4.5 The Old Man and The Sea : Book Review - Class 10 - Kumarbharati

Author: Ernest Hemingway

Genre: Book Review (Fiction – Novella)

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra

Summary

The book review summarises Ernest Hemingway’s novella about Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman who has gone eighty-four days without catching a fish. His loyal apprentice, Manolin, is forced to work with another fisherman due to Santiago’s bad luck. Determined to prove himself, Santiago sails far out to sea and hooks a giant marlin. A fierce struggle follows, with Santiago displaying endurance, skill, and respect for the marlin. After finally catching it, he must battle sharks that attack the marlin during his return journey.

The review connects this story to Hemingway’s own life, drawing from his fishing experience in Cuba, his injury during World War I, and his belief in the nobility of struggling against defeat. Published in 1952, the novel resonated with readers recovering from the destruction of two world wars, becoming a timeless tale of perseverance.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea is the nobility of enduring struggle, even in the face of inevitable defeat. Santiago’s perseverance symbolises human courage, dignity, and the will to fight for honour.

Character Sketches

Santiago (The Old Man)

• Experienced and skilled fisherman from Cuba

• Faces long streak of bad luck but remains determined

• Displays physical endurance and mental strength

• Respects nature and the marlin as a worthy opponent

• Symbol of courage, dignity, and perseverance

  
  

Manolin

• Young and devoted apprentice of Santiago

• Forced to stop fishing with Santiago by his parents

• Deeply respects and cares for Santiago

• Represents loyalty, hope, and the passing of tradition

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions

Q1. Identify the infinitive:

The old man decided to sail far into the sea.

→ Infinitive: to sail – shows purpose.

Q2. Change to indirect speech:

Manolin said, “I will fish with you again someday.”

→ Manolin said that he would fish with him again someday.

Q3. Identify the modal:

We must protect our natural resources.

→ Modal: must – expresses necessity.

Q4. Change to future continuous tense:

The sharks attacked the marlin.

→ The sharks will be attacking the marlin.

Q5. Frame a Wh-question:

Santiago fought with the marlin for three days.

→ How long did Santiago fight with the marlin?

Personal Response Questions

Q1. What quality of Santiago impresses you the most?

→ The quality of Santiago that impresses me the most is his unwavering determination. Despite physical exhaustion and bad luck, he continues to fight with courage, proving the strength of human spirit.

Q2. How does the novel inspire readers to face challenges?

→ The novel inspires readers by showing that dignity lies in the effort itself, not just the outcome. Santiago’s persistence teaches us to face challenges with courage, patience, and self-respect.

Q3. Do you think Manolin’s loyalty adds depth to the story?

→ Manolin’s loyalty adds emotional depth to the story because it highlights the bond between generations. His respect and devotion towards Santiago show that values and traditions are passed on through relationships.

True or False

1. Santiago caught a marlin after eighty-four days of bad luck. → False

2. Hemingway was injured by shrapnel during the First World War. → True

3. The marlin was attacked by sharks on the way back. → True

   
   

Probable Board Questions

Q1. How does Santiago’s struggle with the marlin symbolise human endurance?

→ Santiago’s struggle with the marlin symbolises human endurance because it shows the willingness to fight for honour, even when the odds are against you. His persistence reflects the nobility of effort over outcome.

Q2. In what way does the story reflect Hemingway’s personal experiences?

→ The story reflects Hemingway’s experiences as a fisherman in Cuba, his interest in baseball, and his wartime injury, all of which shaped his belief in resilience and the dignity of struggle.

Q3. How does the ending of the novel create a sense of triumph despite loss?

→ The ending creates a sense of triumph because Santiago’s courage and determination become legendary in his village. Although he loses the marlin’s meat to sharks, his spirit remains undefeated.

Q4. Why is the relationship between Santiago and Manolin important?

→ The relationship between Santiago and Manolin is important because it represents loyalty, respect, and the passing of wisdom from one generation to the next. It brings emotional warmth to the otherwise harsh struggle.

Reflection Paragraph

The Old Man and The Sea is a timeless tale of courage, endurance, and respect for nature. Through Santiago’s relentless battle with the marlin and his return home, Hemingway celebrates the dignity of human struggle. The story inspires readers to value persistence and moral victory, making it a work of enduring literary power.

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