Discuss Santiago as a code hero.

Hemingway Hero:

The heroes we meet in Hemingway’s stories and

novels can be divided into two categories, the
Hemingway Heroes and the Code Heroes. The World
War-I had shattered the common beliefs and values of
the Victorian age. Energetic, educated, intelligent, and
sensitive youths were wonder-struck at the ruthless
killing in the war. Hemingway himself took part in both
the great wars. His stories are based on his personal
experiences.
The Hemingway hero is usually a young man who
tries to find out the scheme and purpose of the world
which is full of violence, chaos and disorder. He is
uncertain and anxious about his future. Nick Adams,
Jade Barnes and Frederick Henry belong to this class.
They are in search of certain principles of life.
Code Hero:
The code hero is usually an old and experienced
man. He has become what he had to become or what he
should have become. Wilson, Romero and Santiago
belong to this class. Santiago is an old Cuban
fisherman. He is not in search of any code of life, rather
he has realized the code of life. He is dignified in his
behaviour. He says about himself. “I may not be as
strong as I think. But I know many tricks and I have
resolution.” He shows strong resolution and confidence
I all circumstances like other code heroes.

Sets Standards:

The code hero, or the tutor as he may be called, sets

standard of behaviour for others. He sticks to his
principles at all costs. Santiago struggles honourably
with the big fish. In spite of his old age, hunger, cramps,
wounds, and the knowledge that he was ultimately
bound to lose his marlin to the sharks, he does not let it
escape. He defends his big fish against the sharks with
high sense of honour and dignity. He very confidently
declares, “But a man is not made for defeat. A man can
be destroyed but not defeated.” Thus he sets a code of
conduct and ethics for others to follow and act upon.

Winners may not take anything:

Hemingway’s code heroes are the winners who may not
take anything with them at the end. But they neither
give up nor give in. they exemplify principles of honour,
courage and endurance in the face of hardships.
Santiago is ready to fight to the bitter end. Addressing
himself he says. “ I’II show him what a man can do and
what a man endures.” He also declares that he will stay
with the fish until he is dead. It shows his boundless
endurance, unflinching faith and unlimited
determination. He holds his head high in the face of
difficulties. He is very rightly considered the Code
Hero.

Retains Dignity:

After a ceaseless struggle for three days, Santiago is

as empty-handed as he had been on the eighty-fifth day
when he set out for hunting his big fish. He has taken
nothing out of his struggle. Physically he may be
beaten; morally he is victorious. He still retains his
dignity. He is satisfied because he had done whatever
was humanly possible. He did not lose heart. He fought
bravely and won the praise of his companions. True
failure is failing to try. The old man is still resolute,
confident and hopeful. He is the best example of the
Code Hero.