The Old Man And The Sea Code Hero Essay

Code Hero: “A man who lives correctly, following the ideals of honor, courage and endurance in a world that is sometimes chaotic, often stressful, and always painful.” In Ernest Hemingway’s novel, The Old Man and the Sea, the main character Santiago is a perfect fit for a code hero. He is weary from old age and fights he has had on the ocean, but he is extremely strong mentally and emotionally. He does not have much left, just his young friend Manolin, his skiff, and his shack (his wife is dead and he has not many friends); he lives a tough life. No matter how hard times are, he remains optimistic. Santiago never gives up with anything he does, he went 84 days without a fish, but he still goes out everyday positive and ready to put up a fight because it is what he loves. Even though he has an abundant amount of challenges in his life, he overcomes all of them and continues to do what he was meant to do: Fish. Throughout the novel, Santiago fulfills the role of a code hero due to his abilities to persevere through tough situations, keep mental strength, and stay faithful. …show more content…
“‘Ill kill him though,’ he said. ‘In all his greatness and his glory’” (66). This shows how Santiago can always remain confident in himself and that he is stronger than the fish. His own faith is somewhat a surge of strength or determination, because without believing in himself he could never have slayed the marlin. He also states “You were born to be a fisherman as the fish was born to be a fish” (105). Again, this proves how robust his faith in himself is by saying it is not just a hobby or a thing to keep him occupied; it is his life. He was born to be a great fisherman, no other profession. By disregarding what other people think of him, he remains optimistic and faithful in himself, leading to a catch after an eighty-five day