In Ernest Hemingway's classic novel The Old Man and the Sea, the main character, Santiago, represents a code hero. A code hero is someone who is honorable and courageous through many trials and misfortunes. As Santiago's tale progresses, the code hero will ultimately be defeated after a long struggle.
As a code hero would, Santiago overcame many misfortunes. He recognized that his fate wasn't in his hands and all he could was keep striving for his goal. For instance, Santiago said, "Luck is a thing that comes in many forms and who can recognize her?" (117). Despite this fact, Santiago never let his lack of luck cloud his decisions with self-pity. Santiago always kept a clear head and kept his goal in sight. Through many trials, pains and efforts that proved to be in vain, Santiago persevered and showed great strength. Hemingway explains, though "the back and the hands hurt truly" (97), he fought the long battle on the sea without cease. Although he could have given up long before the events unfolded as they did, he never surrendered. Santiago's misfortunes may have come out on top, but he never let it show.
Furthermore, Santiago didn't let the shadow of defeat engulf him completely. For example, Hemingway says, "He took all his pain and what was left of his long gone pride and he put it against the fish's agony." (93). Santiago never let the fish get the better of him; he always showed great courage. He could have let the fish go, and no one would have given it a second look, but he wanted to prove his capabilities to himself. He always thought of what he wanted to do next so he could keep focused. For instance, he said, "The hands cure quickly.all I must do is keep the head clear" (99). He was almost always positive, and this shows that he was determined and never lost sight of his goal. He would do anything necessary to achieve his goal, and he would stop at nothing to be successful.
Santiago represents the perfect code hero in all respects.
