Santiago and the Sea: Feminine Relationship

Santiago's view of the sea as a woman, a source of life and danger, whom he loves and respects.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

La Mar

La Mar The Feminine Sea Santiago always thinks of the sea as la mar, a feminine entity. She gives or withholds favors. She can be wild, but she cannot help it. The moon affects her like a woman. The Younger Fishermen The younger fishermen call the sea el mar, masculine, as a contestant or enemy. But Santiago loves the sea. He sees her as a person, not a thing. This emotional bond shapes his entire relationship with nature.

The Sea's Gifts

The Sea's Gifts The Plankton and the Current Santiago sees the plankton and knows there are fish. He is happy. The sea provides. He uses the current to help him. He feels the sea's support. The Sea's Beauty He enjoys the phosphorescence, the flying fish, the porpoises. He loves the sea's beauty. He is at home on the water. This emotional connection sustains him during the ordeal.

The Sea's Cruelty

The Sea's Cruelty The Sharks as Her Children The sharks come from the sea. They are part of her. Santiago does not hate the sea for sending them. He accepts her nature. He says, "I went out too far." The Reconciliation When he returns, he is back on land, but his bond with the sea remains. He will go out again, with the boy. The sea is his home, his lover, his enemy, his friend. This complex emotional relationship is the core of the novel.

early in the story

during the fishing

during the shark attacks