The Theme of Endurance

The novel explores endurance as a central virtue, embodied by Santiago's physical and mental stamina.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Eighty-Four Days

The Eighty-Four Days A Test of Patience Santiago has gone eighty-four days without a fish. He is not defeated. He says, "I may not be as strong as I think, but I know many tricks and I have resolution." Endurance is his main asset. The Boy's Faith Manolin believes in him. The old man's endurance inspires loyalty. Even when mocked, he does not give up. He goes out each day. This sets the stage for the endurance required for the marlin.

The Physical Ordeal

The Physical Ordeal The Body's Limits Santiago endures the line cutting his hands, the cramp, the lack of sleep, the hunger. He pushes his body to the brink. He does not give in. The Mental Strenght He talks to himself, to the fish, to the birds. He thinks of baseball and the hand game. He uses every mental trick to keep going. He says, "I'll stay with you until I am dead." This endurance is the core of the story.

The Endurance of the Spirit

The Endurance of the Spirit The Unbroken Man Santiago is physically broken, but his spirit is intact. He says, "They beat me, Manolin. They truly beat me." But he also says, "A man can be destroyed but not defeated." The Legacy He will fish again, with the boy. His endurance is a lesson for Manolin. The theme of endurance is the ultimate message of the novel. This is the philosophical core of the work.

beginning of the story

the three days at sea

after the return