The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway- page 29

''He is two feet longer than the skiff,'' the old man said.

• He: Refers to the fish the old man is trying to catch. The quotation marks indicate someone is speaking or thinking. [hi]
• is: Third person singular present of the verb 'to be'. [ɪz]
• two feet longer: An expression of measurement, indicating the fish is two feet longer than something else. [tu fit ˈlɔŋgər]
• than: A conjunction used for comparison. [ðən]
• the skiff: A type of small boat, often rowed or sailed. [ðə skɪf]
• the old man: Refers to the main character, an elderly man. [ðə oʊld mæn]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'to say'. [sɛd]

The line was going out fast but steadily and the fish was not panicked.

• The line: Refers to the fishing line. [ðə laɪn]
• was going out: Indicates the line was being pulled out from the reel. [wɑz goʊɪŋ aʊt]
• fast: Quickly. [fæst]
• but: A conjunction indicating contrast. [bət]
• steadily: At a constant rate. [ˈstɛdəli]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• the fish: The subject of the sentence. [ðə fɪʃ]
• was not panicked: Indicates the fish was not in a state of fear or alarm. [wɑz nɑt ˈpænɪkt]

The old man was trying with both hands to keep the line just inside of breaking strength.

• The old man: Refers to the main character, an elderly man. [ðə oʊld mæn]
• was trying: Past continuous tense of the verb 'to try'. [wɑz traɪɪŋ]
• with both hands: Using both hands. [wɪθ boʊθ hænz]
• to keep: In order to maintain. [tɪ kip]
• the line: Refers to the fishing line. [ðə laɪn]
• just inside of: Slightly below. [ʤɪst ˌɪnˈsaɪd əv]
• breaking strength: The maximum force the line can withstand before breaking. [ˈbreɪkɪŋ strɛŋθ]

He knew that if he could not slow the fish with a steady pressure the fish could take out all the line and break it.

• He: Refers to the old man. [hi]
• knew: Past tense of the verb 'to know'. [nu]
• that: A conjunction introducing a subordinate clause. [ðət]
• if: A conjunction introducing a conditional clause. [ɪf]
• he: Refers to the old man. [hi]
• could not slow: Was unable to reduce the speed of. [kʊd nɑt sloʊ]
• the fish: The subject of the sentence. [ðə fɪʃ]
• with: Using. [wɪθ]
• a steady pressure: Constant force. [ə ˈstɛdi ˈprɛʃər]
• the fish: The subject of the sentence. [ðə fɪʃ]
• could take out: Could pull out. [kʊd teɪk aʊt]
• all the line: The entire length of the fishing line. [ɔl ðə laɪn]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• break it: Cause the line to snap. [breɪk ɪt]

He is a great fish and I must convince him, he thought.

• He: Refers to the fish. [hi]
• is: Third person singular present of the verb 'to be'. [ɪz]
• a great fish: An impressive fish. [ə greɪt fɪʃ]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• I: Refers to the old man. [aɪ]
• must convince: Needs to persuade. [məst kənˈvɪns]
• him: Refers to the fish. [ɪm]
• he: Refers to the old man. [hi]
• thought: Past tense of the verb 'to think'. [θɔt]

I must never let him learn his strength nor what he could do if he made his run.

• I: Refers to the old man. [aɪ]
• must never let: Should not allow. [məst ˈnɛvər lɛt]
• him: Refers to the fish. [ɪm]
• learn: To find out. [lərn]
• his strength: How powerful he is. [hɪz strɛŋθ]
• nor: And not. [nɔr]
• what: The extent of what. [wət]
• he: Refers to the fish. [hi]
• could do: Is capable of. [kʊd du]
• if: A conjunction introducing a conditional clause. [ɪf]
• he: Refers to the fish. [hi]
• made his run: Started to swim away quickly. [meɪd hɪz rən]

If I were him I would put in everything now and go until something broke.

• If: A conjunction introducing a conditional clause. [ɪf]
• I: Refers to the old man. [aɪ]
• were: Past subjunctive of the verb 'to be'. [wər]
• him: Refers to the fish. [ɪm]
• I: Refers to the old man. [aɪ]
• would put in: Would exert. [wʊd pʊt ɪn]
• everything: All effort. [ˈɛvriˌθɪŋ]
• now: At this moment. [naʊ]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• go: Continue. [goʊ]
• until: Up to the point that. [ənˈtɪl]
• something: Something. [ˈsəmθɪŋ]
• broke: Snapped or gave way. [broʊk]

But, thank God, they are not as intelligent as we who kill them; although they are more noble and more able.

