NON AFRICAN PROSE
ERNEST HEMINGWAY: The Old Man and The Sea
What role does Manolin play in Santiago’s domestic life?
Explanation
Santiago lives in a shack by himself. He has lost his wife, whom he occasionally remembers by the few relics of her past existence. Though Santiago does have a home to return to at the close of a fishing day, that home is truly empty- no wife, no child and little property.
At home, Santiago is to be found with his friend, Manolin discussing football, or meals, or Africa and lions. Without Manolin, Santiago seems to have no reinforcement in life. His life is kept alive, hopeful and humane by his firm friendship with Manolin. He maintains Santiago.
Santiago’s home life is reflected in his friend, Manolin. He is always concerned about the old man’s diet. The two play the ‘rice game’ when they both know that the old man is going to have no supper. The least the boy can do is to humour the old man. The old than’s daily baits are provided by Manolin, apparently from his own resources. The boy packs the old man’s things for him and sees him 6ff to sea. He also welcomes the old man when he returns from sea. He leads him home and tells him the latest gossip. On the day of the big catch, on his return, only Manolin visits him. None of the other fishermen comes by. This seems to be the normal way things go, as Santiago appears never to visit anyone.
Manolin not only mitigates Santiago’s circumstances by easing the old man’s plight but also enters the pains of the old man’s condition at home. Having resolved to buy Santiago the winter things he has neglected to provide him with, Manolin does not spare himself the trouble to secure rest and recovery for the old man. He is significantly overwhelmed by emotion as he goes about doing his duty.
Manolin asks that no one disturbs the old man’s sleep. Then he breaks down weeping because of the state he finds the old man and blames himself for having neglected to take better care of him.
The old man’s home life is tangled in the boy’s who as young he is, discerns Santiago’s needs. He goes at these ardently like a mother as well as a wife to Santiago. Manolin watches over Santiago as a mother does her ailing child. He never permits him to worry and always gives the old man reason to live on.