Why is Manolin particularly devoted to Santiago?
ABecause Santiago is a great fisherman.
BBecause Santiago taught him how to fish
CBecause Santiago gave him money
DBecause Santiago is the only person who believes in him
Answer:
B. Because Santiago taught him how to fish
Read Explanation:
Understanding the Devotion of Manolin to Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea
- The profound devotion Manolin feels for Santiago stems primarily from Santiago having been his fishing mentor since childhood. Santiago taught Manolin everything he knows about fishing, from practical skills to the philosophy of the sea.
- This mentorship fostered a deep sense of respect and gratitude in Manolin. Santiago not only imparted technical knowledge but also shared his wisdom, experience, and the unwritten rules of the ocean, shaping Manolin into the fisherman he is becoming.
- Their relationship transcends a simple teacher-student dynamic; it's often depicted as a father-son bond. Manolin sees Santiago not just as a teacher but as a paternal figure, offering him unwavering support, care, and a connection to a traditional way of life.
- Even after Manolin's parents force him to work on a more successful boat due to Santiago's streak of bad luck, Manolin continues to visit Santiago, bring him food, and express concern for his well-being, demonstrating his enduring loyalty and affection.
- Manolin represents hope and continuity for Santiago. His devotion signifies that Santiago's knowledge and spirit will live on through the younger generation, preventing the old man's wisdom from being lost.
Key Facts for Competitive Exams: The Old Man and the Sea
- Author: The novel was written by Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961), a prominent American novelist and short-story writer.
- Publication Year: It was first published in 1952.
- Literary Award: The novel earned Hemingway the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953.
- Nobel Prize Connection: Many critics believe that *The Old Man and the Sea* was instrumental in Hemingway being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
- Setting: The story is set in a small fishing village near Havana, Cuba, and on the waters of the Gulf Stream.
- Main Themes: Prominent themes include perseverance, dignity in defeat, the struggle between man and nature, the cycle of life, friendship, mentorship, and the importance of traditional values.
- Allegorical Interpretations: The novel is often interpreted as an allegory for Christian themes (suffering, sacrifice), the artist's struggle, or humanity's quest for meaning.
- Santiago's Character: Santiago is an archetypal character representing enduring human spirit, resilience, and the quiet dignity of old age.