''It is(A statement indicating a condition or quality [ɪt ɪz]) not bad(Acceptable or satisfactory [nɑt bæd]),'' he(Referring to a male person [hi]) said(Spoke or uttered words [sɛd]). ''And(Conjunction introducing an additional statement [ənd]) pain(Physical suffering or discomfort [peɪn]) does not matter(Is not important or significant [dɪz nɑt ˈmætər]) to a man(For a person, especially a male [tɪ ə mæn]).''
He(Referring to a male person [hi]) took hold(Grasped or seized [tʊk hoʊld]) of the line(Referring to a rope or fishing line [əv ðə laɪn]) carefully(In a cautious and attentive manner [ˈkɛrfəli]) so that(With the purpose or result that [soʊ ðət]) it(Referring to the line [ɪt]) did not fit(Did not become lodged or stuck [dɪd nɑt fɪt]) into(Within or inside [ˈɪntu]) any of(One or some from a group [ˈɛni əv]) the fresh line cuts(New abrasions or wounds from the line [ðə frɛʃ laɪn kəts]) and(Conjunction connecting two actions [ənd]) shifted(Changed or adjusted [ˈʃɪftɪd]) his(Belonging to him [hɪz]) weight(The distribution of his body mass [weɪt]) so that(With the purpose or result that [soʊ ðət]) he(Referring to the same male person [hi]) could put(Was able to place [kʊd pʊt]) his left hand(The hand on the left side of his body [hɪz lɛft hænd]) into the sea(Submerge in the ocean [ˈɪntu ðə si]) on the other side(On the opposite side [ɔn ðə ˈəðər saɪd]) of the skiff(Of the small boat [əv ðə skɪf]).
''You(Referring to the left hand [ju]) did not do(Did not perform [dɪd nɑt du]) so badly(In a poor manner [soʊ ˈbædli]) for(Considering or in relation to [fər]) something worthless(An object or thing of no value [ˈsəmθɪŋ ˈwərθləs]),'' he(Referring to a male person [hi]) said(Spoke or uttered words [sɛd]) to his left hand(Addressing his left hand [tɪ hɪz lɛft hænd]). ''But(Conjunction introducing a contrasting statement [bət]) there was(There existed [ðɛr wɑz]) a moment(A brief period of time [ə ˈmoʊmənt]) when(At which time [wɪn]) I(Referring to the speaker [aɪ]) could not find(Was unable to locate [kʊd nɑt faɪnd]) you(Referring to the left hand [ju]).''
Why(asking for the reason [waɪ]) was I not born(expressing regret or questioning the circumstances of one's birth [wɑz aɪ nɑt bɔrn]) with two good hands(having the ability to use both hands effectively [wɪθ tu gʊd hænz])? he thought(reporting the character's internal monologue [hi θɔt]). Perhaps(possibly; maybe [pərˈhæps]) it was my fault(attributing blame to oneself [ɪt wɑz maɪ fɔlt]) in not training(failing to practice or develop a skill [ɪn nɑt ˈtreɪnɪŋ]) that one(referring to one of the hands [ðət wən]) properly(correctly or effectively [ˈprɑpərli]). But(introducing a contrasting statement [bət]) God knows(an expression indicating certainty or emphasis [gɑd noʊz]) he has had enough chances(there have been ample opportunities [hi həz hæd ɪˈnəf ˈʧænsɪz]) to learn(to acquire a skill or knowledge [tɪ lərn]). He did not do so badly(he performed reasonably well [hi dɪd nɑt du soʊ ˈbædli]) in the night(during the previous night [ɪn ðə naɪt]), though(however; nevertheless [ðoʊ]), and(connecting two related statements [ənd]) he has only cramped once(experienced a muscle spasm a single time [hi həz ˈoʊnli kræmpt wəns]). If(introducing a conditional clause [ɪf]) he cramps again(experiences another muscle spasm [hi kræmps əˈgɛn]) let the line cut him off(allow the fishing line to break or be released [lɛt ðə laɪn kət ɪm ɔf]).
