Santiago's Determination In The Old Man And The Sea

The Old Man and the Sea follows an old man, Santiago, in his relentless pursuit to catch a marlin in order to prove his capabilities in spite of his old age. His determination propels him throughout the novel despite the obstacles he faces such as physical pain, loneliness, and predators. In addition, his determination comments on the inner nature of human beings and the results one can gain from acting upon it. Hemingway uses Santiago’s determination to reveal that due to the difficulty of obtaining goals, people should be willing to persevere through the obstacles they face in order to gain results.
Throughout the novel, Santiago endures and faces many obstacles and beasts at sea that attempt to deter him from his goal, but he is still manages

to remain persistent. While at sea, he sees sea turtles and states how most people are heartless about turtles because their hearts continue to beat even after they have been butchered. He compares himself to the turtles, saying, "I have such a heart too and my feet and hands are like theirs”(37). By comparing Santiago to the turtles, Hemingway implies that life’s events and obstacles will butcher people in some way, but in order to persevere one must be able to fight through the butchering. On his journey, despite the physical pain that Santiago feels such as his back pain or cramps, Santiago is able to push himself past the pain and successfully catches the marlin. In addition, Hemingway also suggests that in order for one to be able to accomplish a goal, one must be motivated and willing to give it their all. Upon catching the fish, Santiago “took all of his pain and what was left of his strength and his long gone pride and he put it against the fish’s agony” (93). Here, Santiago’s motivation to catch the fish overtakes him and he is able to use what is left of his strength, despite his weakened state to obtain his prize. He never lets his pain become a weakness, instead he uses it to contribute to his goal.
Santiago never lets the obstacles he faces intimidate him into abandoning his goal.

The opponents Santiago faces are larger and stronger in comparison, but he does not let those factors frighten him. Upon seeing the marlin, he remarks at how large the marlin is compared to his previous catches and constantly calls it “noble” and “calm.” Despite its size, he states, “They are not as intelligent as we who kill them; although they are more noble and able” (63). His statement shows that even though the fish is physically strong and has the power to overtake him, he is not intimidated because he is aware of his capabilities and his intellect. Most people Santiago’s age may be daunted to take part in such a task, but Santiago is courageous enough to fight against a fish who possesses the agility and strength he lacks in his old age which allows him to combat the fish as an equal. In addition, he is able to fight off formidable and vicious Mako sharks without fear, even losing valuable tools such as his harpoon in the process. Santiago’s encounter with the shark is described as “He knew that this was a shark that he had no fear at all and would do exactly what he wished” (101). His courageous act highlights his determination since he does not submit to the shark’s attack, instead he is willing to put himself in danger in order to protect his prize and not let others take it away from him. The sharks are more powerful and stronger than the old man, but he is able to parallel their

power.
Santiago is also willing to make sacrifices in order to accomplish his goal. Santiago spends a majority of time in the novel alone, but he does have a significant relationship with his former apprentice, Manolin. Manolin and Santiago have a very codependent relationship with Manolin taking care of him and Santiago offering advice. While at sea, he has to face his battles alone and repeats “I wish the boy were here” (56) in situations where he is uncomfortable or where the odds are against his favor. In order to be able to accomplish his goal, Santiago has to exchange his relationship with Manolin, who cares for him and helps him especially in old age where he is unable to perform basic tasks. His goal has to be done alone and as much comfort Manolin provides Santiago, his determination outweighs his desire for companionship. Though the fish is completely butchered when Santiago returns home, the villagers are amazed at his catch. Manolin is the most impressed and is eager to learn more from Santiago, defying his parents’orders. In the end, his sacrifice earns him the complete companionship of the boy and contentment in his life through his triumph of an obstacle that is seemingly larger than him.
To conclude, Santiago’s determination allows him to achieve his goal because he is willing to make sacrifices, maintains a persistent attitude, and never cowers from his obstacles. His goal is more tangible because he realizes and acts upon his determination and fully accepts his grueling circumstances and endures them. Though the marlin is ultimately destroyed, Santiago is still able to triumph and gains fulfillment in other areas of his life and most importantly in his self. His determination allows him to become his ideal self as he is able to prove his capabilities even in his waning state. Santiago’s determination proves that people should attempt to endure the obstacles they face in order to succeed and transform themselves.