Write a note on the boy in the novel."The Old man and the Sea"
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| The Old man and Sea |
Ans: Manolin (the boy) is the second important character in the novel. He is the son of a fisherman. He goes on the sea with Santiago to learn fishing. When Santiago fails to hook any fish for 48 days, Manolin's father sends him to another boat. But the boy goes to see Santiago very often. He encoarages him to go on the sea again. We can study his character under these features.
Manolin’s love for the old man is very deep. His love is that of a disciple for his master in the art of fishing. It is also the love of a son for an adopted father. He always helps him cany his lines, gaff, harpoon and sails. He brings for the old man beer, coffee, food and fish for baits. In the end, he brings ointment for the injured hands of the old man. He sympathises with him on his great loss. The old man always remembers the boy whenever he feels himself in trouble.
Manolin is there in the story to heighten our sympathy for the old man. Through him, we come to know that the old man is very poor. He lives in a small cottage. He has no money to buy a cast-net. Very often, he has no food to eat. He has no blanket to warm himself. At the beginning and end of the story, we look at Santiago admiringly.
Manolin is the symbol of Santiago’s lost youth. Santiago looks at the boy and remembers the days when he was young. Through the agency of Manolin, the old man is able to recapture in his imagination the strength and confidence of his youth.
When the old man is in trouble, he says, “I wish the boy were here.’ By this sentence, he invokes the strength and courage of his youth. In the beginning, it is Manolin who encourages the old man to go again for fishing. In the end, it is the boy who consoles the old man. Manolin appears to be. the only character'who realizes the significance of the tragedy Santiago has just been through, as he breaks down and cries several times.
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