The Old Man and the Sea is an interesting story about a man who perseveres; is dedicated and determined to accomplish a task, despite obstacles; confident; a mentor and strong. Two characters in this story, Santiago and Manolin, are linked by the love of fishing and the quest for the big fish. Manolin, in a way, seems to revere Santiago who showed him how to fish since he was a young boy of five. Santiago can be described as a conventional heroic figure because of his identification with a higher power. He is not Christ, but an image of Christ in this short story. This is evidenced by the shame and embarrassment Santiago felt at seeing his boat almost destroyed and losing the large marlin; Christ was humbled and humiliated by those who mocked and mocked him; Santiago carried this weight, the weight of the pole that reflects the cross of Christ that he carried on his shoulders. As Santiago fell asleep after an incredibly difficult journey, he lay with his bloodied hands wide open, just like Christ who, after his work was completed on earth, was nailed to the cross where his hands bled. He, Santiago, cries for help and fights for three days, just as Christ is in the tomb for three days. Another comparison: they were both fishermen. The comparison of Santiago's character and the life of Christ makes Santiago seem superhuman and above the average everyday hero. Santiago often reflects on his hero, Joe DiMaggio and is inspired by the baseball player's ability to play through great pain. This allowed him to fight the big marlin. “But I have to have confidence and I have to be worthy of the great DiMaggio who does everything perfectly, even with a bone spur in his heel.” Santiago's unwavering determination...... middle of paper ...... with the big marlin for three days. All these examples would make one give up and fall into defeat. The destruction doesn't always have to be physical, ending in death, but the emotional crushing showed he was strong and even so. The things he faced brought him physical damage and great emotional stress, he refused to be defeated because he had a job to do and he had to complete it: "we not kill the fish just to keep it alive and sell it for food, he thought. You killed him out of pride and because you are a fisherman. Santiago's pride is not enough for him, as he is continually inspired by his hero, Joe DiMaggio: "I think the great DiMaggio would be proud of me today." The character of Santiago expresses that man can and should stand up and fight what seems to be the case. impossible not always physically, but with inner strength and determination..