San Manuel Bueno Analysis

The concept of existential therapy derives on human experiences and how one relates to the world. Two books that have an emphasis on this concept include The Big Picture by Sean Carroll and a short story—San Manuel Bueno, Martyr— in Abel Sanchez and Other Stories. Throughout his book, Carroll focuses on what it means to exist (or not exist) in the world, and just how insignificant the life span of individuals are relative to the existence of the universe. Similarly, Don Manuel, the protagonist and suffering priest in the short story San Manuel Bueno, Martyr, experiences a sense of emptiness and guilt; he consistently doubts his beliefs and place in the world. If given the opportunity, could Carroll assist in the rehabilitation of a discouraged

Throughout the short story, Don Manuel wants nothing more than to be the priest every individual admires and respects; the issue, however, is Don Manual is, in fact, a saint in the eyes of every individual surrounding him. Nonetheless, Don Manual suffers by the hands of himself; he questions his very own existence and the fundamental nature of reality. “…The greatest sin of man is to have been born. That, my child, is our sin; to have been born.” (Unamuno, 251). During this moment, Don Manuel is responding to Angela—a young girl who frequently visits the priest with questions no other individuals throughout the village possess. She asks the priest this question pertaining to sin and what it means to be a sinner. Don Manuel further continues with the statement, “Let them dream, let them dream…O, what a longing I have to sleep, to sleep, sleep without end, sleep for all eternity, and never dream!” (Unamuno, 252). Don Manuel is positioned upon his death bed during the statement of this quote. He is speaking to Angela regarding her involvement in the village following his death, but he is speaking against the ideals he once vowed to uphold. Despite the belief that Don Manuel possesses a sense of identity and appreciation for the mind and body, Angela has gained knowledgeable information about the “great saint” Don Manuel. It is apparent to Angela that Don Manuel suffers with issues beyond the church; he suffers with self-actualization. Due to his resistance of taking responsibility and being aware of his emotional state, Don Manuel refuses to notify the congregation of his sufferings, which results in his failure to relate and interact with society