Hemingway's Use of Code Hero in The Old Man and the Sea
Hero is a simple-sounding two-syllable word, which many people freely use to name and describe others. But, how many people really know what a hero is? One of the most know codes for defining a hero would be Ernest Hemingway's code, which can be seen in his novels. "The code hero is 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." (CodeHeroDefinition). Ernest Hemingway uses Santiago, the main character in The Old Man and the Sea to symbolize his code hero.
In The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago lives his life with honor, not only for others but for himself as well. Even though he is unable to provide for himself as a fisherman, due to the fact that he has gone without catching a fish in over two months, he keeps his head high throughout what he does.
American author Ernest Hemingway with Pauline, Gre...
English: Hemingway posing for a dust jacket photo ...
Grave markers of Ernest Hemingway & wife.JPGSantiago is very humble with his fishing career when talking with others, for example Manolin. "'And the best fisherman is you.' 'No. I know others better.'" (Hemingway 23). In reality, he was a great fisherman, which is one reason why he caught the giant marlin. Like any great hunter, Santiago honors and praises the great fish by saying to it, "I love you and respect you very much" (Hemingway 54). He is able to show dignity throughout his hunt, knowing that he must be thankful for what he is given.
Santiago has a great deal of endurance. Despite knowing that he hasn't caught any fish in 84 days, he continues to go out in his boat every morning, never with a negative attitude. His persistent actions show his ability to go...