The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway- page 22

That was the saddest thing I ever saw with them, the old man thought.

• That: refers to something previously mentioned or observed [ðət]
• was: past tense of the verb 'to be', linking the subject to the description [wɑz]
• the saddest thing: the most upsetting or heartbreaking event or situation [ðə ˈsædəst θɪŋ]
• I: the speaker or narrator [aɪ]
• ever: at any time; used to emphasize the extent of something [ˈɛvər]
• saw: past tense of the verb 'to see', meaning to perceive with the eyes or understand [sɔ]
• with them: in their presence or involving them [wɪθ ðɛm]
• the old man: a man who is advanced in age [ðə oʊld mæn]
• thought: past tense of the verb 'to think', meaning to have a particular idea or belief [θɔt]

The boy was sad too and we begged her pardon and butchered her promptly.

• The boy: a young male person [ðə bɔɪ]
• was: past tense of the verb 'to be', linking the subject to the description [wɑz]
• sad: feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy [sæd]
• too: also; in addition [tu]
• and: used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
• we: the speaker and one or more other people [wi]
• begged: past tense of the verb 'to beg', meaning to ask someone earnestly or humbly for something [bɛgd]
• her: belonging to or associated with a female person or animal [hər]
• pardon: forgiveness for or excusal of an offense [ˈpɑrdən]
• and: used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
• butchered: past tense of the verb 'to butcher', meaning to slaughter or kill an animal for food, often implying a crude or violent manner [ˈbʊʧərd]
• her: belonging to or associated with a female person or animal [hər]
• promptly: without delay; immediately [ˈprɑmptli]

''I wish the boy was here,'' he said aloud and settled himself against the rounded planks of the bow and felt the strength of the great fish through the line he held across his shoulders moving steadily toward whatever he had chosen.

• I wish: expresses a desire or longing for something [aɪ wɪʃ]
• the boy: a young male person [ðə bɔɪ]
• was: past tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]
• here: in this place; present [hir]
• he: a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]
• said: past tense of the verb 'to say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• aloud: in a voice that can be clearly heard [əˈlaʊd]
• and: used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
• settled: past tense of the verb 'to settle', meaning to place or arrange oneself comfortably [ˈsɛtəld]
• himself: the reflexive form of 'him', referring back to the subject 'he' [hɪmˈsɛlf]
• against: in opposition to or in contact with [əˈgɛnst]
• the rounded planks: pieces of wood that are curved or shaped in a circular form [ðə ˈraʊndɪd plæŋks]
• of the bow: the front part of a boat or ship [əv ðə boʊ]
• and: used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
• felt: past tense of the verb 'to feel', meaning to perceive or experience something [fɛlt]
• the strength: the quality or state of being physically strong [ðə strɛŋθ]
• of the great fish: a large aquatic animal [əv ðə greɪt fɪʃ]
• through: by means of or because of [θru]
• the line: a rope or cord used for fishing [ðə laɪn]
• he: a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]
• held: past tense of the verb 'to hold', meaning to grasp or support something [hɛld]
• across: from one side to the other of [əˈkrɔs]
• his: belonging to or associated with a male person or animal [hɪz]
• shoulders: the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm [ˈʃoʊldərz]
• moving: in the process of changing position or going from one place to another [ˈmuvɪŋ]
• steadily: in a constant and regular manner [ˈstɛdəli]
• toward: in the direction of [təˈwɔrd]
• whatever: anything or everything that [ˌwəˈtɛvər]
• he: a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]
• had chosen: past perfect tense of the verb 'to choose', meaning to have selected or decided on something [hæd ˈʧoʊzən]

When once, through my treachery, it had been necessary to him to make a choice, the old man thought.

• When: at the time or occasion that [wɪn]
• once: on one occasion; formerly [wəns]
• through: by means of or because of [θru]
• my: belonging to or associated with the speaker [maɪ]
• treachery: betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature [ˈtrɛʧəri]
• it: refers to a situation or action [ɪt]
• had been: past perfect tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state or condition that existed before another past action [hæd bɪn]
• necessary: required to be done, achieved, or present; essential [ˈnɛsəˌsɛri]
• to him: for his benefit or purpose [tɪ ɪm]
• to make: to perform an action or create something [tɪ meɪk]
• a choice: an act of selecting or deciding when faced with two or more possibilities [ə ʧɔɪs]
• the old man: a man who is advanced in age [ðə oʊld mæn]
• thought: past tense of the verb 'to think', meaning to have a particular idea or belief [θɔt]

His choice had been to stay in the deep dark water far out beyond all snares and traps and treacheries.

