Examples Of Heroism In The Old Man And The Sea

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along’” (Eleanor Roosevelt). In the book The Old Man and The Sea the word and meaning of “Code Hero” is explained and shown many times, in those times Santiago as a main character became stronger physically and mentally as a person and fisherman. In this case the character Santiago surpasses many hardships while being courageous, brave and a friend. Hemingway describes the characters as “Code Heros” or man that are capable of living their lives with endurance and dignity even when they’re facing pain, to live their lives with passion …show more content…
Hemingway demonstrated endurance in his main character when Santiago said, "Fish. . . I 'll stay with you until I am dead"(263). When Santiago said this he knew that he had a lot of line left which put him at a greater advantage over the fish. He knew that it will drain both his strength and the marlin’s strength. He knew that there would be only one survivor. However, he declared that he would try to carry out his goal, “To catch a great fish”, until either one of them died. He knew that to reach his goal it would take a great deal of endurance and may even cost him his life. Santiago never gave up on his task which showed great commitment. Even when he cut his hand he had no intention of quitting. When the marlin jumped, he saw the marlin’s great size and got a cramp in his hand because of exhausted and tired muscles. He never backed down. For Santiago, an old, old man, to battle this great fish for three days at sea it took a unique individual who exemplified the endurance that all wish to have. Overall, Santiago was a unique individual who was a perfect example of the much admired quality of