The Old Man and the Sea is an interesting story about a man who perseveres; is dedicated and determined to conquer a task, despite the odds; confident; a mentor and strong. Two characters in this story, Santiago and Manolin, are linked by the love of fishing and the search for big loot. Manolin, in a certain sense, seems to venerate Santiago who taught him to fish since he was five years old. Santiago can be described as a conventionally heroic figure due to his identification with a higher power. It is not Christ, but an image of Christ in this story. This is demonstrated by the shame and embarrassment Santiago felt at almost destroying his boat and losing the large marlin; Christ was shamed and humiliated by those who mocked and ridiculed Him; Santiago carried that weight, the weight of the mast that mirrors the cross of Christ he carried on his shoulders. As Santiago lay down to sleep after an incredibly rough journey, he lay down with his bleeding hands wide open, just like Christ, who after completing his work on earth, was nailed to the cross where his hands would bleed. 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 between Santiago's character and the life of Christ makes Santiago seem like a super human and above average hero. Santiago often reflects on his hero, Joe DiMaggio, and is inspired by the baseball player's ability to play through a lot of pain. This gave him the power to fight with the big marlin. “But I have to have faith and I have to be worthy of the great DiMaggio who does all things perfectly, even with a bone spur in his heel.” The inevitable determination...... of half sheet...... with the big marlin for three days. All these examples would have caused some to give up and fall in defeat. Destruction does not always have to be physical, ending in death, but crushing emotionally Santiago has proven to be strong and despite the things he faced causing him physical damage and great emotional stress, he refused to let himself be defeated because he had a job to do and he had to carry it out: “you don't kill fish just to keep it alive and sell it as 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 continually draws inspiration from his hero, Joe DiMaggio: "I think the great DiMaggio would be proud of me today. The character of Santiago expresses that man can and must rise up and fight the things that seem ". impossible. Not always physically, but with an inner strength and determination.