"A man can be destroyed, but not defeated," according to Santiago in Ernest Hemingway's novel, The Old Man and The Sea. Hemingway characterizes a hero as skillful, someone who endures in spite of physical pain, and he is respectful to his opponents.

Santiago is very old and wise and he knows a great deal about fishing and the sea. "'Yes,' he said. 'Yes,' and shipped his oars without bumping the boat. He reached for the line and he felt no strain nor weight. Then is came again. This time he knew exactly what it was." Santiago has been fishing for a very long time. He knows exactly what to do to catch the marlin. To Hemingway, someone who is a hero is classified as very skillful. Furthermore, Santiago shows his finesse when the sharks try to consume the marlin. He fastens his knife...