Final answer:
The 'hand of death' symbolizes Santiago's acceptance of death, signifying the inescapable nature of mortality seen in various artworks and literary texts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 'hand of death' in relation to Santiago's fate symbolizes Santiago's acceptance of death. This symbolism comes from various artworks and literary works that explore themes of mortality and the human condition. Looking through the historical and cultural portrayals of death, one can surmise that the 'hand of death' often represents the inevitability and acceptance of death, rather than the immediate occurrence of it, the fear it might cause, or a connection to the spiritual realm. For instance, the depiction of the Spanish man facing his execution in Francisco Goya's 'Third of May, 1808', who accepts his fate with arms outstretched, represents a submission to the inescapable nature of mortality. Similarly, in literature, when Alymer sees that the birthmark, a token of human imperfection, has faded from his wife's cheek, it symbolizes the finality and acceptance of her death.