7. SANTIAGO AND BASE BALL OR
IMPORTANCE OF BASE BALL FOR SANTIAGO OR
THE ROLE OF DIMAGGIO IN THE NOVEL
Q: Why does Santiago idealize Santiago? OR Discuss the role of Di Maggio in the novel. OR What is the significance of base ball in the novel?
Answer: Santiago and Manolin both were fond of base ball. Santiago’s favourite game was base ball. That’s why, he had great knowledge of this game. His favourite base ball player was Di Maggio, a Yankee. Santiago believed that Di Maggio’s presence in the team made the difference.
Di Maggio was a source of great strength and inspiration for him. The old man missed him during his fishing adventure. “I would like to take the great Di Maggio fishing.” After killing the marlin, he thought: “But I think the great Di Maggio would be proud of me today.” At this time, his left hand was cramped. He thought of Di Maggio who had a bone spur. It was a serious handicap for him. Santiago thanked God that he did not have the handicap that his favourite Di Maggio had.
Having made this survey, we can say that Di Maggio, with his imaginary presence, was a source of inspiration and stimulation for Santiago. It was his memory that made Santiago able to face all the sufferings bravely. (Words: 174)