code hero by showing him to be fearless and