The Old Man and The Sea — Page 44 | Contextual Explanations

You are reading page 44 of 62 from The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Use the contextual explanations to improve your English comprehension.

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On this circle the old man could see the fish's eye and the two gray sucking fish that swain around him.

On this circle: Referring to a specific circular area or path, likely in the water around the boat [ɔn ðɪs ˈsərkəl]
the old man: Referring to the main character, an elderly fisherman [ðə oʊld mæn]
could see: Was able to observe or notice [kʊd si]
the fish's eye: The eye of the fish being observed, indicating proximity [ðə ˈfɪʃɪz aɪ]
and: Connecting additional elements in the scene [ənd]
the two gray sucking fish: Two fish of gray color that attach themselves to other marine animals [ðə tu greɪ ˈsəkɪŋ fɪʃ]
that swain around him: That were swimming or circling around the fish [ðət sweɪn əraʊnd ɪm]

Sometimes they attached themselves to him.

Sometimes: Occasionally; at times [ˈsəmˌtaɪmz]
they attached themselves to him: The sucking fish would stick to the larger fish [ðeɪ əˈtæʧt ðɛmˈsɛlvz tɪ ɪm]

Sometimes they darted off.

Sometimes: Occasionally; at times [ˈsəmˌtaɪmz]
they darted off: They quickly moved away [ðeɪ ˈdɑrtɪd ɔf]

Sometimes they would swim easily in his shadow.

Sometimes: Occasionally; at times [ˈsəmˌtaɪmz]
they would swim: They swam [ðeɪ wʊd swɪm]
easily: Without difficulty [ˈizəli]
in his shadow: In the shadow of the larger fish [ɪn hɪz ˈʃæˌdoʊ]

They were each over three feet long and when they swam fast they lashed their whole bodies like eels.

They: Referring to the sucking fish [ðeɪ]
were each: Each of them was [wər iʧ]
over three feet long: Longer than three feet [ˈoʊvər θri fit lɔŋ]
and: Connecting additional information [ənd]
when they swam fast: When the sucking fish swam quickly [wɪn ðeɪ swæm fæst]
they lashed: They moved violently or whipped [ðeɪ læʃt]
their whole bodies: Their entire bodies [ðɛr hoʊl ˈbɑdiz]
like eels: In a manner similar to eels [laɪk ilz]

The old man was sweating now but from something else besides the sun.

The old man: Referring to the main character, an elderly fisherman [ðə oʊld mæn]
was sweating now: Was perspiring at this moment [wɑz sˈwɛtɪŋ naʊ]
but: Contrasting the reason for sweating [bət]
from something else: Due to a different cause [frəm ˈsəmθɪŋ ɛls]
besides: Other than [ˌbiˈsaɪdz]
the sun: The heat of the sun [ðə sən]

On each calm placid turn the fish made he was gaining line and he was sure that in two turns more he would have a chance to get the harpoon in.

On each calm placid turn: With every smooth and peaceful rotation [ɔn iʧ kɑm ˈplæsɪd tərn]
the fish made: That the fish executed [ðə fɪʃ meɪd]
he: Referring to the old man [hi]
was gaining line: Was retrieving the fishing line [wɑz ˈgeɪnɪŋ laɪn]
and: Connecting additional information [ənd]
he was sure: He was certain [hi wɑz ʃʊr]
that in two turns more: That after two more rotations [ðət ɪn tu tərnz mɔr]
he would have: He would possess [hi wʊd hæv]
a chance: An opportunity [ə ʧæns]
to get: To place [tɪ gɪt]
the harpoon in: The harpoon into the fish [ðə hɑrˈpun ɪn]

But I must get him close, close, close, he thought.

But: conjunction indicating contrast or introduction of a different element [bət]
I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
must: auxiliary verb expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
get: verb meaning to obtain or bring someone/something to a particular place or state [gɪt]
him: third-person singular pronoun, referring to a male individual previously mentioned [ɪm]
close: adjective/adverb meaning near or nearby, repeated for emphasis [kloʊz]
he: third-person singular pronoun, referring to the subject of the thought [hi]
thought: past tense of the verb 'think', indicating an internal reflection [θɔt]

I mustn't try for the head.

I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
mustn't: contraction of 'must not', expressing prohibition or strong advice against something [ˈməsənt]
try: verb meaning to attempt or make an effort [traɪ]
for: preposition indicating purpose or direction [fər]
the head: referring to the head of the fish [ðə hɛd]

I must get the heart.

