Character of Manolin (Manolin is not merely disciple, reminding Santiagos youth, Christian symbolism, Relationship of Manolin and Santiago,

) "They are good... They play and make jokes and love one another. They are our brothers like the flying fish." (Hemingway) The character of Manolin is very important in the novel. He is a disciple of the old man in fishing. Their relationship is symbolic. It means that he was more than disciple for Santiago. He loved the old man and implicit belief in his abilities and good luck. He helps and encourages him. The old man had taught the boy to fish and the boy loved him His character can be analyzed as the following. 1. Santiagos youth Manolin reminds Santiago his ambitious and excellent youth. He is the source of encouragement in distress. Now we fish together again. Though his parents force him to leave Santiagos boat, yet he continues visiting him. He helps him in baiting and other apparatus. He is thus a paragon of friendship, love and loyalty. 2. Shared feelings Both Manolin and Santiago are likeminded. They share their ideas on optimism and DiMaggio. He is the source of inspiration for them. Both are idealistic. 3. True Human Character The character of Manolin is true humanistic character. He is divided into his loyalties. He had a strong belief in the old mans abilities but he has to leave his boat at the instructions of his father. 4. Exposition of old mans character Through Manolin, Hemingway exposes his character. His belief and praise shows that Santiago is the respected and expert fisherman of his locality. 5. Spiritual Relationship Their relationship is not materialistic rather it is spiritual one. Manolin doesnt consider whether he is in his boat or not. He is the symbol of devotion, loyalty and selflessness. He prefers the old man to his father in the end of the novel. 6. Christian Symbolic Relationship Santiago also symbolizes Jesus Christ and Manolin symbolizes his companions. Though they had strong belief in him, yet they leave him in lurch. "There are many good fishermen and some great ones. But there is only you."