The Old Man and the Sea The old man, or Santiago Quotes

The punishment of the hook is nothing. The punishment of hunger, and that he is against something that he does not comprehend, is everything. Rest now, old man, and let him work until your next duty comes. (3.111)

Although he seems not to feel hunger himself, the old man recognizes the pain associated with it.

It has more nourishment than almost any fish, he thought. At least the kind of strength that I need. Now I have done what I can, he thought. Let him begin to circle and let the fight come. (4.16)

The old man gains confidence over the fish when he eats.

No one would steal from the old man but it was better to take the sail and the heavy lines home as the dew was bad for them and, though he was quite sure no local people would steal from him, the old man thought that a gaff and a harpoon were needless temptations to leave in a boat. (1.51)

The old man is greatly respected by those around him, and he is aware of this respect.