The Old man and the Sea: Manolin

            Manolin is the other major character in The Old Man and the Sea. Manolin’s age is never directly said, but we can infer that he is most likely a teenager. He still lives with his parents and obeys their orders, so he is probably a teenager. Manolin is extremely kind and considerate. He cares for the old man so much he makes sure he is well fed and rested because he works so hard during the day (Hemingway 24). We learn as the book begins, Manolin started out working for Santiago and leaned all he knows about fishing and the fishing industry. Despite his wishes, his parents tell him to go to another boat. Santiago just is not bringing in enough fish for Manolin to help support his family. Manolin is then sent to work for a different fisherman, but still volunteers to help Santiago out (Hemingway). This shows how much Manolin genuinely cares for the old man and treats him as though he is his grandfather. He teaches him so many lessons and skills he can use for the rest of his life. As the five days of the old man being at sea, he repeatedly wishes that the boy, Manolin, was there with him to make it go smoothly. So Santiago feels the same way that Manolin feels about him. Mandolin was very concerned about Santiago as the days went by and was relieved when he finally came home. He makes sure no one around the town bugs the old man about the large marlin bones so he has time to recover. In the end mandolin sees the old man needs him, and goes against his parents’ wishes and rejoins Santiago’s crew (Hemingway). Santiago and Manolin’s relationship is unlike many relationships between an old and young man. This just proves how much pf a genuinely good and wholesome boy Manolin is.

 Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 1952. Print.