When(at the time that [wɪn]) he thought that(reporting the character's internal thought process [hi θɔt ðət]) he knew(he understood [hi nu]) that he was not being clear-headed(he was not thinking clearly [ðət hi wɑz nɑt biɪŋ clear-headed]) and(connecting two related thoughts [ənd]) he thought(he considered [hi θɔt]) he should chew(he ought to eat [hi ʃʊd ʧu]) some more of the dolphin(an additional portion of the dolphin meat [səm mɔr əv ðə ˈdɑlfən]). But(introducing a contrasting thought [bət]) I can't(I am unable to [aɪ kænt]), he told himself(reporting the character's internal monologue [hi toʊld hɪmˈsɛlf]). It is better(it is preferable [ɪt ɪz ˈbɛtər]) to be light-headed(to feel dizzy or faint [tɪ bi light-headed]) than(in comparison to [ðən]) to lose your strength(to become weak [tɪ luz jʊr strɛŋθ]) from nausea(due to feeling sick [frəm ˈnɔziə]). And(connecting two related statements [ənd]) I know(I am aware [aɪ noʊ]) I cannot keep it(I will not be able to retain the food [aɪ ˈkænɑt kip ɪt]) if I eat it(if I consume it [ɪf aɪ it ɪt]) since(because [sɪns]) my face was in it(his face came into contact with the food [maɪ feɪs wɑz ɪn ɪt]). I will keep it(I will save it [aɪ wɪl kip ɪt]) for an emergency(to use in a critical situation [fər ən ˈimərʤənsi]) until(up to the point that [ənˈtɪl]) it goes bad(it spoils or decomposes [ɪt goʊz bæd]). But(introducing a contrasting thought [bət]) it is too late(the opportunity has passed [ɪt ɪz tu leɪt]) to try for strength now(to attempt to regain strength at this point [tɪ traɪ fər strɛŋθ naʊ]) through nourishment(by eating food [θru ˈnərɪʃmənt]). You're stupid(he is foolish [jʊr ˈstupɪd]), he told himself(reporting the character's internal monologue [hi toʊld hɪmˈsɛlf]). Eat the other flying fish(consume the remaining flying fish [it ðə ˈəðər flaɪɪŋ fɪʃ]).
It(refers to something previously mentioned, likely the fish or a part of it [ɪt]) was(past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]) there(in that place or location [ðɛr]), cleaned(having been made free of dirt or impurities [ klind]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) ready(prepared for immediate action or use [ˈrɛdi]), and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ ənd]) he(refers to a male person or animal previously mentioned [hi]) picked(past tense of 'pick', meaning to take hold of and lift or move something [pɪkt]) it(refers to something previously mentioned, likely the fish or a part of it [ɪt]) up(to a higher position or level [əp]) with(accompanied by or using [wɪθ]) his(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) left(on the left side [lɛft]) hand(the part of the body at the end of the arm, used for holding things [hænd]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) ate(past tense of 'eat', meaning to put food into the mouth and chew and swallow it [eɪt]) it(refers to something previously mentioned, likely the fish or a part of it [ɪt]) chewing(gerund of 'chew', meaning to bite and grind food in the mouth [ʧuɪŋ]) the(definite article, referring to specific bones [ðə]) bones(the hard, rigid form of connective tissue constituting most of the skeleton of vertebrates [boʊnz]) carefully(in a way that avoids mistakes or harm [ˈkɛrfəli]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) eating(gerund of 'eat', meaning to put food into the mouth and chew and swallow it [ˈitɪŋ]) all(the whole quantity or extent of [ɔl]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) it(refers to something previously mentioned, likely the fish or a part of it [ɪt]) down(towards or in a lower place or position [daʊn]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) the(definite article, referring to a specific tail [ðə]) tail(the hindmost part of an animal's body; here, the tail of the fish [teɪl]).