• But: A conjunction indicating contrast. [bət]
• thank God: An expression of gratitude. [θæŋk gɑd]
• they: Refers to the fish. [ðeɪ]
• are not: Are not. [ər nɑt]
• as intelligent: Equally smart. [ɛz ˌɪnˈtɛləʤənt]
• as: Used for comparison. [ɛz]
• we: Refers to humans. [wi]
• who kill: Who hunt and kill. [hu kɪl]
• them: Refers to the fish. [ðɛm]
• although: Despite the fact that. [ˌɔlˈðoʊ]
• they: Refers to the fish. [ðeɪ]
• are: Third person plural present of the verb 'to be'. [ər]
• more noble: More honorable or dignified. [mɔr ˈnoʊbəl]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• more able: More capable. [mɔr ˈeɪbəl]

The old man had seen many great fish.

• The: Definite article, referring to a specific old man [ðə]
• old: Advanced in years; having lived for a long time [oʊld]
• man: An adult male human [mæn]
• had seen: Past perfect tense of 'see', indicating an action completed before another time in the past [hæd sin]
• many: A large number of [ˈmɛni]
• great: Large in size or impressive [greɪt]
• fish: Aquatic animal [fɪʃ]

He had seen many that weighed more than a thousand pounds and he had caught two of that size in his life, but never alone.

• He: Referring to the old man [hi]
• had seen: Past perfect tense of 'see', indicating an action completed before another time in the past [hæd sin]
• many: A large number of [ˈmɛni]
• that: Referring to the fish [ðət]
• weighed: Past tense of 'weigh', to have a specified weight [weɪd]
• more than: Greater in quantity or degree than [mɔr ðən]
• a thousand: The number 1,000 [ə ˈθaʊzənd]
• pounds: Unit of weight [paʊnz]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two similar elements [ənd]
• he: Referring to the old man [hi]
• had caught: Past perfect tense of 'catch', indicating an action completed before another time in the past [hæd kɔt]
• two: The number 2 [tu]
• of: Preposition indicating belonging or origin [əv]
• that: Referring to the size [ðət]
• size: Magnitude or dimensions [saɪz]
• in: Preposition indicating location or time [ɪn]
• his: Belonging to the old man [hɪz]
• life: The period between birth and death [laɪf]
• but: Conjunction, introducing a contrast [bət]
• never: At no time in the past [ˈnɛvər]
• alone: Without anyone else present [əˈloʊn]

Now alone, and out of sight of land, he was fast to the biggest fish that he had ever seen and bigger than he had ever heard of, and his left hand was still as tight as the gripped claws of an eagle.

• Now: At the present time [naʊ]
• alone: Without anyone else present [əˈloʊn]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two similar elements [ənd]
• out of sight: Beyond the range of vision [aʊt əv saɪt]
• of: Preposition indicating belonging or origin [əv]
• land: The part of the earth's surface that is not permanently covered by water [lænd]
• he: Referring to the old man [hi]
• was fast: Securely attached or held [wɑz fæst]
• to: Preposition indicating direction or attachment [tɪ]
• the biggest: Largest in size or degree [ðə ˈbɪgəst]
• fish: Aquatic animal [fɪʃ]
• that: Referring to the fish [ðət]
• he: Referring to the old man [hi]
• had ever seen: Past perfect tense of 'see', indicating an action completed before another time in the past, emphasized with 'ever' for superlative effect [hæd ˈɛvər sin]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two similar elements [ənd]
• bigger than: Greater in size than [ˈbɪgər ðən]
• he: Referring to the old man [hi]
• had ever heard of: Past perfect tense of 'hear', indicating something learned in the past, emphasized with 'ever' for superlative effect [hæd ˈɛvər hərd əv]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two similar elements [ənd]
• his: Belonging to the old man [hɪz]
• left: On the west side of a person when they are facing north [lɛft]
• hand: The part of the body at the end of the arm [hænd]
• was: Past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• still: Continuing to be in the same state or condition [stɪl]
• as tight as: To the same degree or extent as [ɛz taɪt ɛz]
• the gripped: Held firmly [ðə grɪpt]
• claws: Sharp, curved nails on the feet of an animal or bird [klɔz]
• of: Preposition indicating belonging or origin [əv]
• an eagle: A large bird of prey [ən ˈigəl]

It will uncramp though, he thought.

• It: Refers to the hand [ɪt]
• will uncramp: The hand will relax and release from a cramp [wɪl uncramp]
• though: Despite something; however [ðoʊ]
• he: Referring to the old man [hi]
• thought: Past tense of 'think', to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]

Surely it will uncramp to help my right hand.

