The Code of the Fisherman

The unwritten rules of fishing—skill, patience, respect for the sea—are tested and affirmed through Santiago's actions.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Precision in Fishing

Precision in Fishing The Perfect Rigs Santiago sets his lines with exactness. Each bait is at the precise depth, each hook covered. He keeps his lines straighter than anyone. He believes in being exact so that when luck comes, he is ready. The Skill of the Old Man He knows the currents, the depths, the habits of fish. He has learned from a lifetime of fishing. This is the code: knowledge and skill are the foundation of the fisherman's art. This preparation leads to the hooking of the marlin.

The Discipline of Silence

The Discipline of Silence The Virtue of Not Talking Santiago used to speak only when necessary at sea. Now he talks aloud because he is alone. But he still respects the old discipline. He knows that talking unnecessarily is a sign of weakness. The Rich Man's Radio He contrasts his silence with the rich who have radios. He is old-fashioned, but he believes in the purity of the experience. The code requires self-reliance, not distractions. This discipline helps him focus on the fish.

The Rule of the Sea

The Rule of the Sea Accepting the Inevitable Santiago knows that the sharks are part of the sea. He cannot blame them. He does his best to defend his catch, but he accepts the outcome. The code includes the understanding that the sea gives and takes. The End of the Code When he returns without the fish, the code is still intact. He has not broken any rules. He has done what a fisherman must do. The code is about the attempt, not the result. This is the essence of the idea that a man can be destroyed but not defeated.

the morning of the eighty-fifth day

during the first day at sea

during the shark attacks