The Cramped Hand

Santiago's left hand cramps into a claw, a painful and humiliating betrayal. He tries to loosen it by slapping it against his thigh and eating raw tuna for strength. He thinks of the great DiMaggio playing with a bone spur and draws inspiration. The cramp eventually subsides after the sun rises. The old man's struggle with his own body mirrors his struggle with the fish, testing his endurance and will.