• Surely: Certainly; without a doubt [ˈʃʊrli]
• it: Referring to the hand [ɪt]
• will uncramp: The hand will relax and release from a cramp [wɪl uncramp]
• to help: In order to assist [tɪ hɛlp]
• my: Belonging to the speaker [maɪ]
• right: On the east side of a person when they are facing north [raɪt]
• hand: The part of the body at the end of the arm [hænd]

There are three things that are brothers: the fish and my two hands.

• There: Used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• are: Present tense of 'be' [ər]
• three: The number 3 [θri]
• things: Objects or entities [θɪŋz]
• that: Referring to the things [ðət]
• are: Present tense of 'be' [ər]
• brothers: Sharing a close relationship or similarity [ˈbrəðərz]
• the fish: Aquatic animal [ðə fɪʃ]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two similar elements [ənd]
• my: Belonging to the speaker [maɪ]
• two: The number 2 [tu]
• hands: The part of the body at the end of the arm [hænz]

It must uncramp.

• It: Referring to the hand [ɪt]
• must uncramp: The hand needs to relax and release from a cramp [məst uncramp]

It is unworthy of it to be cramped.

• It: Referring to the hand [ɪt]
• is: Present tense of 'be' [ɪz]
• unworthy: Not deserving respect or approval [ənˈwərði]
• of: Preposition indicating belonging or origin [əv]
• it: Referring to the hand [ɪt]
• to be cramped: To be in a state of painful muscle contraction [tɪ bi kræmpt]

The fish had slowed again and was going at his usual pace.

• The fish: Aquatic animal [ðə fɪʃ]
• had slowed: Past perfect tense of 'slow', to reduce speed [hæd sloʊd]
• again: Once more; another time [əˈgɛn]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two similar elements [ənd]
• was going: Moving or proceeding [wɑz goʊɪŋ]
• at: Preposition indicating location or time [æt]
• his: Belonging to the fish [hɪz]
• usual: Normal or customary [ˈjuʒəwəl]
• pace: Speed or rate of movement [peɪs]

I wonder why he jumped, the old man thought.

• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• wonder: to feel curiosity or doubt about something [ˈwəndər]
• why: for what reason or purpose [waɪ]
• he: a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]
• jumped: past tense of 'jump', meaning to push oneself off the ground or a surface by using the legs and feet [ʤəmpt]
• the old man: a man who is advanced in years [ðə oʊld mæn]
• thought: past tense of 'think', meaning to have a particular belief or idea [θɔt]

He jumped almost as though to show me how big he was.

• He: referring back to the male person mentioned earlier [hi]
• jumped: past tense of 'jump', meaning to push oneself off the ground or a surface by using the legs and feet [ʤəmpt]
• almost: nearly; not quite [ˈɔlˌmoʊst]
• as though: as if; in a way that suggests something [ɛz ðoʊ]
• to show: to make something visible or clear [tɪ ʃoʊ]
• me: the speaker or writer, used as the object of a verb or preposition [mi]
• how big: the extent of something from one side to the other [haʊ bɪg]
• he: referring back to the male person mentioned earlier [hi]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]

I know now, anyway, he thought.

• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• know: to be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information [noʊ]
• now: at the present time; at this moment [naʊ]
• anyway: in any case; regardless of other considerations [ˈɛniˌweɪ]
• he: referring back to the male person mentioned earlier [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think', meaning to have a particular belief or idea [θɔt]

I wish I could show him what sort of man I am.

• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• wish: to want something that is unlikely to happen [wɪʃ]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• could: past tense of 'can', indicating ability or possibility [kʊd]
• show: to make something visible or clear [ʃoʊ]
• him: the male person mentioned earlier, used as the object of a verb or preposition [ɪm]
• what sort of man: the type or kind of person [wət sɔrt əv mæn]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• am: present tense of 'be', used with 'I' [æm]

But then he would see the cramped hand.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
• then: at that time; or as a consequence [ðɛn]
• he: referring back to the male person mentioned earlier [hi]
• would: used to express a conditional or possible event [wʊd]
• see: to perceive with the eyes; to understand [si]
• the cramped hand: a hand that is contracted or restricted in movement [ðə kræmpt hænd]

Let him think I am more man than I am and I will be so.

