The Old Man and the Sea The old man, or Santiago Quotes

"There was nothing ever like them. He hits the longest ball I have ever seen."

"Do you remember when he used to come to the Terrace?" I wanted to take him fishing but I was too timid to ask him. Then I asked you to ask him and you were too timid."

"I know. It was a great mistake. He might have gone with us. Then we would have that for all of our lives." (1.120-1.122)

The old man respects others for their skill.

"Que va." the boy said. "There are many good fishermen and some great ones. But there is only you." (1.136)

The boy respects the old man for his fishing abilities, just as they respect the baseball players for their special talents.

"So do I," the boy said. "Now I must get your sardines and mine and your fresh baits. He brings our gear himself. He never wants anyone to carry anything."

"We’re different," the old man said. "I let you carry things when you were five years old." (2.12-2.13)

The relationship between the boy and the old man is based on mutual respect.