Who Is Santiago A Hero

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” (Reeve). Throughout the story, The Old Man and the Sea, it is evident to readers that Santiago exemplifies Christ. Both men have a disciple, show courage and even have scars on their hands by the end of their story. Every hero has an accomplice better known as a disciple, that helps the protagonist accomplish his mission or quest. While Christ has twelve disciples, that supported him throughout his journey of spreading Christianity, Santiago only had one disciple. Both the twelve disciples and Santiago's apprentice, Manolin, experienced shame from others around them. Even though Manolin and the twelve disciples were discouraged

Christ shows courage throughout the Bible by still maintaining his faith even when mocked by other Jews. Similarly, Santiago acknowledges his bad luck and is mocked by other fisherman for not catching a fish in eighty-four days. Instead of giving up, both men do not give into defeat. Santiago even says, “A man can be destroyed, but not defeated." (Hemingway 29), meaning that even after death, a man is not defeated unless he quits on himself. Courage shown by both men, creates a recognizable symmetry.

Leaders face challenges, despite weather they are physical or mental challenge. Santiago's old age has an effect on what Santiago should and should not do although he still pushes himself to keep going even when no one expects him to. As people get older, certain parts of their body begin to work less effectively. His hands become more of an obstacle than the fishing trip itself. They constantly cramp and bleed like similarly to Christ. Instead of letting this affect him, he says "The bleeding may keep the left from cramping" (Hemingway 31), meaning that he will use one disadvantage to his own convenience. Christ also has plenty of problems with his hands. His hands suffered because he carried the cross and in the end,they were nailed to the same cross. Santiago and Christ are two men from completely different worlds who use their ambition to complete what they