Santiago and the Turtles: Respect

The old man's admiration for turtles, their resilience, and their role in the sea's ecosystem.

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The Turtle Boats

The Turtle Boats A Hard Life Santiago spent years turtle-fishing off the Mosquito Coast. His eyes are still good, unlike others who went turtle-ing. He respects the turtles' toughness. The Turtle's Heart He loves to see turtles eat Portuguese men-of-war. He has a friendly contempt for the stupid loggerheads. He is sorry for them because their hearts beat for hours after being butchered. He says, "I have such a heart too." This connection shows his identification with the creatures of the sea.

The Turtle's Resilience

The Turtle's Resilience A Source of Strength Santiago thinks of the turtles as he endures the pain. He eats turtle eggs for strength. He drinks shark liver oil, which is good for the eyes. He believes in the turtle's endurance. The Symbolism The turtles are tough, resilient, and long-lived. They are a model for Santiago's own endurance. He admires them for their ability to survive. This emotional bond with the turtles reinforces his determination.

The Turtle's Fate

The Turtle's Fate A Shared Fate Like the turtles, Santiago is tough and resilient. He has been cut and butchered, but his heart still beats. He will recover. The turtles represent the enduring spirit of the sea. The Circle of Life Turtles eat the Portuguese men-of-war that are beautiful but false. Santiago has seen the falseness of the sea. He respects the turtles' role in the ecosystem. This bond is a quiet, understated thread in the story.

past, mentioned during the story

during the fight

after the story