# Alone, in a vast ocean without food, Santiago engages in an intense and heroic battle of will. The challenge had only begun. As he attempts to return to land with his catch – which he sorely needed - sharks follow the trail of blood and destroy his hard-fought prize. Determinedly, the old man refuses to concede to the ravenous sharks, Hell-bent on destroying his victory. Narrated by an anonymous narrator, the story is frequently interspersed with details about Santiago's inner thoughts and dreams. This lone man’s saga is fraught with symbolism about life,death, and the challenges people must endure in life. The over-riding theme proposes honor as an existential challenge against defeat and death. Pride is the driving force of greatness and determination.