What Moral Victory Does Santiago Win in His Battle with the Hostile Forces in The Old Man and the Sea?

Answer

What moral victory does Santiago win in his battle with the hostile forces in The Old Man and the Sea?

or Discuss the battle between Santiago and Marline  in “The Old Man and the Sea.”

In Ernest Hemingway’s (1899-1961) “The Old Man and the Sea” (1952), Santiago is an old fisherman. He faces a brutal battle with a giant marlin and hostile forces of nature. Despite losing the fish to sharks, Santiago achieves a moral victory through his relentless spirit and determination. Here are key points illustrating this victory:

Santiago’s Endurance and Perseverance: Santiago’s relentless struggle against the marlin reveals his incredible endurance. Even when he is exhausted and in pain, he refuses to give up. As he says, 

A man can be destroyed but not defeated.

This quote captures Santiago’s belief that true defeat comes from giving up, not from external losses.

His Deep Respect for the Marlin: Santiago greatly respects the Marlin throughout the battle. He sees it as a worthy opponent. He tells the fish, 

I love you and respect you very much. But I will kill you dead before this day ends.

This respect highlights Santiago’s principle of honour, which remains intact despite his physical losses.

Demonstration of Courage and Inner Strength: Santiago’s bravery in facing the powerful marlin and the relentless sharks demonstrates his inner strength. He faces each challenge with courage. This is exemplified by his thoughts, 

Pain does not matter to a man.

Santiago’s ability to endure suffering without complaint shows his moral strength and relentless spirit.

Preservation of Dignity and Pride: The sharks swallow the Marlin. They leave only its skeleton. But Santiago returns home with his pride and dignity untouched. He thinks, 

They beat me, Manolin. They truly beat me.

Despite his defeat, Santiago’s acknowledgment of his efforts and the respect he gains from others signify a deeper moral victory. Manolin recognizes Santiago’s victory, saying,

He didn’t beat you. Not the fish.

In conclusion, Santiago’s battle with the marlin and the hostile forces results in a moral victory through his perseverance, respect for nature, courage, and dignity. These qualities highlight the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, even when faced with seemingly impossible chances.