The Boy, His wife, and God

I had a thought that maybe the boy isn't really a representative of one of his past wives but maybe a symbol of his loss of faith.
I'm not sure exactly, but the Old man keeps harping on about how he wants help and he wants the boy with him for strength. I think that could be him saying he wants God to be there for him, because of his (Hemingay's) depression he could feel lost and alone, without faith. I'm also thinking this because of the biblical references to the old man's placement on the boat and his wounds.

I also think that without the boy by his side in the past the old man wouldn't be able to do what he has done and made it that far without the encouraging of this boy who doesn't have to be there, but is because he wants to see this old man succeed.