The Old Man and the Sea By Ernest Hemingway

NOTE:

This reading comprehension activity “The Old Man And The Sea” is divided into three sections:

1. Pre-reading activities.
2. While-reading activities.
3. Post-reading activities.

The Timeless Battle: Exploring “The Old Man and the Sea”

The Old Man and the Sea is a novel that stands as the last major work of fiction penned by Ernest Hemingway during his lifetime. Widely regarded as one of his most celebrated pieces, it garnered the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 and significantly contributed to Hemingway being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.

At its heart, The Old Man and the Sea narrates the epic struggle between an aged, seasoned Cuban fisherman named Santiago and a formidable marlin. The narrative unfolds with Santiago enduring a staggering 84 days without a single catch, a streak of misfortune that has led his young apprentice, Manolin, to abandon their fishing expeditions under parental pressure. Yet, despite this setback, Manolin remains steadfastly loyal to Santiago, visiting him nightly at his humble abode. Determined to break his streak, Santiago ventures out alone on the eighty-fifth day, steering his skiff far into the depths of the Gulf Stream. There, he encounters the monumental marlin, engaging in a grueling battle of strength and will. Eventually, Santiago prevails, securing the massive fish to his vessel with thoughts of the bounty it will fetch and the nourishment it will provide for many.

However, Santiago’s triumph is short-lived as a horde of sharks, lured by the scent of blood, descend upon his catch, reducing it to a mere skeleton by the time he returns to shore. Despite his valiant efforts to defend his prize, Santiago is left with little more than the remnants of his hard-won battle. Yet, amid the loss, there is a glimmer of hope as Manolin rushes to Santiago’s side, relieved to find him safe and sound. Their bond remains unbroken, with Manolin pledging to join Santiago once again on future fishing endeavors.

Throughout the novel, Hemingway skillfully weaves themes of resilience, honor, and the indomitable spirit of man in the face of adversity. While some interpret the story as a depiction of man’s struggle against the forces of nature, others see it as a poignant exploration of man’s interconnectedness with the natural world. Indeed, both Santiago and the marlin embody traits of courage and dignity, ultimately bound by the same immutable laws of survival.

In Santiago’s poignant words, “man is not made for defeat… [a] man can be destroyed but not defeated,” encapsulates the enduring spirit that permeates Hemingway’s timeless masterpiece. The Old Man and the Sea stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and profound insights into the human condition.

Comprehension

Say whether these statements are true or false:

1. The Old Man and the Sea is Ernest Hemingway’s first major work of fiction. […]
2. Santiago’s young apprentice, Manolin, abandons him due to his own lack of loyalty. […]
3. Santiago encounters the marlin on his eighty-fifth day at sea. […]
4. Despite Santiago’s efforts, the marlin is fully intact when he returns to shore. […]
5. The novel explores themes of cowardice and defeat in the face of adversity. […]

Creative Writing

Imagine that you are Manolin, the young apprentice in “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway. Write a journal entry reflecting on your experiences and emotions throughout the novel. Consider your relationship with Santiago, the challenges you witnessed him face, and how these experiences have impacted you. Include specific details and quotes from the text to support your writing. Your journal entry should provide insight into Manolin’s thoughts and feelings, offering a deeper understanding of his role in the story.