Joe DiMaggio began as a role model for Santiago. He checked the Yankees' score and player stats every morning. He also enjoyed informing Manolin on who was pitching that day. At times when the young boy questioned the team, Santiago would say, "Have faith in the Yankees my son. Think of the great DiMaggio (Hemingway 97)." It is fair to say that the old man way a big fan.
As the journey continued, DiMaggio became a sign of strength for the old man. After multiple days of pulling the fish, Santiago asked himself, "Do you believe the great DiMaggio would stay with a fish as long as I will stay with this one (Hemingway 68)?" When he had to fight through the pains in his hands and leg, the old man went back to Joe. "But I must have confidence and I must be worthy of the great DiMaggio who does all things perfectly even with the pain of the bone spur in his heel (Hemingway 68)," he thought. In order to keep his mind off of reality, Santiago would day dream about the well-known Yankee centerfielder. "I would like to take the great DiMaggio fishing (Hemingway 22)," he wished.
By the end, Santiago had to kill the marlin because it was his only chance of survival. They had created a friendly relationship, but his scarred body was attracting predators and using up all of the old man's strength. Although not completely sure of his decision, the old man reassured himself by saying, "I think the great DiMaggio would be proud of me today (Hemingway 97)."
Joe DiMaggio served as a hero for the old man and a great historical reference for The Old Man and the Sea. His significance in the novel was not only entertaining, but also a nice informational reference. He helps you get a better understanding of not only Santiago, but also Ernest Hemingway, who was known for being an avid sports fan and often spotted at a New York Yankees baseball game.
[Bibliography]
Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 2003. Print.
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