• His choice: the act of selecting or deciding that he made [hɪz ʧɔɪs]
• had been: past perfect tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state or condition that existed before another past action [hæd bɪn]
• to stay: to remain in a particular place or condition [tɪ steɪ]
• in the deep dark water: water that is far below the surface and lacking light [ɪn ðə dip dɑrk ˈwɔtər]
• far out: at a considerable distance from land [fɑr aʊt]
• beyond: at or to the further side of [bɪɔnd]
• all snares: traps or devices for catching animals [ɔl snɛrz]
• and: used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
• traps: devices or contrivances for catching animals or people [træps]
• and: used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
• treacheries: acts of betrayal or deception [treacheries]

My choice was to go there to find him beyond all people.

• My choice: the act of selecting or deciding that I made [maɪ ʧɔɪs]
• was: past tense of the verb 'to be', linking the subject to the description [wɑz]
• to go: to move or travel to a place [tɪ goʊ]
• there: in or at that place [ðɛr]
• to find: to discover or locate something [tɪ faɪnd]
• him: a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [ɪm]
• beyond: at or to the further side of [bɪɔnd]
• all people: every person; everyone [ɔl ˈpipəl]

Beyond all people in the world.

• Beyond: at or to the further side of [bɪɔnd]
• all people: every person; everyone [ɔl ˈpipəl]
• in the world: on the planet Earth [ɪn ðə wərld]

Now we are joined together and have been since noon.

• Now: at the present time [naʊ]
• we: the speaker and one or more other people [wi]
• are joined: connected or united [ər ʤɔɪnd]
• together: in or into one place or group [təˈgɛðər]
• and: used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
• have been: present perfect tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state or condition that started in the past and continues to the present [hæv bɪn]
• since noon: from 12 o'clock in the middle of the day until the present time [sɪns nun]

And no one to help either one of us.

• And: used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
• no one: not a single person [noʊ wən]
• to help: to give assistance or support to someone [tɪ hɛlp]
• either one: any one of two people or things [ˈiðər wən]
• of us: belonging to or associated with the speaker and one or more other people [əv ˈjuˈɛs]

Perhaps I should not have been a fisherman, he thought.

• Perhaps: possibly but not certainly; maybe [pərˈhæps]
• I: the speaker or writer referring to himself or herself [aɪ]
• should: used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions [ʃʊd]
• not: used to express negation, denial, refusal, or prohibition [nɑt]
• have been: indicates an action that should have happened but didn't [hæv bɪn]
• a fisherman: a person who catches fish, typically for a living [ə ˈfɪʃərˌmæn]
• he: the subject of the sentence [hi]
• thought: past tense of think, to have a particular belief or idea [θɔt]

But that was the thing that I was born for.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• that: used to identify a specific thing observed or heard by the speaker [ðət]
• was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• the thing: a particular object or item [ðə θɪŋ]
• that: used to define or identify 'the thing' [ðət]
• I: the speaker or writer referring to himself or herself [aɪ]
• was born for: destined or naturally suited for something [wɑz bɔrn fər]

I must surely remember to eat the tuna after it gets light.

• I: the speaker or writer referring to himself or herself [aɪ]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• surely: used to emphasize the speaker's confidence in the truth of what they are saying [ˈʃʊrli]
• remember: to keep in mind for future action [rɪˈmɛmbər]
• to eat: to consume food [tɪ it]
• the tuna: a large saltwater fish [ðə ˈtunə]
• after: subsequent to; later than [ˈæftər]
• it: referring to the event of catching the tuna [ɪt]
• gets light: when daylight arrives; when the sun rises [gɪts laɪt]

Some time before daylight something took one of the baits that were behind him.

• Some time: an unspecified period of time [səm taɪm]
• before: earlier than [ˌbiˈfɔr]
• daylight: the light from the sun during the day [ˈdeɪˌlaɪt]
• something: an unspecified or unknown thing [ˈsəmθɪŋ]
• took: past tense of 'take', to seize or capture [tʊk]
• one of the baits: one item used to lure fish or animals [wən əv ðə beɪts]
• that: used to identify the baits [ðət]
• were: past tense of 'be', plural [wər]
• behind him: at the rear of the person [bɪˈhaɪnd ɪm]

He heard the stick break and the line begin to rush out over the gunwale of the skiff.

• He: the subject of the sentence [hi]
• heard: past tense of 'hear', to perceive with the ear [hərd]
• the stick: a piece of wood [ðə stɪk]
• break: to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain [breɪk]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• the line: a length of cord or rope [ðə laɪn]
• begin: to start [bɪˈgɪn]
• to rush out: to move forward with great speed [tɪ rəʃ aʊt]
• over: extending directly upwards from [ˈoʊvər]
• the gunwale: the upper edge of the side of a boat or ship [ðə gunwale]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• the skiff: a light rowing boat [ðə skɪf]

In the darkness he loosened his sheath knife and taking all the strain of the fish on his left shoulder he leaned back and cut the line against the wood of the gunwale.

