The Old Man and the Sea, a symbolic novel written by Hemingway of American writer, is based on the true story of a Cube fisherman whose fishing process is completely recorded by the realistic expression. The image of an old man that is unconquerable in spirit and keeps quality of grace under pressure is successfully molded. This kind of man who is never conquered in spirit becomes the famous “Tough Guy Image” in the literary history. The Old Man and the Sea receives rave reviews after being published. Critics and Writers think that Hemingway has achieved new heights. There are countless reviews of the work which has brought him great fame and honor at home and abroad. Most people commenting on this work had largely focused on the old man Santiago, but lost sight of another important figure—the little boy Manolin. This thesis attempts to elaborate on the characteristics of the little boy and puts emphasis on researching the role of Manolin in The Old Man and Sea. A truth can be exposed that the little boy is finishing touch of the pen in the writer’s masterpiece and has an irreplaceable artistic effect.
This thesis consists of five parts: Chapter one is the introductory part which presents the writer and his masterpiece The Old Man and the Sea, as well as the author’s contribution to the American literature and the impact of the work. The importance of the little boy in the work will be discussed at the same time. Chapter two summarizes the function of Manolin in presenting the theme. He is indispensible in presenting the old man’s character sideways and heir of “Tough Guy Image”. Chapter three aims to analyze the structure of the novel. Because of Manolin, the perfect anaphora, Leaping Interlude and a kind of fast and slow rhythm are added to the novel. Chapter four further probes the characterization of Manolin, whose emotion experiences three different stages in the novel: The static stage, the subtle, fluctuating stage and the outbreak stage. Each stage is very impressive in the novel. Chapter five explores the indispensable status and existing necessity of the little boy in the work from the perspective of the author. The role of Manolin is the continuance of Hemingway’s writing style—narrative manner, iceberg principle and objective, detached point of view. The last chapter is conclusion, which is the summary of Manolin’s main artistic image.
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
Chapter 2 Function of Manolin in Presenting the Theme 3
2.1 Indirect Expression of Santiago’s Grace under Pressure 3
2.2 Reflection of Santiago’s Humanity 5
2.3 Necessary Compliment of “Tough Guy Image” 7
2.4 Continuance of “Tough Guy Image” 8
Chapter 3 Function of Manolin in Constructing the Structure 10
3.1 Perfect Anaphora 10
3.2 The Fast and Slow Rhythm 11
3.3 Leaping Interlude 11
Chapter 4 Artistic Effect of Manolin 13
4.1 The Little Boy’s Sympathy in the Static Stage 13
4.2 The Little Boy’s Respect and Worry in the Subtle, Fluctuating Stage 13
4.3 The Little Boy’s Affirmation in the Outbreak Stage 14
Chapter 5 Contributions to Hemingway’s Writing Style 15
5.1 Reflection of Hemingway’s Narrative Style 15
5.2 Reflection of Hemingway’s Iceberg Principle 15
5.3 Reflection of Hemingway’s Objective, Detached Point of View 16
Chapter 6 Conclusion 17
Notes 19
Bibliography 20
Acknowledgements 21
