in the novel the old man and the sea.what is the meaning of this statement that says in spite of losing fish, santiago actually triumphs.

Santiago does triumph. The old man rows back to the harbour with the skeleton of the giant Marlin. People are impressed. More than this, however, Santiago has had an epic battle with a worthy foe. The fight with the great fish was more like a communion rather than a victory. The old man re-discovered his purpose in life. For a little while he was Joe DiMaggio.