The(definite article, referring to a specific fish [ðə]) fish(aquatic animal [fɪʃ]) moved(past tense of 'move', indicating movement [muvd]) steadily(in a consistent and regular manner [ˈstɛdəli]) and(conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]) they(pronoun, referring to the fish [ðeɪ]) travelled(past tense of 'travel', indicating movement over a distance [ˈtrævəld]) slowly(at a slow pace [sˈloʊli]) on(preposition, indicating location or surface [ɔn]) the calm water(water that is still and without waves [ðə kɑm ˈwɔtər]). The(definite article, referring to specific baits [ðə]) other(additional or remaining [ˈəðər]) baits(something used to lure fish or animals [beɪts]) were(past tense of 'be', indicating a state of being [wər]) still(remaining in the same condition or place [stɪl]) in(preposition, indicating location [ɪn]) the water(the body of water being fished in [ðə ˈwɔtər]) but(conjunction, introducing a contrasting statement [bət]) there(used to indicate existence or presence [ðɛr]) was(past tense of 'be', indicating a state of being [wɑz]) nothing(not anything; no thing [ˈnəθɪŋ]) to be done(something that can or should be done [tɪ bi dən]).
''I(first-person singular pronoun, the speaker [aɪ]) wish(express a desire or hope for something [wɪʃ]) I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) had(past tense of 'have', indicating possession or presence [hæd]) the boy(a young male person, specifically referring to someone the speaker wants with him [ðə bɔɪ])'' the(definite article, referring to a specific person [ðə]) old(advanced in years; aged [oʊld]) man(an adult male human [mæn]) said(past tense of 'say', to utter words [sɛd]) aloud(in a voice that can be heard [əˈlaʊd]). ''I'm(contraction of 'I am', indicating the speaker's current state [əm]) being(auxiliary verb, used to form continuous tenses [biɪŋ]) towed(past participle of 'tow', being pulled by something [toʊd]) by(preposition, indicating the agent or means [baɪ]) a fish(an aquatic animal [ə fɪʃ]) and(conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]) I'm(contraction of 'I am', indicating the speaker's current state [əm]) the(definite article, referring to a specific item [ðə]) towing(present participle of 'tow', the act of pulling [toʊɪŋ]) bitt(a post or pair of posts on a ship for fastening ropes [bitt]). I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) could(past tense of 'can', indicating possibility or ability [kʊd]) make(to cause something to exist or happen [meɪk]) the line(a rope or cord used for fishing [ðə laɪn]) fast(securely fixed or attached [fæst]). But(conjunction, introducing a contrasting statement [bət]) then(at that time; also [ðɛn]) he(pronoun, referring to the fish [hi]) could(past tense of 'can', indicating possibility or ability [kʊd]) break(to separate into pieces; to snap [breɪk]) it(pronoun, referring to the line [ɪt]). I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) must(expressing necessity or obligation [məst]) hold(to grasp or support [hoʊld]) him(pronoun, referring to the fish [ɪm]) all(completely; entirely [ɔl]) I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) can(able to [kən]) and(conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]) give(to provide or supply [gɪv]) him(pronoun, referring to the fish [ɪm]) line(fishing line [laɪn]) when(at the time that [wɪn]) he(pronoun, referring to the fish [hi]) must(expressing necessity or obligation [məst]) have(to possess or receive [hæv]) it(pronoun, referring to the line [ɪt]). Thank(express gratitude [θæŋk]) God(a deity or supreme being [gɑd]) he(pronoun, referring to the fish [hi]) is(third-person singular present of 'be', indicating a state of being [ɪz]) travelling(moving or progressing [ˈtrævəlɪŋ]) and(conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]) not(negation [nɑt]) going down(descending into the water [goʊɪŋ daʊn]).''
