The Old Man And The Sea Summary & Character Sketch of Santiago and Manolin
Summary of The Old Man and The Sea
"The Old Man and The Sea" is a Novella or Novelette smaller than a standard novel but longer than a usual short story. It was practically the last important work of Hemingway. It was published as a book in September 1952. It gained popularity and received the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Hemingway was awarded the Nobel prize for literature.
Various theme runs through the story like Luck, friendship, adventure, hunger, memory, etc. The old man and the sea is a tense, graphic story of an old Cuban fisherman. He suffers bad luck in catching fish. But he is sustained by the pride of his calling. one day, He ventures far.
In The Old Man and The Sea Hemingway wishes to prove that Man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated. He is successful in convincing us that: Pain does not matter to a man. When he has "resolution" and the "unconquerable will". It also proves that man is invincible despite his humble disposition.
The Old Man and The Sea is a tense, graphic story of an old Cuban fisherman. He suffers bad luck in catching fish. Santiago, an experienced fisherman, has been without a single fish for eighty-four days. His fellow fishermen make fun of him. often Santiago has to go hungry. People call him "Salao". But he does not give up despite his old age and weakness.
He goes fishing every day with the same faith believing Every day is a new day and it is silly not to hope.
The consistent efforts of our dear Santiago helped him catch a big Marlin on the eighty-fifth day. We are amazed by his wonderful 48 hours of struggle with the Marlin, his spearing and clubbing of the sharks prove his bravery and courage. Despite their hostile nature and bad luck, Santiago gives his best to prove that it is the will that matters and not the might. Therefore, Santiago shows up: What a man can do and what a man endures.
He Loses the Marlin to the sharks but not his courage and will. Indeed, Santiago does suffer wounds, pain, hunger, thirst, and misery of loneliness but remains constant in his efforts to prove what a man is worth. Though Santiago remains unlucky and cannot save the fish yet he has a moral victory.
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The allegorical meaning of the novel provides a new sphere of interest. The old man, the sea, the giant marlin, the sharks, the lions, and the boy Manolin, all have an allegorical status in the novel. Santiago's struggle with marlin and his battle with sharks is symbolic. Santiago represents the entire humankind. His struggle is the general human pursuit of greatness.
The Old Man and The Sea is an allegory of the man too. Santiago is the prototype of man. In his old age, he dreams of lions on African beaches which he saw in flesh and blood during his voyages in youth. He draws his dreams of lions. He also recognizes his relationship with the forces of nature.
In the novel, friendship is always based on mutual respect. The old man's relationship with the boy is characterized as Love and Manolin expresses deep admiration for the old man's mad fishing skills.
The old man also finds brotherhood with certain creatures of the Sea. These types of relationships are always based on similar characteristics such as nobility or determination.
The novel begins with a declaration that the old man is unlucky. He agrees too. But by the end of the story, the reader learns what it really means to be lucky or unlucky. At one point, the old man states that even though he believes in luck, he would "Rather be exact", Suggesting that skill and confidence are more important than superstition.
Characters
Character Sketch of Manolin
Manolin, the fisher boy plays a pivotal role in the story of "The Old Man and The sea". He is with the old man at the beginning of the tale close to the story. When Santiago is catching the Marlin, the boy remains in the old man's thoughts.
Manolin is a young teenage boy who serves Santiago as his son. He looks up to Santiago as a teacher, a father figure, and a hero. He believes in the old man's fishing abilities and enjoyed his company. He is also Santiago's friend and protector. At the young age of five, Manolin began fishing with Santiago, helping him with the gear and learning everything the fisherman could teach him. He learned a lot and is now a successful fisherman by his own rights.
Because of the old man's bad luck, Manolinis forbidden by his parents to fish on Santiago's boat, but he still attends to the old man's needs on a daily basis. He brings him coffee, provides him food, and helps him with his fishing gear. Manolin feels this is the least he can do for his comrade and the man who has taught him most of what he knows.
Manolin cheers up Santiago both in body and mind The boy ensures that the eighty-fifth day will be a lucky day for the old man. He is certain to capture the big fish. Tears rolls freely down his cheeks when he sees the skeleton of the Marlin. He is proud that his hero has won the prize. But he is sad that he has been denied the enjoyment of the rare prize he has won.
Thus, Manolin is a part and parcel of Santiago. He stands by him in fair and foul weather. He derives inspiration from the old man. He gives strength and courage to his hero. Manolin is the youthful image of Santiago.
Character sketch of Santiago
Santiago is an aged Cuban man, a skilled fisherman by profession. He is the main character in the novel “The Old Man and The Sea”. He shows the qualities of mind and heart in catching and losing the biggest fish. His neck is wrinkled from the Sun, and his hands bear the scars of many fishing battles. Only his Blue Eyes remain bright and cheerful.
By personality, Santiago is Brave, confident, cheerful, determined, and optimistic even when he does not catch a single fish for eighty-four days, he refuses to be discouraged. he had streaks of bad luck in the past, and he is hopeful that the next day will bring him better luck. In fact, he makes up his mind to go far out to sea and try his luck that he may catch a really large fish.
Santiago is alone in the world. His wife has passed away, and he refuses to have a photograph of her in his hut Because it makes him feel lonely. His constant companion has been Manolin. He joined the old man bringing him coffee and making sure that he has something to eat. He also helps him with his fishing gear. Unfortunately, Manolin’s parents have forbidden the boy to go out on the boat with Santiago any longer. Santiago could not catch any fish for eighty-four days. He remains unlucky. Thus, he misses Manolin’s company.
Santiago is an expert fisherman and skilled. He makes careful preparations for each outing on his boat. He is in tune with the natural environment, watching the weather, the currents, birds, and fish to help him know the best spot for fishing. He wisely drops his bait at different depths hoping to land a catch with variety. During his career, he has caught many trophy fish. He has been able to make some record catches in his lifetime.
Physically, Santiago is a tough man, When he was younger he would arm wrestle for sport and always win. One time, a match lasted for more than twenty-four hours, and even though his hands were bleeding, he refused to give up. He finally won the match and was called the champion. This determination makes him continue to fight the giant fish for three long days.
Despite his great strength and abilities, Santiago is a humble man, he never complains when things do not go his way. He does not blame outside sources but looks for the cause within himself. When his giant fish is eaten by the Sharks, He blames not bringing better weapons with him on the journey.
The sea is a source of livelihood. Santiago’s love embraces the and even the stars are his brothers. Nothing is nature alien to him. He loves them very much to the boy Marlin. He never forgets the boy and wishes him to share in the excitement and glory of the adventure. He discusses with the boy not only fishing and adventures of his youth but also discusses the prospects of the League baseball matches. He accepts food from the boy which normally he would not permit anybody else. He is really the boy’s spiritual father.
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| The Old Man and The Sea |
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