JT Wright’s Reviews > The Old Man and the Sea > Status Update

Santiago is an old fisherman who is introduced to us on the 84th day straight of not having caught a single fish. On the 85th day, (which also happens to be seen as a lucky number breaking the curse of Salao) he sets out to fish, alone, using the Sardines that a boy purchased for him, seemingly out of love and loyalty and maybe partially because he feels bad due to his unlucky streak. After following the sea birds diving towards the water, Santiago hooks a fish which he describes as the one of the biggest fish he’s ever hooked, comparing it to 2 1000+ lb fish which he caught in the past with a crew. The book then speaks on his experience over the next 1 1/2 days attempting to catch the marlin. Santiago speaks to the fish like he is a human, often saying he is a friend which he must kill in order to prove to himself that he is still a “strange old man.” He is physically exhausted with cuts on his right working hand, his face, and a cramped left hand he is upset about because he sees it as weak. As he starts to question his ability to catch this fish, Santiago reminisces on an old experience he had hand fighting a negro man at Casablanca. The fight had many people betting on it, likely against Santiago as the young negro was more athletic and strong. 24 hours of fighting later and it finally came to an end, ending in a victory. Santiago refused to lose, alluding to his relationship and experience catching this fish. Where I am right now (page 46) he has just Caught a dolphin, and is waiting to skin it in order to eat.