The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway- page 41

''It is not bad,'' he said. ''And pain does not matter to a man.''

• 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 took hold of the line carefully so that it did not fit into any of the fresh line cuts and shifted his weight so that he could put his left hand into the sea on the other side of the skiff.

• 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 did not do so badly for something worthless,'' he said to his left hand. ''But there was a moment when I could not find you.''

• 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 was I not born with two good hands?

• 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.

• he thought: reporting the character's internal monologue [hi θɔt]

Perhaps it was my fault in not training that one properly.

• 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 God knows he has had enough chances to learn.

• 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 in the night, though, and he has only cramped once.

• 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 he cramps again let the line cut him off.

• 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 he thought that he knew that he was not being clear-headed and he thought he should chew some more of the dolphin.

• 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 I can't, he told himself.

• 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 to be light-headed than to lose your strength from nausea.

• 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 I know I cannot keep it if I eat it since my face was in it.

• 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 for an emergency until it goes bad.

• 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 it is too late to try for strength now through nourishment.

• 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 told himself.

• 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.

• Eat the other flying fish: consume the remaining flying fish [it ðə ˈəðər flaɪɪŋ fɪʃ]

It was there, cleaned and ready, and he picked it up with his left hand and ate it chewing the bones carefully and eating all of it down to the tail.

• 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 has more nourishment than almost any fish, he thought.

• 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]

At least the kind of strength that I need.

• 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]

Now I have done what I can, he thought.

• 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]

Let him begin to circle and let the fight come.

• 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 sun was rising for the third time since he had put to sea when the fish started to circle.

• 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 could not see by the slant of the line that the fish was circling.

• 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]

It was too early for that.

• 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]

He just felt a faint slackening of the pressure of the line and he commenced to pull on it gently with his right hand.

• 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]

It tightened, as always, but just when he reached the point where it would break, line began to come in.

• 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]

He slipped his shoulders and head from under the line and began to pull in line steadily and gently.

• 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]

He used both of his hands in a swinging motion and tried to do the pulling as much as he could with his body and his legs.

• 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]

His old legs and shoulders pivoted with the swinging of the pulling.

• 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]