Introduction
Faith and resilience stand out in the novel The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, particularly in the older man’s story. Reading about Santiago’s experiences allowed me to view life from a hopeful perspective. The old man’s life is an inspiration to deal with life’s challenges without giving up despite discouragements from lack of motivation, negative friends, or failures. Santiago keeps going to sea even with several nights of unsuccessful fishing.
Discussion
He does not give up and encourages Manolin to have faith. At one time, Santiago endures pain as he holds the fishing net while the big fish he catches pulls until the fish tires. While waiting for the big fish to get hooked, he says, “God helps him to take it”… “He’ll take it” (Hemingway, 1952, p. 15). Therefore, despite many days of failing to catch any fish, the old man has faith that he might catch a fish on the 85th day.
I felt sympathetic for Manolin, who constantly wants to serve the old man upon seeing his predicament. In one instance, he offers to give Santiago fresh bait hoping to help him catch some fish (Hemingway, 1952). The old man’s story of several unsuccessful fishing attempts reflects the life of one going through constant suffering, for instance, illness. Santiago gets compared to an unlucky man, and many fishermen either make fun of him or pity him (Hemingway, 1952). When facing difficulty, people sympathize and talk about your circumstances. However, few of them can help, as others sympathize or murmur.
Conclusion
I would wish to have a friend such who cares for others. Manolin deeply cares for Santiago, showing thoughtfulness and selflessness. In an instance where Santiago’s big fish towed his boat for several days, the boy was so worried that he cried once he saw the old man back and safe in his house (Hemingway, 1952). In a world of selfishness where very few people care about others, it is crucial to have a close friend. Like Manolin, friends serve us and are there for us whenever we need them that we miss them when they are away. Santiago wishes that Manolin the boy was with him to help him fish when he has difficulty managing the fish on his fish line.
Reference
Hemingway, E. (1952). The old man and the sea. Charles Scribner’s Sons.