The Old Man and The Sea : Book Review
1. Introduction
- Book Title: The Old Man and the Sea
- Author: Ernest Hemingway, a well-known American novelist, short story writer, and journalist.
- About the Story: It’s about an old Cuban fisherman who shows courage and determination in tough times.
2. Social/Historical Context
1. Real-Life Connection:
- The story is inspired by real events.
- Hemingway enjoyed fishing in Cuban waters and loved baseball, like the main character.
- He worked for the Red Cross during World War I and was hurt by shrapnel (small metal pieces from an explosion) in Italy.
2. Themes:
- The novel focuses on fighting against defeat or death.
- It shows how determination (never giving up) and endurance (staying strong) lead to success.
3. Time Period:
- Published in 1952, after World War II.
- People were recovering from the wars’ destruction, so the story of struggle and triumph connected with readers.
3. Writing Style
- Simple Language: Hemingway uses short, clear sentences.
- Economy of Words: He expresses big ideas with few words (pithy = brief but strong).
- Hidden Meanings: The simple writing has deeper ideas. Reading it again reveals new meanings.
- Example: His descriptions of the sea and fish are beautiful and connect readers to nature.
4. Reviewer’s Thoughts
1. First Reading:
- The reviewer read it years ago and didn’t understand it.
- Felt unimpressed but remembered the image of the old man holding the fishing line with all his strength.
2. Second Reading:
- Loved it this time and felt emotional.
- Admired the old man’s courage, the young boy Manolin’s care, and their warm relationship.
- Found the marlin’s fight for life touching-it’s hard to choose who to support (the man or the fish).
- The old man and marlin are linked because both fight bravely against destruction.
5. Key Vocabulary
- Apprentice: Someone who works for another to learn a skill.
- Marlin: A large sea fish with a long, spear-like nose.
- Shrapnel: Small metal pieces from an explosion that can harm people.
- Wrought: Caused or brought about (e.g., destruction caused by wars).
- Pithy: Short but strong and meaningful.
- Formidable: Something powerful that causes fear (e.g., the old man’s strength).
6. Key Themes
- Courage: The old man stays strong even in difficult times.
- Determination: He keeps fighting no matter the challenge.
- Friendship: The bond between the old man and Manolin shows loyalty and care.
- Struggle: Both the old man and the marlin fight for survival, earning respect.
7. Important Points to Remember
- The story teaches us to stay strong and keep trying, even when life is hard.
- Hemingway’s simple writing makes the story powerful and meaningful.
- The novel is about life, struggle, and achieving victory through effort.
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