• Let: allow or permit [lɛt]
• him: the male person mentioned earlier, used as the object of a verb or preposition [ɪm]
• think: to have a particular belief or idea [θɪŋk]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• am: present tense of 'be', used with 'I' [æm]
• more man: having greater strength, courage, or other qualities traditionally associated with men [mɔr mæn]
• than: used to make a comparison [ðən]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• am: present tense of 'be', used with 'I' [æm]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• will: expressing the future tense [wɪl]
• be: to exist or occur [bi]
• so: to such a great extent [soʊ]

I wish I was the fish, he thought, with everything he has against only my will and my intelligence.

• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• wish: to want something that is unlikely to happen [wɪʃ]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]
• the fish: a cold-blooded aquatic animal [ðə fɪʃ]
• he: referring back to the male person mentioned earlier [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think', meaning to have a particular belief or idea [θɔt]
• with: accompanied by or possessing [wɪθ]
• everything: all things; all the things being considered [ˈɛvriˌθɪŋ]
• he: referring back to the fish [hi]
• has: present tense of 'have', meaning to possess or hold [həz]
• against: in opposition to [əˈgɛnst]
• only: and no one or nothing more besides [ˈoʊnli]
• my: belonging to or associated with the speaker or writer [maɪ]
• will: the faculty by which a person decides on and orders their actions [wɪl]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• my: belonging to or associated with the speaker or writer [maɪ]
• intelligence: the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills [ˌɪnˈtɛləʤəns]

He settled comfortably against the wood and took his suffering as it came and the fish swam steadily and the boat moved slowly through the dark water.

• He: a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]
• settled: past tense of 'settle', meaning to adopt a more steady or secure style of life [ˈsɛtəld]
• comfortably: in a comfortable way or manner [ˈkəmfərtəbli]
• against: in opposition to [əˈgɛnst]
• the wood: the hard fibrous material that forms the main substance of a tree or shrub [ðə wʊd]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• took: past tense of 'take', meaning to lay hold of (something) with one's hands; grasp or seize [tʊk]
• his: belonging to or associated with the male person or animal previously mentioned [hɪz]
• suffering: the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship [ˈsəfərɪŋ]
• as: used to indicate that things happen during the time when something else is happening [ɛz]
• it: used to refer to something previously mentioned or easily identified [ɪt]
• came: past tense of 'come', meaning to move or travel towards or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker [keɪm]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• the fish: a cold-blooded aquatic animal [ðə fɪʃ]
• swam: past tense of 'swim', meaning to propel oneself through water by using the limbs or fins [swæm]
• steadily: in a steady manner; in a regular and even way [ˈstɛdəli]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• the boat: a small vessel propelled on water by oars, sails, or an engine [ðə boʊt]
• moved: past tense of 'move', meaning to go in a specified direction or manner; change position [muvd]
• slowly: at a slow speed; not quickly [sˈloʊli]
• through: moving in one side and out of the other side of (an opening, channel, or location [θru]
• the dark water: water that is lacking light or is of a deep color [ðə dɑrk ˈwɔtər]

There was a small sea rising with the wind coming up from the east and at noon the old man's left hand was uncramped.

• There: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]
• a small sea: a relatively small area of sea [ə smɔl si]
• rising: increasing; getting higher [ˈraɪzɪŋ]
• with: accompanied by or possessing [wɪθ]
• the wind: air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to one of lower pressure [ðə wɪnd]
• coming up: approaching or moving upwards [ˈkəmɪŋ əp]
• from: indicating the point in space at which a journey, motion, or action starts [frəm]
• the east: the direction in which the sun rises [ðə ist]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• at noon: at twelve o'clock in the day [æt nun]
• the old man's: belonging to the old man [ðə oʊld mænz]
• left hand: the hand on the left side of the body [lɛft hænd]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]
• uncramped: not contracted or restricted in movement [uncramped]

''Bad news for you, fish,'' he said and shifted the line over the sacks that covered his shoulders.

• Bad news for you, fish: This is a direct address to the fish, indicating the speaker's intention to catch it. 'Bad news' implies the fish is in trouble. The quotation marks indicate direct speech. [bæd nuz fər ju fɪʃ]
• he said: Attribution of the preceding words to a male speaker. [hi sɛd]
• and shifted the line: The speaker adjusted the fishing line, likely to improve his position or grip. [ənd ˈʃɪftɪd ðə laɪn]
• over the sacks: The fishing line was moved across sacks, possibly containing bait, supplies, or the caught fish. [ˈoʊvər ðə sæks]
• that covered his shoulders: The sacks were positioned on the speaker's shoulders, possibly for carrying or protection. [ðət ˈkəvərd hɪz ˈʃoʊldərz]