I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
must: auxiliary verb expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
get: verb meaning to obtain or bring someone/something to a particular place or state [gɪt]
the heart: referring to the heart of the fish [ðə hɑrt]

''Be calm and strong, old man,'' he said.

Be: Imperative form of the verb 'to be', indicating a command or request [bi]
calm: Adjective describing a state of tranquility and composure [kɑm]
and: Conjunction connecting two similar elements [ənd]
strong: Adjective describing physical or mental power and resilience [strɔŋ]
old man: Term of address, referring to an elderly man, possibly the speaker himself [oʊld mæn]
he: third-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [hi]
said: past tense of the verb 'say', indicating that someone spoke [sɛd]

On the next circle the fish's beck was out but he was a little too far from the boat.

On: preposition indicating location or time [ɔn]
the next circle: referring to the next loop or rotation in the fish's movement [ðə nɛkst ˈsərkəl]
the fish's: possessive form of 'fish', indicating something belonging to the fish [ðə ˈfɪʃɪz]
beck: likely a typo and should be 'back', referring to the back of the fish [bɛk]
was out: meaning the fish's back was visible above the water [wɑz aʊt]
but: conjunction introducing a contrasting element [bət]
he: third-person singular pronoun, referring to the fish [hi]
was: past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
a little: meaning slightly or somewhat [ə ˈlɪtəl]
too far: meaning excessively distant [tu fɑr]
from: preposition indicating separation or distance [frəm]
the boat: referring to the fishing vessel [ðə boʊt]

On the next circle he was still too far away but he was higher out of water and the old man was sure that by gaining some more line he could have him alongside.

On: preposition indicating location or time [ɔn]
the next circle: referring to the next loop or rotation in the fish's movement [ðə nɛkst ˈsərkəl]
he: third-person singular pronoun, referring to the fish [hi]
was: past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
still: adverb indicating continuation or lack of change [stɪl]
too far away: meaning excessively distant [tu fɑr əˈweɪ]
but: conjunction introducing a contrasting element [bət]
he: third-person singular pronoun, referring to the fish [hi]
was: past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
higher: comparative adjective meaning at a greater altitude [haɪər]
out of water: meaning partially emerged from the water [aʊt əv ˈwɔtər]
and: conjunction connecting two similar elements [ənd]
the old man: referring to the elderly fisherman [ðə oʊld mæn]
was sure: meaning confident or certain [wɑz ʃʊr]
that: conjunction introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
by gaining: meaning by obtaining or acquiring [baɪ ˈgeɪnɪŋ]
some more line: referring to the fishing line [səm mɔr laɪn]
he: third-person singular pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
could: auxiliary verb expressing possibility or ability [kʊd]
have him: meaning to bring the fish [hæv ɪm]
alongside: meaning next to the boat [əˈlɔŋˈsaɪd]

He had rigged his harpoon long before and its coil of light rope was in a round basket and the end was made fast to the bitt in the bow.

He: third-person singular pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
had rigged: past perfect tense of 'rig', meaning to prepare or equip something, especially a ship or boat, with ropes, sails, etc. [hæd rɪgd]
his harpoon: referring to the spear-like weapon used for hunting large fish [hɪz hɑrˈpun]
long before: meaning a considerable time ago [lɔŋ ˌbiˈfɔr]
and: conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
its: possessive pronoun referring to the harpoon [ɪts]
coil: a length of something wound into a spiral or series of rings [kɔɪl]
of light rope: referring to a rope that is not heavy [əv laɪt roʊp]
was: past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
in: preposition indicating location [ɪn]
a round basket: a container that is circular in shape [ə raʊnd ˈbæskət]
and: conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
the end: referring to the extremity of the rope [ðə ɛnd]
was made fast: meaning securely attached [wɑz meɪd fæst]
to: preposition indicating direction or attachment [tɪ]
the bitt: a post on a ship or boat for fastening ropes [ðə ~~bitt~~]
in: preposition indicating location [ɪn]
the bow: the front part of a ship or boat [ðə boʊ]

The fish was coming in on his circle now calm and beautiful looking and only his great tail moving.

