What Moral Victory Does Santiago Win in His Battle with the Hostile Forces in The Old Man and the Sea?
The Old Man and the Sea is a notable literary work by Ernest Hemingway. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of 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?” [2018]
Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961) in “The Old Man and the Sea” (1952) presents Santiago as a man who wins moral victory through defeat. He loses the marlin’s flesh but wins glory through courage and endurance. His fight against nature, pain, and loneliness becomes a symbol of man’s unbroken spirit.
Courage in Struggle: Santiago’s victory lies in his courage. Though weak and old, he goes far into the sea to test his strength. He hooks a giant marlin that pulls him for three days. He suffers hunger, wounds, and exhaustion, but never gives up. He says,
“Fish, I’ll stay with you until I am dead.”
Endurance in Defeat: The sharks destroy the marlin, yet Santiago does not lose faith. He continues to fight them with his harpoon, knife, oar, and even his bare hands. Though he returns home with only the skeleton, his will remains strong. He says,
“A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
Respect for Nature: Santiago’s fight is not out of hatred but respect. He calls the marlin his brother and says,
“He is my brother. But I must kill him and keep strong to do it.”
He shows love for all creatures, even while struggling to survive.
In the end, Santiago wins no material gain but earns a higher victory. His courage, endurance, and respect for nature make him a spiritually great man. His soul triumphs even when his body fails.