In what ways does the old man treat the boy as an equal even though he is clearly the master? Is Santiago diminished as the master by having Manolin take care of him?

The old man and the boy have a close relationship. "Manolin has been forbidden to fish with the old man because he is "salao, truly unlucky". But by the end of the story Manolin decides to continue. Even though Santiago is mocked by the younger fishermen, Manolin sees Santiago as a mentor, even a father figure. He visits the old man in his shack, carries his gear and listens to his stories, Manolin is a true apprentice. In exchange Santiago imparts what secrets he knows about the sea and "her many moods." Santiago is very much a Christ-figure and Manolin his disciple. Manolin's reverence for the old man only adds to Santiago's majesty.