Day 1 Summary
Santiago is an old man, worn and weathered by the sun and by life, but his eyes are still hopeful and spirited. He is a fisherman who has gone eighty-four days without catching a fish; he is seen as the worst kind of unlucky. After forty days, the young boy who was fishing with the old man was forced to go to another boat. Now Santiago fishes alone. Each day as the old man’s skiff arrives, the boy feels sad for him and helps him carry his gear from the dejected-looking boat: “The old man had taught the boy to fish and the boy loved him.”
Today the boy is hopeful that he can fish with Santiago again, but Santiago knows the boy’s father will not allow it. As they walk, the boy reminds the old man about the time he went eighty-seven days without a fish and then caught a fish every day for weeks. Santiago remembers and tells the boy he knows it was not the boy’s choice to leave the unlucky boat. The boy offers to buy a beer for Santiago, so they stop at the Terrace. The younger fishermen make fun of the old man; the older ones look at him sadly. Those who already made their catches for the day have butchered their marlins and prepared them for the market in Havana; those who caught sharks have taken them to the nearby shark factory.
It is pleasant on the Terrace. Though he cannot fish with Santiago, the boy wants to help and offers to get the sardines for tomorrow’s fishing. Santiago says the boy has done enough. They grow nostalgic, remembering when the boy was five and was nearly killed when Santiago brought in a big fish too soon. The boy begs to get four fresh sardines; Santiago compromises and says he may get one. The boy insists and they settle on two, paid for by the boy. Santiago wonders when he learned to be humble but knows it is part of who he now is, and he is not ashamed to accept such help.
The boy says tomorrow he will pretend to see something on the distant horizon so his captain will go far out to sea and they will be able to help Santiago if he needs it. Santiago believes he is strong enough to handle a big fish alone and says he knows many tricks if he needs to use them. They make their way with some of the gear and the mast to the old man’s home, a simple shack made of palm, sparsely furnished. On one wall are pictures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Virgin of Cobre. These belonged to his wife; he has put the picture of his wife away because it makes him too sad. There is little else in the room.
The boy asks a few usual questions and gets the usual answers. What will the old man eat? A pot of yellow rice and fish. Can he take the cast net for the old man? Of course. It is a charade, for they both know there is no rice and fish, and the cast net was sold long ago. They discuss their favorite pastime—baseball. The Yankees are the old man’s favorite team. They discuss buying a lottery ticket with the number eighty-five because they feel lucky about tomorrow’s fishing. Santiago sits in the sun reading a newspaper that has been given to him while the boy gets the sardines.
When the boy returns, he sees the old man has fallen asleep. He drapes a blanket around his friend’s strong, weathered shoulders. He leaves Santiago sleeping and brings them back some dinner from the Terrace. When Santiago says he has gone without eating before, the boy says, “You’ll not fish without eating while I’m alive.” The old man says he will eat since he has washed, but the boy knows the nearest water is several streets away—another fiction. He is determined to bring fresh water and some other clothes for the old man.
As they eat, they talk baseball. Joe DiMaggio is Santiago’s hero, and he wishes he could take him fishing; the great DiMaggio’s father was a fisherman, so he feels a connection. Santiago recalls his days on a ship near Africa when he saw lions on the beach, but they talk about baseball tonight. Dick Sisler, John J. McGraw, and Leo Durocher are the legends who have spent time in their small fishing town. The boy believes Santiago is a legend among fishermen. Santiago hopes he will not be beaten by a fish, and the boy assures him he will not be as long as the old man is as strong as he says he is. Again Santiago claims he has “tricks” and “resolution.”
They make their plan for the morning; Santiago will wake the boy to begin their day. Once the boy leaves, the old man takes off his pants and rolls them up to use as a pillow. He rolls up in his blanket and sleeps on newspapers covering the springs of his bed. He dreams of Africa—the white sands, the frolicking lions, the smell of tar, and the breeze and smell off the coast:
He no longer dreamed of storms, nor of women, nor of great occurrences, nor of great fish, nor fights, nor contests of strength, nor his wife. He only dreamed of places now, and lions on the beach. They played like young cats in the dusk and he loved them as he loved the boy.
Expert Q&A
How does the quote about the old man's eyes impact "The Old Man and the Sea"?
The quote about Santiago's eyes in "The Old Man and the Sea" highlights his enduring spirit and perseverance. Despite his age and physical decline, Santiago's eyes remain cheerful and undefeated, symbolizing his deep connection with the sea and his inner strength. This characterization sets the stage for his relentless struggle against the giant marlin, illustrating his never-give-up attitude.
In The Old Man and the Sea, what does "They were as old as erosions in a fishless desert" mean?
The phrase "They were as old as erosions in a fishless desert" in The Old Man and the Sea is a metaphor describing Santiago's age and experiences. It refers to the old, deep-creased scars on Santiago's hands from years of fishing. These scars, like ancient erosions in a desert where no fish live, symbolize Santiago's long life as a fisherman and the fact that he hasn't caught a big fish in a while, signifying the sea's, and his life's, barrenness.
What is the meaning and relevance of "salao" in The Old Man and the Sea and why isn't it translated?
The term "salao" in The Old Man and the Sea means extreme bad luck in Cuban Spanish, reflecting Santiago's misfortune. Hemingway doesn't translate it because its cultural nuance lacks an English equivalent. The word encapsulates a major theme of luck's unpredictability and indifference. Its use adds authenticity to the setting and foreshadows Santiago's struggles with luck and perseverance.
