The Theme of Pride and Humility

Santiago's pride in his skill and his humility in the face of the sea and his own limitations are in constant tension.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Humble Old Man

The Humble Old Man Attained Humility Santiago is too simple to wonder when he attained humility, but he knows he has it. It is not disgraceful and carries no loss of true pride. He is humble about his poverty and his bad luck. The Pride in Skill Yet he is proud of his fishing skill. He knows he can fish better than most. He says, "I keep them with precision." His pride is intertwined with his identity. This duality is explored throughout the novel.

The Pride of the Champion

The Pride of the Champion The Will to Win Santiago's memory of the hand game shows his pride. He wanted to win more than the negro. He was The Champion. He still has that pride. The Cost of Pride His pride drives him to go far out, to hook the great fish. It is a noble pride, but it leads to his destruction. He says, "I went out too far." Pride and humility must be balanced. This theme is central to the story.

The Humility of Defeat

The Humility of Defeat Acceptance Santiago admits he is beaten. He does not make excuses. He accepts his fault. This is humility. But he does not lose his pride. He still dreams of the lions. The Balance He has learned that pride without humility is dangerous. But humility without pride is weakness. He has both. He is a complete man. This resolution is the thematic conclusion.

the opening

the memory of the hand game

after the return