The Old Man and the Sea: Manolin

Manolin is a local boy in the small fishing community who cares for and looks after Santiago. Although he is only physically present in the very beginning and very end, his name comes up numerous times throughout the story. It is easy to tell that there is a strong and mutual love between Santiago and Manolin. While on the boat, Santiago reminisces a lot about Manolin and how he longs for him to be on the boat with him. Manolin used to help Santiago on his skiff, but because of Santiago’s bad luck and fishless drought, Manolin’s parents forbade him from helping Santiago fish anymore. However, upon seeing Santiago’s prize catch at the end of the novel, Manolin’s parents allow him to help out the old man on the boat once again. At the start of the novel, Manolin does everyday tasks for Santiago such as making him food and reading him the newspaper and baseball scores. I think he is a very nice and generous young lad for helping out a poor old man like Santiago. However, I am not sure what exactly Manolin sees in Santiago. He may be wise and nice, but Manolin has to do basically everything for him. I would not suggest that he should just abandon Santiago, but I think he just try to make him a little less dependent on his services around the house. While on the boat, Santiago has many struggles and problems. He wishes he had Manolin with him to help. This shows a lot of compassion from Santiago for caring so much for the boy. Manolin’s parents just want what is best for him even if he may not like it. Santiago also understands this so he realizes that he must go on his journey alone. Also, he must prove to Manolin and to the rest of the village for that matter that he is not just old and useless. I believe he proves this to everyone with flying colors.