The: definite article, referring to a specific fish [ðə]
fish: a marine animal [fɪʃ]
was coming in: approaching, moving towards the boat [wɑz ˈkəmɪŋ ɪn]
on his circle: moving in a circular path [ɔn hɪz ˈsərkəl]
now: at the present time [naʊ]
calm: peaceful, not agitated [kɑm]
and: conjunction, connecting two descriptive words [ənd]
beautiful: pleasing to the senses, attractive [ˈbjutəfəl]
looking: appearing, seeming [ˈlʊkɪŋ]
and: conjunction, connecting two phrases [ənd]
only: just, merely [ˈoʊnli]
his: belonging to the fish [hɪz]
great: large, impressive [greɪt]
tail: the appendage at the rear of the fish [teɪl]
moving: in the process of motion [ˈmuvɪŋ]

The old man pulled on him all that he could to bring him closer.

The: definite article, referring to the old man [ðə]
old man: an elderly man [oʊld mæn]
pulled: exerted force on the line [pʊld]
on him: on the fish [ɔn ɪm]
all that: as much as [ɔl ðət]
he could: he was able to [hi kʊd]
to bring: in order to bring [tɪ brɪŋ]
him: the fish [ɪm]
closer: nearer [ˈkloʊzər]

For just a moment the fish turned a little on his side.

For: introducing a reason or explanation [fər]
just: only [ʤɪst]
a moment: a very short period of time [ə ˈmoʊmənt]
the fish: the marine animal [ðə fɪʃ]
turned: rotated [tərnd]
a little: slightly [ə ˈlɪtəl]
on his side: onto its flank [ɔn hɪz saɪd]

Then he straightened himself and began another circle.

Then: after that [ðɛn]
he: the fish [hi]
straightened: returned to an upright position [ˈstreɪtənd]
himself: itself [hɪmˈsɛlf]
and: conjunction, connecting two actions [ənd]
began: started [bɪˈgæn]
another: one more [əˈnəðər]
circle: circular movement [ˈsərkəl]

''I moved him,'' the old man said. ''I moved him then.''

I: the speaker, the old man [aɪ]
moved: caused to change position [muvd]
him: the fish [ɪm)]
the: article [ðə]
old man: an elderly man [oʊld mæn]
said: uttered words [sɛd]
I: the speaker, the old man [aɪ]
moved: caused to change position [muvd]
him: the fish [ɪm]
then: at that time [ðɛn)]

He felt faint again now but he held on the great fish all the strain that he could.

He: referring to the old man [hi]
felt: experienced [fɛlt]
faint: weak, dizzy [feɪnt]
again: once more [əˈgɛn]
now: at the present time [naʊ]
but: conjunction, introducing a contrast [bət]
he: the old man [hi]
held on: maintained his grip [hɛld ɔn]
the: definite article, referring to the fish [ðə]
great: large, significant [greɪt]
fish: the marine animal [fɪʃ]
all: as much as [ɔl]
the: definite article [ðə]
strain: pressure, tension [streɪn]
that: which [ðət]
he could: he was able to exert [hi kʊd]

I moved him, he thought.

I: the old man [aɪ]
moved: caused to change position [muvd]
him: the fish [ɪm]
he: the old man [hi]
thought: considered [θɔt]

Maybe this time I can get him over.

Maybe: perhaps [ˈmeɪbi]
this time: on this occasion [ðɪs taɪm]
I: the old man [aɪ]
can: am able to [kən]
get: bring [gɪt]
him: the fish [ɪm]
over: to his side [ˈoʊvər]

Pull, hands, he thought.

Pull: exert force, command to himself [pʊl]
hands: addressing his hands [hænz]
he: the old man [hi]
thought: considered [θɔt]

Hold up, legs.

Hold: maintain, command to himself [hoʊld]
up: endure [əp]
legs: addressing his legs [lɛgz]

Last for me, head.

Last: endure, command to himself [læst]
for me: for my sake [fər mi]
head: addressing his head [hɛd]

Last for me.

Last: endure, command to himself [læst]
for me: for my sake [fər mi]

You never went.

You: addressing himself [ju]
never: at no time [ˈnɛvər]
went: gave up [wɛnt]

This time I'll pull him over.

This time: on this occasion [ðɪs taɪm]
I'll: I will, the old man will [aɪl]
pull: exert force [pʊl]
him: the fish [ɪm]
over: to his side [ˈoʊvər]

But when he put all of his effort on, starting it well out before the fish came alongside and pulling with all his strength, the fish pulled part way over and then righted himself and swam away.