• In: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• the darkness: the state of being dark [ðə ˈdɑrknəs]
• he: the subject of the sentence [hi]
• loosened: to make or become less tight [ˈlusənd]
• his: belonging to or associated with the person previously mentioned [hɪz]
• sheath knife: a knife that is kept in a sheath [ʃiθ naɪf]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• taking: to lay hold of (something) with one's hands; reach for and hold [ˈteɪkɪŋ]
• all: used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of [ɔl]
• the strain: a force tending to pull or stretch something to an extreme or damaging degree [ðə streɪn]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• the fish: a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins and living wholly in water [ðə fɪʃ]
• on: physically supported by (something [ɔn]
• his: belonging to or associated with the person previously mentioned [hɪz]
• left shoulder: the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm [lɛft ˈʃoʊldər]
• he: the subject of the sentence [hi]
• leaned back: to incline or bend backward from a vertical position [lind bæk]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• cut: past tense of 'cut', to divide with a sharp implement [kət]
• the line: a length of cord or rope [ðə laɪn]
• against: in opposition to [əˈgɛnst]
• the wood: the hard fibrous material that forms the main substance of a tree or shrub [ðə wʊd]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• the gunwale: the upper edge of the side of a boat or ship [ðə gunwale]

Then he cut the other line closest to him and in the dark made the loose ends of the reserve coils fast.

• Then: at that time; after that [ðɛn]
• he: the subject of the sentence [hi]
• cut: past tense of 'cut', to divide with a sharp implement [kət]
• the other line: the remaining line [ðə ˈəðər laɪn]
• closest: nearest in space or time [ˈkloʊsəst]
• to him: near the person [tɪ ɪm]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• the dark: absence of light [ðə dɑrk]
• made: past tense of 'make', to create or construct [meɪd]
• the loose ends: the unattached or untied parts [ðə lus ɛndz]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• the reserve coils: extra or backup loops of rope [ðə rɪˈzərv kɔɪlz]
• fast: securely fixed in place [fæst]

He worked skillfully with the one hand and put his foot on the coils to hold them as he drew his knots tight.

• He: the subject of the sentence [hi]
• worked: past tense of 'work', to exert effort [wərkt]
• skillfully: in a way that shows skill [ˈskɪlfəli]
• with: accompanied by (another person or thing [wɪθ]
• the one hand: a single hand [ðə wən hænd]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• put: past tense of 'put', to move to or place in a particular position [pʊt]
• his: belonging to or associated with the person previously mentioned [hɪz]
• foot: the lower extremity of the leg below the ankle, on which a person stands or walks [fʊt]
• on: physically supported by (something [ɔn]
• the coils: loops of rope or wire [ðə kɔɪlz]
• to hold: to keep or retain [tɪ hoʊld]
• them: referring to the coils [ðɛm]
• as: while [ɛz]
• he: the subject of the sentence [hi]
• drew: past tense of 'draw', to pull or drag [dru]
• his: belonging to or associated with the person previously mentioned [hɪz]
• knots: a fastening made by looping a piece of string, rope, or something similar on itself and tightening it [nɑts]
• tight: closely stretched or constricted; not loose [taɪt]

Now he had six reserve coils of line.

• Now: at the present time or moment [naʊ]
• he: the subject of the sentence [hi]
• had: past tense of 'have', to possess [hæd]
• six reserve coils: six extra or backup loops of rope [sɪks rɪˈzərv kɔɪlz]
• of line: made of rope [əv laɪn]

There were two from each bait he had severed and the two from the bait the fish had taken and they were all connected.

• There: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• were: past tense of 'be', plural [wər]
• two: the number 2 [tu]
• from: indicating the place or point where something starts [frəm]
• each bait: every single lure [iʧ beɪt]
• he: the subject of the sentence [hi]
• had severed: had cut or broken off [hæd ˈsɛvərd]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• the two: the number 2 [ðə tu]
• from: indicating the place or point where something starts [frəm]
• the bait: a lure used to catch fish or animals [ðə beɪt]
• the fish: a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins and living wholly in water [ðə fɪʃ]
• had taken: had seized or captured [hæd ˈteɪkən]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• they: referring to the coils [ðeɪ]
• were: past tense of 'be', plural [wər]
• all: used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of [ɔl]
• connected: joined or linked together [kəˈnɛktɪd]

After it is light, he thought, I will work back to the forty-fathom bait and cut it away too and link up the reserve coils.