What(used to ask for specific information [wət]) I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) will(auxiliary verb, expressing future tense [wɪl]) do(to perform an action [du]) if(conditional conjunction, introducing a condition [ɪf]) he(pronoun, referring to the fish [hi]) decides(third-person singular present of 'decide', to make a choice [ˌdɪˈsaɪdz]) to(preposition, indicating direction or purpose [tɪ]) go down(to descend into the water [goʊ daʊn]), I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) don't(contraction of 'do not', expressing negation [doʊnt]) know(to be aware of something [noʊ]). What(used to ask for specific information [wət]) I'll(contraction of 'I will', expressing future tense [aɪl]) do(to perform an action [du]) if(conditional conjunction, introducing a condition [ɪf]) he(pronoun, referring to the fish [hi]) sounds(to descend rapidly into the water [saʊnz]) and(conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]) dies(third-person singular present of 'die', to stop living [daɪz]) I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) don't(contraction of 'do not', expressing negation [doʊnt]) know(to be aware of something [noʊ]). But(conjunction, introducing a contrasting statement [bət]) I'll(contraction of 'I will', expressing future tense [aɪl]) do(to perform an action [du]) something(an unspecified thing [ˈsəmθɪŋ]). There(used to indicate existence or presence [ðɛr]) are(plural present of 'be', indicating a state of being [ər]) plenty(a large amount [ˈplɛnti]) of(preposition, indicating quantity or origin [əv]) things(objects or actions [θɪŋz]) I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) can(able to [kən]) do(to perform an action [du]).
He(referring to a male person previously mentioned or known [hi]) held(past tense of 'hold', meaning to grip or support [hɛld]) the line(referring to the fishing line [ðə laɪn]) against(in opposition to or in contact with [əˈgɛnst]) his back(the rear part of his body [hɪz bæk]) and(conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]) watched(past tense of 'watch', meaning to observe [wɔʧt]) its slant('its' refers to the line; 'slant' means a sloping position [ɪts slænt]) in the water(location of the slant [ɪn ðə ˈwɔtər]) and(conjunction [ənd]) the skiff(a small boat [ðə skɪf]) moving(in the process of changing position [ˈmuvɪŋ]) steadily(in a consistent and regular manner [ˈstɛdəli]) to the north-west(direction; a point midway between north and west [tɪ ðə north-west]).
This(referring to the current situation or the fish's actions [ðɪs]) will kill(future tense of 'kill', meaning to cause death [wɪl kɪl]) him(referring to the old man [ɪm]), the old man(the elderly male character [ðə oʊld mæn]) thought(past tense of 'think', meaning to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]). He(referring to the old man [hi]) can't(contraction of 'cannot', meaning unable to [kænt]) do(perform or carry out [du]) this(referring to the current struggle or situation [ðɪs]) forever(for all time; without end [fərˈɛvər]). But(conjunction introducing a contrasting statement [bət]) four hours later(a period of time that has passed [fɔr aʊərz ˈleɪtər]) the fish(the marine animal being caught [ðə fɪʃ]) was still(remaining in the same state [wɑz stɪl]) swimming(moving through water [sˈwɪmɪŋ]) steadily(in a consistent and regular manner [ˈstɛdəli]) out to sea(away from the shore and towards the open ocean [aʊt tɪ si]), towing(pulling along behind [toʊɪŋ]) the skiff(the small boat [ðə skɪf]), and(conjunction [ənd]) the old man(the elderly male character [ðə oʊld mæn]) was still(remaining in the same state [wɑz stɪl]) braced(supported or strengthened [breɪst]) solidly(firmly and securely [ˈsɑlədli]) with(accompanied by [wɪθ]) the line(the fishing line [ðə laɪn]) across(extending from one side to the other of [əˈkrɔs]) his back(the rear part of his body [hɪz bæk]).