It(refers to something previously mentioned, likely the fish [ɪt]) has(third-person singular present of 'have', meaning to possess or contain [həz]) more(a greater or additional amount of [mɔr]) nourishment(the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition [ˈnərɪʃmənt]) than(used to introduce the second element in a comparison [ðən]) almost(nearly; not quite [ˈɔlˌmoʊst]) any(one or some indiscriminately of all those specified [ˈɛni]) fish(a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins and living wholly in water [fɪʃ]), he(refers to a male person previously mentioned [ hi]) thought(past tense of 'think', meaning to have a particular belief or idea [θɔt]). (end of sentence)At least(used to indicate that what follows is the least that can be said or expected [æt list]) the(definite article, referring to a specific kind of strength [ðə]) kind(a group of people or things having similar characteristics [kaɪnd]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) strength(the quality or state of being physically strong [strɛŋθ]) that(used to identify a specific thing observed or heard by the speaker [ðət]) I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) need(requiring something because it is essential or very important [nid]). (end of sentence)Now(at the present time or moment [naʊ]) I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) have(auxiliary verb used to form the perfect tenses [hæv]) done(past participle of 'do', meaning to perform an action [dən]) what(asking for information specifying something [wət]) I(the speaker or writer [aɪ]) can(be able to [kən]), he(refers to a male person previously mentioned [ hi]) thought(past tense of 'think', meaning to have a particular belief or idea [θɔt]). (end of sentence)Let(used to express a suggestion or request [lɛt]) him(refers to a male person or animal previously mentioned [ɪm]) begin(start [bɪˈgɪn]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) circle(move in a circle [ˈsərkəl]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) let(used to express a suggestion or request [lɛt]) the(definite article, referring to a specific fight [ðə]) fight(a violent confrontation or struggle [faɪt]) come(move or travel towards or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker [kəm]).
The(definite article, referring to a specific sun [ðə]) sun(the star that provides light and heat to Earth [sən]) was(past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]) rising(gerund of 'rise', meaning to come up from the horizon [ˈraɪzɪŋ]) for(expressing purpose or reason [fər]) the(definite article, referring to a specific time [ðə]) third(being one of three equal parts [θərd]) time(an instance or occasion [taɪm]) since(from a definite past time until now [sɪns]) he(refers to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) had(auxiliary verb used to form the past perfect tense [hæd]) put(past participle of 'put', meaning to move something to a specific location [pʊt]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) sea(the expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface [si]) when(at or during the time that [wɪn]) the(definite article, referring to a specific fish [ðə]) fish(a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins and living wholly in water [fɪʃ]) started(past tense of 'start', meaning to begin [ˈstɑrtɪd]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) circle(move in a circle [ˈsərkəl]).
He(refers to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) could(past tense of 'can', expressing ability or possibility [kʊd]) not(expressing negation [nɑt]) see(perceive with the eyes; discern visually [si]) by(indicating the means of achieving something [baɪ]) the(definite article, referring to a specific slant [ðə]) slant(a sloping position or direction [slænt]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) the(definite article, referring to a specific line [ðə]) line(a length of cord or rope used for a particular purpose [laɪn]) that(used to introduce a subordinate clause specifying something [ðət]) the(definite article, referring to a specific fish [ðə]) fish(a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins and living wholly in water [fɪʃ]) was(past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]) circling(gerund of 'circle', meaning to move in a circle [ˈsərkəlɪŋ]). (end of sentence)It(refers to the situation or action [ɪt]) was(past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]) too(to a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible [tu]) early(near the beginning of a period of time, process, or course of events [ˈərli]) for(expressing purpose or reason [fər]) that(referring to something previously mentioned or known [ðət]). (end of sentence)He(refers to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) just(exactly; precisely [ʤɪst]) felt(past tense of 'feel', meaning to be aware of (something) through physical sensation [fɛlt]) a(indefinite article, referring to a non-specific faint slackening [ə]) faint(barely perceptible [feɪnt]) slackening(a decrease in tightness, tension, or activity [sˈlækənɪŋ]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) the(definite article, referring to a specific pressure [ðə]) pressure(the exertion of force on something [ˈprɛʃər]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) the(definite article, referring to a specific line [ðə]) line(a length of cord or rope used for a particular purpose [laɪn]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) he(refers