Q: Is the old man a cowardly character?
Ans:
The old man, Santiago, is not a cowardly character. He is a fisherman lives in a village. He fishes for living. He has to go without a fish. Our first impression of Santiago is that of a failure. But as we go through the novel, we find a man who is resolute, courageous, strong and undefeated.
This old man Is thin and gaunt. Thera are deep wrinkles In the back of his neck. He has brown blotches on his cheeks. His hands have deep creased scars from handling heavy fish. Everything about him is old except his eyes that are of the colour of the sea and are cheerful and undefeated.
Santiago is the best fisherman of all. Santiago is an idealist. He considers fishing is more than occupation. He thinks that it is a way of life. He is conscious of the moods of the weather and sensitive to sunrise. He is well-aware of the far-off hills. He knows the thrill of the contest between man and fish. He is conscious of the patience of man in front of the sea. He believes in love, loyalty and respect.
Santiago is a man of determination and resolution. After Eighty-four days’ failure, he decides to far out to catch a big fish. He succeeds in catching a big marlin but he losses the battle at the hands of sharks. He .is ready to fight beyond thp limits of his strength. We can't say him defeated as he has gone on trying. He is morally victorious. His belief in that "the man can be destroyed but not defeated" sets up him a man of strong determination.
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