''It(Contraction of 'It is' [ɪt]) was noon(the middle of the day; 12:00 PM [wɑz nun]) when(at the time that [wɪn]) I hooked(past tense of 'hook', meaning to catch with a hook [aɪ hʊkt]) him(referring to the fish [ɪm]),'' (end quote)he(referring to the old man [hi]) said(past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]). ''And(conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]) I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) have never(at no time in the past [hæv ˈnɛvər]) seen(past participle of 'see', meaning to perceive with the eyes [sin]) him(referring to the fish [ɪm]).''
He(referring to the old man [hi]) had pushed(past perfect tense of 'push', meaning to exert force in order to move something away [hæd pʊʃt]) his straw hat(a hat made of straw [hɪz strɔ hæt]) hard(with great force or effort [hɑrd]) down(in a downward direction [daʊn]) on(positioned upon [ɔn]) his head(the part of the body above the neck [hɪz hɛd]) before(prior to [ˌbiˈfɔr]) he hooked(past tense of 'hook', meaning to catch with a hook [hi hʊkt]) the fish(the marine animal being caught [ðə fɪʃ]) and(conjunction [ənd]) it(referring to the hat [ɪt]) was cutting(past continuous tense of 'cut', meaning to penetrate with a sharp edge [wɑz ˈkətɪŋ]) his forehead(the part of the face above the eyes [hɪz ˈfɔrhɛd]). He(referring to the old man [hi]) was thirsty(feeling a need to drink [wɑz ˈθərsti]) too(also; in addition [tu]) and(conjunction [ənd]) he got down(past tense of 'get down', meaning to lower oneself [hi gɑt daʊn]) on(supported by [ɔn]) his knees(the joint between the thigh and the lower leg [hɪz niz]) and(conjunction [ənd]), being(in a state of [biɪŋ]) careful(taking caution [ˈkɛrfəl]) not to jerk(to avoid a sudden sharp movement [nɑt tɪ ʤərk]) on the line(referring to the fishing line [ɔn ðə laɪn]), moved(past tense of 'move', meaning to change position [muvd]) as far(to the extent or degree of [ɛz fɑr]) into the bow(the front part of the boat [ˈɪntu ðə boʊ]) as(to the same degree or extent as [ɛz]) he could get(the extent of his ability to reach [hi kʊd gɪt]) and(conjunction [ənd]) reached(past tense of 'reach', meaning to extend one's hand in order to touch or grasp something [riʧt]) the water bottle(a container for holding water [ðə ˈwɔtər ˈbɑtəl]) with one hand(using a single hand [wɪθ wən hænd]). He(referring to the old man [hi]) opened(past tense of 'open', meaning to allow access [ˈoʊpənd]) it(referring to the water bottle [ɪt]) and(conjunction [ənd]) drank(past tense of 'drink', meaning to swallow liquid [dræŋk]) a little(a small amount [ə ˈlɪtəl]). Then(after that [ðɛn]) he rested(past tense of 'rest', meaning to cease work or movement in order to relax [hi ˈrɛstɪd]) against(in contact with [əˈgɛnst]) the bow(the front part of the boat [ðə boʊ]). He rested(past tense of 'rest', meaning to cease work or movement in order to relax [hi ˈrɛstɪd]) sitting(being in a seated position [ˈsɪtɪŋ]) on(supported by [ɔn]) the un-stepped mast(the mast that is not yet erected [ðə un-stepped mæst]) and sail(the canvas used to catch the wind [ənd seɪl]) and(conjunction [ənd]) tried(past tense of 'try', meaning to make an attempt or effort [traɪd]) not to think(to avoid engaging in conscious thought [nɑt tɪ θɪŋk]) but(conjunction introducing a contrasting statement [bət]) only(exclusively; merely [ˈoʊnli]) to endure(to suffer patiently [tɪ ɪnˈdʊr]).