to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) commenced(past tense of 'commence', meaning to begin [kəˈmɛnst]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) pull(exert force on (someone or something) so as to move them towards oneself [pʊl]) on(supported by or suspended from [ɔn]) it(refers to the line [ɪt]) gently(in a careful and quiet manner, so as not to cause shock or alarm [ˈʤɛntli]) with(accompanied by or using [wɪθ]) his(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) right(on the right side [raɪt]) hand(the part of the body at the end of the arm, used for holding things [hænd]). (end of sentence)It(refers to the line [ɪt]) tightened(past tense of 'tighten', meaning to become or make tighter [ˈtaɪtənd]), as(used to indicate that things happen in the way described [ ɛz]) always(at all times; on all occasions [ˈɔlˌweɪz]), but(used to introduce a statement contrasting with or qualifying a previous one [ bət]) just(exactly; precisely [ʤɪst]) when(at or during the time that [wɪn]) he(refers to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) reached(past tense of 'reach', meaning to arrive at [riʧt]) the(definite article, referring to a specific point [ðə]) point(a particular spot, place, or moment [pɔɪnt]) where(at or in which [wɛr]) it(refers to the line [ɪt]) would(expressing a conditional or possible event [wʊd]) break(separate or be broken into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain [breɪk]), line(a length of cord or rope used for a particular purpose [ laɪn]) began(past tense of 'begin', meaning to start [bɪˈgæn]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) come(move or travel towards or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker [kəm]) in(expressing movement with the result of being enclosed or surrounded [ɪn]). (end of sentence)He(refers to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) slipped(past tense of 'slip', meaning to slide unintentionally for a short distance [slɪpt]) his(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) shoulders(the part of the body to which the arms are attached [ˈʃoʊldərz]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) head(the part of the body above the neck where the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are [hɛd]) from(indicating a starting point [frəm]) under(extending or directly below [ˈəndər]) the(definite article, referring to a specific line [ðə]) line(a length of cord or rope used for a particular purpose [laɪn]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) began(past tense of 'begin', meaning to start [bɪˈgæn]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) pull(exert force on (someone or something) so as to move them towards oneself [pʊl]) in(expressing movement with the result of being enclosed or surrounded [ɪn]) line(a length of cord or rope used for a particular purpose [laɪn]) steadily(in a regular and even manner [ˈstɛdəli]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) gently(in a careful and quiet manner, so as not to cause shock or alarm [ˈʤɛntli]). (end of sentence)He(refers to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) used(past tense of 'use', meaning to take, hold, or deploy (something) as a means of accomplishing a purpose or achieving a result [juzd]) both(referring to two things or people regarded together [boʊθ]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) his(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) hands(the part of the body at the end of the arm, used for holding things [hænz]) in(expressing the situation of being enclosed or surrounded [ɪn]) a(indefinite article, referring to a non-specific swinging motion [ə]) swinging(moving or hanging freely while repeatedly changing direction [sˈwɪŋɪŋ]) motion(movement [ˈmoʊʃən]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) tried(past tense of 'try', meaning to make an attempt or effort to do something [traɪd]) to(expressing purpose or intention [tɪ]) do(perform an action, task, or activity [du]) the(definite article, referring to a specific pulling [ðə]) pulling(the act of exerting force on (someone or something) so as to move them towards oneself [ˈpʊlɪŋ]) as(to the degree that [ɛz]) much(a large amount or quantity of [məʧ]) as(to the degree that [ɛz]) he(refers to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) could(past tense of 'can', expressing ability or possibility [kʊd]) with(accompanied by or using [wɪθ]) his(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) body(the physical structure of a person or animal [ˈbɑdi]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) his(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) legs(each of the limbs on which a person or animal moves and stands [lɛgz]). (end of sentence)His(belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) old(having lived for a long time; elderly [oʊld]) legs(each of the limbs on which a person or animal moves and stands [lɛgz]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) shoulders(the part of the body to which the arms are attached [ˈʃoʊldərz]) pivoted(past tense of 'pivot', meaning to turn on a central point [ˈpɪvətɪd]) with(accompanied by or using [wɪθ]) the(definite article, referring to a specific swinging [ðə]) swinging(moving or hanging freely while repeatedly changing direction [sˈwɪŋɪŋ]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) the(definite article, referring to a specific pulling [ðə]) pulling(the act of exerting force on (someone or something) so as to move them towards oneself [ˈpʊlɪŋ]).