Marlin And Santiago Friendship Quotes

The elderly sometimes come across as grouchy, grumpy, and even mean, but their distress in the face of their diminishing life perhaps justifies them to act defensively and unhappily. Years pass, and they lose the things they care about. The world moves on, but their bodies grow crippled, their sources of enjoyment become more difficult, and the people care about begin to pass away. As an aging man himself, Santiago has many doubts and shortcomings with which he must learn to deal. Having no other significant relationships in his life aside from Manolin, a young man from the village, Santiago’s loneliness and isolation impacts his behavior. He chooses to ignore the things he has lost rather than dwell on them. He “once...had...a tinted photograph
He still feels vulnerable from his previous losses, and specifically choses companions and relationships that make him feel secure in himself. Isolated and in denial of his insecurities, Santiago interacts with Manolin, the young boy from the village, who serves as Santiago’s only true friend. Manolin “loved [Santiago]” because “the old man had taught the boy to fish” (Hemingway 1). Beyond a partnership or friendship, the relationship between the old man and the boy appears almost familial. While at sea Santiago frequently comments on his feelings of isolation and mentions several times that Manolin would make the journey easier and more enjoyable. At his loneliest, he wishes for Manolin, the person he depends on, yet will not admit that he needs the boy, only that he wishes he had his assistance and company. Manolin takes care of Santiago in simple and caring ways, such as when he “took the old army blanket off the bed and spread it over the back of the chair and over the old man’s shoulders” (Hemingway 4). He sees Santiago struggling, but carefully plans his kindness so he does not offend Santiago or assume the old man’s incapability. The men obviously feel very familiar and comfortable with each other. However, William Cain argues that because of Santiago’s self imposed distance from the rest of society, he has cut himself off from meaningful relationships, including Manolin. Believing that “the old man would take to the sea whether Manolin existed or not” seems plausible, but it does not refute the idea that Manolin plays a role or comfort in the old man’s otherwise isolated existence (Cain 5). The old man may care for the young man, but he has no familial obligation to him and the old man has the right to live the way he wants and behave as he sees fit. While at sea, Santiago makes many efforts to