Themes in The Old Man and the Sea The Old Man and the Sea is a heroic story about the strength of man pitted against forces he cannot control. It is the story of an old Cuban fisherman and his three-day battle with a giant Marlin. Through the use of three important themes; friendship, courage and Christianity; “The Old Man and the Sea” strives to teach important life lessons to the reader. The relationship between the old man and the boy is introduced early in the story. They are unlikely companions; one is old and the other young, yet they share an unsurpassed amount of respect and loyalty for each other. Santiago doesn't treat Manolin like a kid, but rather like an equal. Age is not a factor in their relationship. Manolin doesn't even act like a kid; he is mature and sensitive to Santiago's feelings. He even offers to go against his parents' wishes and accompany Santiago on his fishing trips. Santiago is considered an outcast in his village because he has not caught fish for more than eighty-four days and is therefore "unlucky". Nonetheless, Manolin is loyal to Santiago and even when his parents forbid him, he wants to help his friend. Their conversations are comfortable, like those of two friends who have known each other their whole lives. When they talk they usually talk about baseball or fishing, the two things they have most in common. Their favorite team is the Yankees and Santiago never loses faith in them even when star player Joe DiMaggio gets injured with a heel spur. In this way Santiago not only teaches Manolin about fishing but also important characteristics such as faith. In the story, Santiago's courage is unsurpassed but it is only when he hooks the "big fish" that we truly see his valor and perseverance. Through Santiago Hemingway's actions he teaches the reader courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. It shows that even when all is lost and seems hopeless, a stubborn heart and faith will overcome anything. Santiago had lost his "fortune" and therefore the respect of his village. From the description of his hut we also suspect that Santiago is a widower. Although Santiago has had many problems, he perseveres. He has faith in Manolin, the Yankees, Joe DiMaggio and, above all, himself.