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Optimism is a truly positive characteristic that is attractive to many people. Often in old age people often become less optimistic and more pessimistic. In the novel The Old Man in the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, Santiago can be seen as wise optimistic older man. Santiago is surprisingly happy throughout his old age; much of this might have come through wisdom. His faith and courage through bad situations helps to develop him into a remarkable character. One of the various ways Santiago s positive attitude on life shines through in the book is when the little boy leaves his boat.
Manolin is forced to leave Santiago s boat due to his father is convinced Santiago is unlucky. Instead of being upset, however, Santiago never gets discouraged over his luck and keeps trying. Santiago also does not lose heart over the boy leaving. He is even happy for Manolin that he will be on a luckier boat.
This shows his kind heart and his never-ending faith. In Santiago s old age his luck has run out and he has become poor. This doesn t stop him from being happy, though. He continues to fish and love Manolin. This is most likely because Santiago looks for happiness and health not wealth.
Material possessions are not first in his mind. In fact, they are close to last. This state of mind helps Santiago to be more carefree and live for what really counts. Santiago s passion for fishing helps to keep him going in life. In the battle with the marlin there are many times when he could have given up, yet he kept going. Throughout the whole battle he continued to talk and encourage himself.
He kept a positive view on the outcome. Even after the first days he kept a straight state of mind and did what was needed to stay alive. Not once did he say it was a hopeless task. The entire time he stayed on task to make everything positive. On the last day of the battle his health was down and so was his strength, but he fought the great marlin with courage.
After much fighting he had him dead. What happens next really shows Santiago s true spirit. Night approached and sharks were numerous and he was still far from shore. The first shark attack occurred and it took a good portion of meat.
Santiago killed him, but his harpoon fell with the shark. After these events he could have very easily given up, but he made a make- shift spear and continued to fight off many more. This lasted until most of the marlin was gone and he could fight no more. This was an everlasting faith and courage that he had.
Santiago had proved alone by the battle with the marlin that he is optimistic, but there are so many more examples that show us his true personality. He is truly a heroic character whose faith in good continues to grow and strength against all odds. He is a modern day hero to be loved and looked up too. He is happy most dreaming of the lions in Africa. This shows how little stock he places in material possessions. It is something to look forward to, keep him happy, and maybe going.
We should all take example from this and ask ourselves, What are our lions in Africa?
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Research essay sample on State Of Mind Material Possessions
