Old Man and the Sea

Religious imagery can be seen by the way Santiago's hands are cut by the fishing line, which in addition to the old cuts serve as a symbol of the suffering of Christ and stigmata. When the sharks ravish the meat of the Marlin the meaning of Santiago as Christ-figure deepens. He moans in agony as if he is "having nails driven through his hands." Santiago's defeat is mankind's defeat, and yet, in his defeat there is a also sense of redemption. Santiago returns empty handed (except for the skeleton), and yet, he has attained what others once laughed at.