In The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago
is a teacher, mentor, and spiritual holy man for his disciple Manolin. Here are some
lessons he teaches the
boy:
Vocation: Santiago
teaches the boy the right way to fish: out of love and respect for nature, not for
money. Unlike the other fisherman, who are more concerned over volume, Santiago fishes
for that singular great fish. As such, he is a fisher of men (one who seeks converts)
as well. He is preparing Manolin to become a wise and dedicated fisherman, like
himself.
Humility: Santiago is
a shining example of modesty. Even though he has caught a great fish, perhaps the
biggest marlin ever caught in these waters, he does not brag or announce it to the
village upon his return. Granted, the flesh has been torn from the carcass, but
Santiago is still an example of suffering and
self-deprecation.
Persistence:
Santiago has gone 84 straight days without catching a fish. Still, he approaches each
day the same: with hope and respect. He does not curse God, nature, or his bad luck.
Manolin would do well to maintain Santiago's even
keel.
Respect: Whereas the
other fishermen gossip and talk behind Santiago's back, insulting him, Santiago refrains
from idle chatter about others not present. He gives his attention completely to
teaching the boy, and his lessons are free from insult, sarcasm, and negativity. All
are brothers, man and fish, to the old
man.
Suffering: Upon his
return, Santiago is a Christ-like emblem of suffering. He has brought only a worthless
carcass home. He is tired and broken, but he is not defeated in spirit. He thereby
achieves a victory over his suffering. Manolin knows that the old man will go back out
to the same waters in the morning, undeterred by past
struggle.
Courage: this is his
greatest lesson. Even though he is old, a victim of bad luck, and near retirement,
Santiago dares to go far out from land to dangerous shark-infested waters. No one else,
not even the younger fishermen, would dare risk his life for such
greatness.
No comments:
Post a Comment