• After: Following in time or sequence [ˈæftər]
• it: Refers to an unspecified subject, likely the situation or time [ɪt]
• is: Present tense of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
• light: The state of having illumination; daylight [laɪt]
• he: Referring to a male person previously mentioned or known [hi]
• thought: Past tense of 'think'; an idea or opinion produced by thinking [θɔt]
• I: The speaker or writer referring to themself [aɪ]
• will: Auxiliary verb expressing future tense [wɪl]
• work back: To return or retrace one's steps [wərk bæk]
• to: Expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• the forty-fathom bait: Bait set at a depth of forty fathoms (a fathom is a unit of length, approximately 6 feet [ðə forty-fathom beɪt]
• and: Conjunction connecting words or clauses [ənd]
• cut it away: To sever or detach something by cutting [kət ɪt əˈweɪ]
• too: Also; in addition [tu]
• and: Conjunction connecting words or clauses [ənd]
• link up: To connect or join together [lɪŋk əp]
• the reserve coils: Extra or backup coils of rope or line [ðə rɪˈzərv kɔɪlz]

I will have lost two hundred fathoms of good Catalan cardel and the hooks and leaders.

• I: The speaker or writer referring to themself [aɪ]
• will: Auxiliary verb expressing future tense [wɪl]
• have lost: To have misplaced or been deprived of something [hæv lɔst]
• two hundred fathoms: A length of two hundred fathoms (a fathom is a unit of length, approximately 6 feet [tu ˈhənərd ˈfæðəmz]
• of: Expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• good: Of high quality; desirable [gʊd]
• Catalan cardel: Likely refers to a type of strong rope or line from Catalonia [ˈkætɑˌlɑn cardel]
• and: Conjunction connecting words or clauses [ənd]
• the hooks: Curved or angled pieces of metal used for catching fish [ðə hʊks]
• and: Conjunction connecting words or clauses [ənd]
• leaders: Short lengths of line connecting the hook to the main line [ˈlidərz]

That can be replaced.

• That: Referring to something previously mentioned [ðət]
• can be: Expressing possibility or ability [kən bi]
• replaced: To provide a substitute or equivalent for something [ˌriˈpleɪst]

But who replaces this fish if I hook some fish and it cuts him off?

• But: Conjunction introducing a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• who: Asking what or which person or people [hu]
• replaces: To provide a substitute or equivalent for something [rɪˈpleɪsɪz]
• this fish: Referring to the specific fish being discussed [ðɪs fɪʃ]
• if: Expressing a condition [ɪf]
• I: The speaker or writer referring to themself [aɪ]
• hook: To catch a fish with a hook [hʊk]
• some fish: An unspecified fish [səm fɪʃ]
• and: Conjunction connecting words or clauses [ənd]
• it: Referring to an unspecified subject, likely the fish [ɪt]
• cuts: To sever or divide something with a sharp implement [kəts]
• him off: To detach or separate something by cutting [ɪm ɔf]

I don't know what that fish was that took the bait just now.

• I: The speaker or writer referring to themself [aɪ]
• don't: Contraction of 'do not' [doʊnt]
• know: To be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information [noʊ]
• what: Asking for information specifying something [wət]
• that fish: Referring to the specific fish being discussed [ðət fɪʃ]
• was: Past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
• that: Referring to something previously mentioned [ðət]
• took: Past tense of 'take'; to seize or capture [tʊk]
• the bait: Something used to lure or attract fish [ðə beɪt]
• just now: A short time ago; very recently [ʤɪst naʊ]

It could have been a marlin or a broadbill or a shark.

• It: Referring to an unspecified subject, likely the fish [ɪt]
• could: Expressing possibility or ability in the past [kʊd]
• have been: Expressing a past possibility [hæv bɪn]
• a marlin: A large, elongated fish with a spear-like snout [ə ˈmɑrlɪn]
• or: Conjunction introducing an alternative [ər]
• a broadbill: Another name for a swordfish [ə broadbill]
• or: Conjunction introducing an alternative [ər]
• a shark: A type of cartilaginous fish [ə ʃɑrk]

I never felt him.

• I: The speaker or writer referring to themself [aɪ]
• never: At no time; not ever [ˈnɛvər]
• felt: Past tense of 'feel'; to perceive through touch [fɛlt]
• him: Referring to a male person or animal previously mentioned or known [ɪm]

I had to get rid of him too fast.

• I: The speaker or writer referring to themself [aɪ]
• had to: Was obliged or required to [hæd tɪ]
• get rid of: To eliminate or discard something unwanted [gɪt rɪd əv]
• him: Referring to a male person or animal previously mentioned or known [ɪm]
• too fast: At an excessive speed [tu fæst]