text: old man and the sea? how was santiago defeated by the sharks but not destroyed as a person here is an interpretation of that theme in the novel ...  "although the old man seemingly fails once the sharks steal his prize fish, they cannot take away the fact that santiago -- the primary target for the jest and pity of other fishermen -- has done the unthinkable by staying with and catching a fish "bigger than he had ever heard of". according to the "hemingway code," based on principles of courage and endurance, the old man has actually triumphed in spite of his loss. in spite of not successfully bringing the fish back, santiago fights with dignity -- first to land the marlin, then to protect his fish from the sharks -- and in doing so asserts his humanity. santiago endures and successfully survives his supreme ordeal, fighting the timeless battle of man vs. fate, with honor by remaining resilient in the face of triumph and tragedy."  these sites should help you.  best of luck with it.