In "The Old Man and the Sea", what are Santiago's thoughts about the pair of marlin he previously hooked?
Santiago recalls the marlin pair with admiration, noting the male marlin's loyalty as it stayed by the female even after she was hooked and killed. The male marlin's actions, including jumping to locate his mate, deeply impress Santiago, highlighting themes of love, loyalty, and companionship. Despite being a fisherman, Santiago finds this memory profoundly sad, reflecting his sentimentality and depth of character.
What serves as Santiago's alarm clock in The Old Man and the Sea?
In "The Old Man and the Sea," Santiago's "alarm clock" is his age. He tells Manolin that age wakes him early, reflecting on why older people tend to rise earlier, suggesting a desire to make the most of their remaining days. This conversation highlights Santiago's automatic early rising, symbolizing his experience and the natural rhythm of his life as an aging fisherman.
In The Old Man and the Sea, what does Santiago mean by saying a light brisa will make better weather for him than the fish?
Santiago's remark about the "light brisa" in "The Old Man and the Sea" reflects his acute connection to nature and weather patterns. By noting the light breeze, Santiago humorously suggests that the weather favors him over the fish, implying that he has the advantage in his fishing endeavor. The calm weather enhances his safety and comfort while posing a threat to the fish, as it makes them more vulnerable to being caught.
How does Santiago's reaction to the Portugese Man-of-War differ from previous reactions in The Old Man and the Sea?
Santiago's reaction to the Portuguese Man-of-War is marked by disdain, calling it "Agua mala" or "bad water," reflecting his hatred for this creature. This reaction contrasts with his usual respect for nature, as he blames it for scaring away fish and causing painful injuries with its poisonous filaments. Santiago appreciates the beauty of the sea but views the Man-of-War as a deceitful and harmful presence, unlike other sea creatures he admires.
What painting is in Santiago's room in The Old Man and the Sea?
In Santiago's room, there are two paintings: one of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and another of the Virgin of Cobre. These were relics of his wife's strong Catholic heritage. Santiago also had a photograph of his wife, but after her death, he moved it to a shelf because seeing it made him too lonely. His shack is simple, with minimal furnishings and unadorned walls, except for these religious paintings.
What does the quote reveal about Santiago's character?
"I could just drift [...] and sleep and put a bight of line around my toe to wake me. But today is eighty-five days and I should fish the day well"
The quote reveals Santiago's perseverance and determination. Despite 85 days without a catch, he resists the temptation to rest and instead chooses to "fish the day well." This demonstrates his dedication to his craft, highlighting that he is not a lazy fisherman but one who remains focused and hopeful. Santiago's commitment to his work is immediately rewarded, underscoring his intimate knowledge and skill as a fisherman.
What is the introduction in The Old Man and the Sea?
The introduction of The Old Man and the Sea sets the scene with Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman, who has not caught a fish for 84 days, highlighting his struggle and determination. His apprentice, Manolin, remains loyal despite being forced to leave Santiago's boat. Their relationship is central, as they share memories and discuss baseball. The introduction emphasizes Santiago's need to regain his pride and reputation among fellow fishermen.
Is "They were as old as erosions in a fishless desert" a simile, analogy, hyperbole, or metaphor?
The phrase "They were as old as erosions in a fishless desert" is primarily a simile, as it explicitly compares two things using "as." It can also be considered an analogy, since it expresses a simile, and hyperbole, due to its exaggerated imagery. However, it is not a metaphor, as metaphors do not use "as" or "like" and imply the comparison directly.
How does the quote "there are many good fishermen and some great ones. But there is only you" from The Old Man and the Sea foreshadow later events?
"there are many good fishermen and some great ones. But there is only you"
The quote foreshadows Santiago's impending struggle with the marlin, highlighting his unique prowess as a fisherman. Despite being alone, Santiago's skills and perseverance are unmatched, demonstrating his greatness in overcoming immense challenges. The villagers ultimately recognize his exceptional achievement, echoing Manolin's earlier sentiment. Santiago's solitary battle with the marlin and subsequent loss to sharks underscore his enduring spirit, reinforcing his status as "the best fisherman" despite returning with only the marlin's skeleton.
Why does Santiago believe he'll be lucky on the eighty-fifth day in The Old Man and the Sea?
In The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago believes he will be lucky on the eighty-fifth day because he believes that eighty-five is a lucky number.
How did Santiago know the fish nibbling on the line was a marlin?
Santiago knew the fish nibbling on the line was a marlin due to his extensive experience as a fisherman. While observing the ocean, he noticed his fishing line dipping sharply, suggesting a bite. By holding the line between his thumb and forefinger, he felt the tentative pull, which was neither solid nor heavy. This particular sensation, familiar to him from years at sea, indicated that a marlin had taken the bait.
The significance and meaning of the lions on the beach in The Old Man and the Sea
In The Old Man and the Sea, the lions on the beach symbolize youth, strength, and dreams. They represent Santiago's lost youth and his enduring spirit, serving as a source of comfort and inspiration. The lions also reflect Santiago's deep connection to nature and his longing for a time when he was more vigorous and hopeful.
What does "he hit [the tuna] on the head for kindness" exemplify in The Old Man and the Sea?
This is an example of an oxymoron, or a contradiction of terms. Hitting and kindness usually stand in opposition to each other. However, for Santiago, this violent act is one of mercy because it eases the fish's suffering.
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