Then(at that time; next [ðɛn]) he(refers to a male person or animal previously mentioned or known [hi]) looked(past tense of 'look', meaning to turn one's eyes in a specific direction [lʊkt]) behind him(at the back of the person being referred to [bɪˈhaɪnd ɪm]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) saw(past tense of 'see', meaning to perceive with the eyes [sɔ]) that(introduces a subordinate clause [ðət]) no land(absence of any land [noʊ lænd]) was visible(could be seen [wɑz ˈvɪzəbəl]). That(referring to the previous statement [ðət]) makes no difference(is not important; does not matter [meɪks noʊ ˈdɪfərəns]), he(referring to the same male person as before [hi]) thought(past tense of 'think', meaning to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]). I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) can(expresses ability or possibility [kən]) always(at all times; on all occasions [ˈɔlˌweɪz]) come in(to arrive or enter [kəm ɪn]) on(supported by [ɔn]) the glow(a steady radiance of light or heat [ðə gloʊ]) from(indicating the origin or source [frəm]) Havana(referring to the city of Havana, likely used as a point of reference for navigation [həˈvænə]). There(used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]) are(present tense of 'be' [ər]) two more hours(an additional two hours [tu mɔr aʊərz]) before(earlier than [ˌbiˈfɔr]) the sun(the star that provides light and heat to Earth [ðə sən]) sets(goes down below the horizon [sɛts]) and(connecting words or clauses [ənd]) maybe(perhaps; possibly [ˈmeɪbi]) he(referring to the fish [hi]) will come up(will rise to the surface [wɪl kəm əp]) before(earlier than [ˌbiˈfɔr]) that(referring to the sunset [ðət]). If(introducing a conditional clause [ɪf]) he(referring to the fish [hi]) doesn't(contraction of 'does not' [ˈdəzənt]) maybe(perhaps; possibly [ˈmeɪbi]) he(referring to the fish [hi]) will come up(will rise to the surface [wɪl kəm əp]) with(in the company of; along with [wɪθ]) the moon(the natural satellite of Earth [ðə mun]). If(introducing a conditional clause [ɪf]) he(referring to the fish [hi]) does not(negative form of 'do' [dɪz nɑt]) do that(referring to coming up with the moon [du ðət]) maybe(perhaps; possibly [ˈmeɪbi]) he(referring to the fish [hi]) will come up(will rise to the surface [wɪl kəm əp]) with(in the company of; along with [wɪθ]) the sunrise(the time when the sun appears above the horizon in the morning [ðə ˈsənˌraɪz]). I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) have no cramps(do not have muscle spasms [hæv noʊ kræmps]) and(connecting words or clauses [ənd]) I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) feel(experience a particular sensation or emotion [fil]) strong(having the power to move heavy weights or perform physically demanding tasks [strɔŋ]). It(referring to the situation [ɪt]) is he(emphasizing that it is the fish [ɪz hi]) that(introduces a relative clause [ðət]) has(possesses [həz]) the hook(a curved piece of metal used for catching fish [ðə hʊk]) in his mouth(inside the fish's mouth [ɪn hɪz maʊθ]). But(used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said before [bət]) what a fish(expressing admiration or surprise at the size or strength of the fish [wət ə fɪʃ]) to pull(to exert force on so as to move towards oneself [tɪ pʊl]) like that(in that manner; to that extent [laɪk ðət]). He(referring to the fish [hi]) must(expressing necessity or obligation [məst]) have(to possess [hæv]) his mouth(the opening through which the fish eats [hɪz maʊθ]) shut tight(closed firmly and securely [ʃət taɪt]) on(in contact with [ɔn]) the wire(the fishing line [ðə waɪər]). I wish(expressing a desire or hope [aɪ wɪʃ]) I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) could see(were able to see [kʊd si]) him(referring to the fish [ɪm]). I wish(expressing a desire or hope [aɪ wɪʃ]) I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) could see(were able to see [kʊd si]) him(referring to the fish [ɪm]) only once(just one time [ˈoʊnli wəns]) to know(in order to understand [tɪ noʊ]) what(the thing or things that [wət]) I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) have(possess [hæv]) against me(opposing or competing with me [əˈgɛnst mi]).