But: conjunction indicating contrast or introduction of a statement that differs from a previous one [bət]
when: conjunction used to indicate a time or circumstance [wɪn]
he: pronoun referring to a male person or animal previously mentioned [hi]
put: past tense of 'put', meaning to place or apply something [pʊt]
all: adjective meaning the whole quantity or extent of something [ɔl]
of: preposition indicating belonging, origin, or association [əv]
his: possessive pronoun referring to something belonging to 'he' [hɪz]
effort: exertion of physical or mental power [ˈɛfərt]
on: preposition indicating direction or support [ɔn]
starting: beginning an action or process [ˈstɑrtɪŋ]
it: pronoun referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]
well: adverb meaning thoroughly or to a great extent [wɛl]
out: adverb indicating away from the center or a specific point [aʊt]
before: preposition indicating prior to a time or event [ˌbiˈfɔr]
the: definite article, specifying a particular fish [ðə]
fish: a marine animal [fɪʃ]
came: past tense of 'come', meaning to approach or arrive [keɪm]
alongside: adverb meaning next to or parallel with something [əˈlɔŋˈsaɪd]
and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
pulling: exerting force to move something towards oneself [ˈpʊlɪŋ]
with: preposition indicating being together or possessing [wɪθ]
all: the whole quantity or extent of something [ɔl]
his: possessive pronoun referring to something belonging to 'he' [hɪz]
strength: the quality or state of being physically strong [strɛŋθ]
the: definite article, specifying a particular fish [ðə]
fish: a marine animal [fɪʃ]
pulled: past tense of 'pull', meaning to exert force to move something [pʊld]
part: a piece or segment of a whole [pɑrt]
way: a method, style, or manner of doing something [weɪ]
over: preposition indicating movement across or above something [ˈoʊvər]
and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
then: adverb indicating at that time or soon afterward [ðɛn]
righted: past tense of 'right', meaning to restore to an upright position [ˈraɪtɪd]
himself: reflexive pronoun referring back to 'he' [hɪmˈsɛlf]
and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
swam: past tense of 'swim', meaning to move through water [swæm]
away: adverb indicating movement to a different place [əˈweɪ]

''Fish,'' the old man said. ''Fish, you are going to have to die anyway.

Fish: Addressing the fish directly [fɪʃ]
the: definite article, specifying a particular old man [ðə]
old: having lived for a long time [oʊld]
man: an adult male human being [mæn]
said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
Fish: Addressing the fish directly [fɪʃ]
you: pronoun referring to the fish [ju]
are: present tense of 'be', linking the subject to a description [ər]
going: expressing intention or future action [goʊɪŋ]
to: preposition indicating direction or purpose [tɪ]
have: used to indicate obligation or necessity [hæv]
to: preposition indicating direction or purpose [tɪ]
die: to stop living [daɪ]
anyway: in any case; regardless of other considerations [ˈɛniˌweɪ]

That way nothing is accomplished, he thought.

That: demonstrative pronoun referring to something previously mentioned [ðət]
way: a method, style, or manner of doing something [weɪ]
nothing: not anything; no single thing [ˈnəθɪŋ]
is: present tense of 'be', linking the subject to a description [ɪz]
accomplished: past participle of 'accomplish', meaning to achieve or complete successfully [əˈkɑmplɪʃt]
he: pronoun referring to a male person or animal previously mentioned [hi]
thought: past tense of 'think', meaning to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]

His mouth was too dry to speak but he could not reach for the water now.

His: possessive pronoun referring to something belonging to 'he' [hɪz]
mouth: the opening in the face used for speaking and eating [maʊθ]
was: past tense of 'be', linking the subject to a description [wɑz]
too: also; in addition [tu]
dry: lacking moisture [draɪ]
to: preposition indicating direction or purpose [tɪ]
speak: to utter words [spik]
but: conjunction indicating contrast or introduction of a statement that differs from a previous one [bət]
he: pronoun referring to a male person or animal previously mentioned [hi]
could: past tense of 'can', indicating ability or possibility [kʊd]
not: used to negate a statement [nɑt]
reach: to extend one's hand or arm in a specified direction [riʧ]
for: preposition indicating purpose or reason [fər]
the: definite article, specifying a particular water [ðə]
water: a clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid [ˈwɔtər]
now: at the present time [naʊ]