The Old Man and the Sea Lesson Plan

Does Santiago respect the fish? If so, why?

Santiago does respect the fish. The fish is more noble and more able. It has greatness and glory. The fish is "very strange," meaning supernatural. There is "no one worthy of eating him from the manner of his behaviour and great dignity." We have already seen that Santiago intuitively understands the sea and is connected to it. The fish is no different in that respect. Yet, the fish shows almost supernatural strength, and since Santiago is himself a part of the sea, and a brother to the fish, his own strength and "strangeness" comes out. He told that boy that he was himself a "strange man." He has to become one with the fish....