s appropriate to see Santiago as a Christ figure? Give reasons for your answer. [2015]
Or, Do you find any resemblance between Santiago and Jesus Christ in Hemingway’s novel “The Old Man and the Sea?”
Nobel Prize-winning author, Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961), wrote “The Old Man and the Sea” in 1952. This famous novella presents Santiago as more than a simple fisherman. Through his pain, endurance, and spirit, he becomes a symbol of Christ. Hemingway fills the story with Christian images: wounds, suffering, sacrifice, and final peace. Like Christ, Santiago bears his cross, accepts his fate, and finds meaning in pain.
Suffering and Sacrifice: Santiago’s deep suffering clearly reflects Christ’s sacrifice. During his long struggle with the marlin, he receives three bleeding wounds. The narrator says,
“He felt the line with his right hand and noticed his hand was bleeding.”
This reminds us of Christ’s hands nailed to the cross. Santiago accepts the pain silently, without a word of complaint. His suffering is not useless; it gives him dignity and strength. He fights alone on the sea, carrying his burden as Christ carried His cross.
Bearing the Cross: After returning from the sea, Santiago carries the mast of his boat on his shoulders, just as Christ carried the cross to His crucifixion. The narrator says,
“Then he shouldered the mast and started to climb.”
This scene is rich in Christian symbolism. The mast becomes the cross of pain and faith. Santiago’s walk through the dark path to his shack is like Christ’s walk to Calvary. When he finally lies down, his arms are stretched out, like Christ’s position on the cross.
Love and Forgiveness: Like Christ, Santiago’s heart is full of love and forgiveness. He loves all living beings: the birds, the sea, and even the fish he kills. He says softly,
“Fish, I love you and respect you very much.”
This love reflects Christ’s message of compassion. Santiago’s battle with the marlin is not an act of cruelty but a test of spirit. His forgiveness and calm heart, even after losing everything, make him a Christlike figure of peace and humanity.
Triumph in Defeat: Santiago’s return with only the skeleton of the marlin looks like defeat, but it is actually a spiritual triumph. Christ was crucified and killed, but His spirit triumphed through resurrection. Similarly, Santiago’s body is destroyed, but his soul remains undefeated. He says,
“A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
This line expresses the central Christian truth of victory through faith. Santiago’s strength of will, like Christ’s, shows that true success is not material but moral. His defeat becomes a symbol of redemption and spiritual glory.
Faith and Renewal: Santiago’s final peace and Manolin’s devotion complete the Christ image. The boy represents faith, like a disciple continuing his master’s mission. When Santiago sleeps, the boy watches him and cries. Their bond mirrors Christ and His followers. Santiago dreams again of the lions, symbols of youth and renewal. His spirit finds rest, while his message of courage and faith passes to the next generation. This spiritual rebirth proves that his soul, like Christ’s, will live forever through others.
Now, we can say that Santiago is a true Christ figure because his life reflects Christian values of love, sacrifice, and redemption. His wounds, his mast, his silence, and his spirit all symbolize Christ’s passion. Through suffering, he attains spiritual victory and peace. Hemingway suggests that a person’s greatness lies not in wealth or strength, but in courage, humility, and faith. Santiago rises above pain and becomes a symbol of divine endurance.
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