Santiago Vs Dimaggio Essay

No two people are exactly alike, but they can be similar in many ways. Not only can they share the same features and characteristics, but they can also harness the same qualities and values. People who are kind, brave, noble, and honest often think alike, just as the evil and hateful. Kindred spirits can also be prevalent in those who have never met before and never will. Even without the other person being present, the question, “what would he/she do,” always comes into play when faced with a difficult situation. This question is crucial to Santiago, an old fisherman battling a marlin in the middle of the sea. Thinking of his legendary baseball hero, Joe DiMaggio, gives the man faith that he can conquer his strife. In Ernest Hemingway’s, “The Old Man and the Sea,” Santiago compares himself to DiMaggio by discussing their similar backgrounds, reflecting on DiMaggio’s physical struggle, and resolving to reign victorious.

Growing up poor, Santiago realizes that he and DiMaggio share a common background. Both men are fishermen and are introduced to the field at a young age. Santiago

claims to remember being, “before the mast on a square rigged ship that ran to Africa,” as a young boy; proving that he is no stranger to a boat or sea ferrying. On the other hand, DiMaggio starts his fishing career as a young boy cleaning the fish smell out of his father’s boat. Santiago dreams of, “[taking] the great DiMaggio fishing” and makes a reference to his father in that, “[People] say he was a fisherman. Maybe he was poor as we are and would understand.” Both the old man and DiMaggio share a great interest in baseball. As proof that baseball is an integral aspect of Santiago’s life, he reads the newspaper daily to find the outcomes of the games and spends his free time “[thinking] of the Big Leagues.” DiMaggio’s interest in the sport is demonstrated by his vow to never become deterred due to any mishap that stands in the way of his outstanding performance. In addition to this, both men supersede at what they do. As an expert fisherman, Santiago can “picture the fish swimming in the water” with explicit detail without even seeing it. He can also forecast weather, determine his navigational direction based on the wind, and gauge the time of which to catch the fish. DiMaggio’s expertise lie in baseball for the old man always refers to him as “the great DiMaggio.” No matter what the team does, “he makes the difference.” According to Santiago, DiMaggio is a crucial player and his perfection has made his name in baseball. Since Santiago and DiMaggio grew up in similar fashions, it is clear to understand why the old man is so passionate about the baseball player.
Just as DiMaggio struggles with his bone spur, Santiago faces physical struggles of his own. While fishing, Santiago cuts the palm of his right hand on the frail bristles of the taught line being pulled by the fish. In addition to this, his left hand, that had “always been a traitor,” cramped, making fishing a very strenuous task. While in this terribly uncomfortable state, he recalls upon how DiMaggio has had the same problem when suffering a bone spur after stepping out of a bus the wrong way. Although Santiago does not know what a bone spur is, he knows that it is painful and acknowledges, “I do not think I could endure that.” Knowing that DiMaggio has had problems brings the star closer to Santiago as if to say, “he is human too.” In the meantime, Santiago also has acquired tremendous foot trouble from being in the same position for a long period time. Several days have passed since he first hooked the fish, but as he discovers the will-power of his rival, the abnormal pose has put a serious strain on his body. DiMaggio’s perseverance shown in overcoming his bone spur challenges Santiago to access his own inner strength.
Seeing how DiMaggio conquers his struggles inspires Santiago to persevere through his troubles.

DiMaggio never ceases to amaze despite all obstacles. The bone spur means nothing, nor do the losses of the team for Santiago believes “the great DiMaggio is himself again,” and that nothing can stop him. Santiago refuses to surrender the fish and confidently says to himself, “I must be worthy of the great DiMaggio who does all things perfectly even with the pain of the bone spur in his heel.” Santiago feels as if he must impress his idle and uses him for guidance. He is so connected with DiMaggio that he asks himself, “Would the great DiMaggio stay with a fish as long as I will stay with this one?” The two characters are equally strong-willed and both have a triumphant attitude. DiMaggio’s perseverance will influence Santiago to have enough strength to capture the fish, once and for

all.
Santiago and DiMaggio are alike in many ways and are nearly mirror images of one another. Santiago, a strong fisherman in love with baseball, and DiMaggio, a determined baseball player eager to succeed in his goals, are both great examples of how two people can be different, yet similar. They both feel the need to prove themselves despite any challenges that precede them. This is beneficial to the plot of, “The Old Man and the Sea,” for it helps show the protagonist’s might and perseverance through elaborate symbolism. As the man fights his way through the ocean, he must recall on his inner strength in the form of DiMaggio to make victory possible.