The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway- page 48

The old man still had two drinks of water in the bottle and he used half of one after he had eaten the shrimps.

• The: Definite article, referring to a specific old man [ðə]
• old man: An elderly male [oʊld mæn]
• still: Even now; continuing to the present [stɪl]
• had: Past tense of 'have', indicating possession [hæd]
• two drinks of water: Two portions of water that were consumed [tu drɪŋks əv ˈwɔtər]
• in the bottle: Contained within the bottle [ɪn ðə ˈbɑtəl]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• used: Past tense of 'use', meaning to employ something [juzd]
• half of one: One half of a drink of water [hæf əv wən]
• after: Following in time [ˈæftər]
• he had eaten: After he consumed [hi hæd ˈitən]
• the shrimps: Specific shrimps that were eaten [ðə shrimps]

The skiff was sailing well considering the handicaps and he steered with the tiller under his arm.

• The: Definite article, referring to a specific skiff [ðə]
• skiff: A small boat [skɪf]
• was sailing: Moving through the water using sails [wɑz ˈseɪlɪŋ]
• well: In a satisfactory or pleasing manner [wɛl]
• considering: Taking into account [kənˈsɪdərɪŋ]
• the handicaps: The disadvantages or difficulties [ðə ˈhændiˌkæps]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• steered: Controlled the direction of the boat [stɪrd]
• with the tiller: Using the lever used to steer a boat [wɪθ ðə ˈtɪlər]
• under his arm: With the tiller positioned beneath his arm [ˈəndər hɪz ɑrm]

He could see the fish and he had only to look at his hands and feel his back against the stern to know that this had truly happened and was not a dream.

• He: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• could see: Was able to see [kʊd si]
• the fish: The specific fish he caught [ðə fɪʃ]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• had only to: Only needed to [hæd ˈoʊnli tɪ]
• look at his hands: Observe his own hands [lʊk æt hɪz hænz]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• feel his back: Sense his back [fil hɪz bæk]
• against the stern: Touching the rear part of the boat [əˈgɛnst ðə stərn]
• to know: In order to understand [tɪ noʊ]
• that: Conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• this: Referring to the event of catching the fish [ðɪs]
• had truly happened: Had genuinely occurred [hæd ˈtruli ˈhæpənd]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• was not: Was not [wɑz nɑt]
• a dream: An experience during sleep [ə drim]

At one time when he was feeling so badly toward the end, he had thought perhaps it was a dream.

• At one time: At a certain point in the past [æt wən taɪm]
• when: Conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause of time [wɪn]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the old man [hi]
• was feeling: Experiencing a certain emotion [wɑz ˈfilɪŋ]
• so badly: In a very negative way [soʊ ˈbædli]
• toward the end: Near the conclusion of the struggle [təˈwɔrd ðə ɛnd]
• he had thought: He had considered [hi hæd θɔt]
• perhaps: Maybe; possibly [pərˈhæps]
• it was: It was [ɪt wɑz]
• a dream: An illusion [ə drim]

Then when he had seen the fish come out of the water and hang motionless in the sky before he fell, he was sure there was some great strangeness and he could not believe it.

• Then: Following that [ðɛn]
• when: Conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause of time [wɪn]
• he had seen: He observed [hi hæd sin]
• the fish: The specific fish [ðə fɪʃ]
• come out of the water: Emerge from the water [kəm aʊt əv ðə ˈwɔtər]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• hang motionless: Remain still [hæŋ ˈmoʊʃənləs]
• in the sky: In the air above [ɪn ðə skaɪ]
• before: Prior to [ˌbiˈfɔr]
• he fell: It collapsed [hi fɛl]
• he was sure: He was certain [hi wɑz ʃʊr]
• there was: There existed [ðɛr wɑz]
• some great strangeness: A significant oddity [səm greɪt ˈstreɪnʤnəs]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• he could not believe: He was unable to accept as true [hi kʊd nɑt bɪˈliv]
• it: Referring to the situation [ɪt]

Then he could not see well, although now he saw as well as ever.

• Then: at that time; after that [ðɛn]
• he: referring to a male person or animal previously mentioned [hi]
• could not: was unable to [kʊd nɑt]
• see: perceive with the eyes; discern visually [si]
• well: in a good or satisfactory way [wɛl]
• although: despite the fact that; even though [ˌɔlˈðoʊ]
• now: at the present time; at this moment [naʊ]
• he: referring to a male person or animal previously mentioned [hi]
• saw: past tense of 'see'; perceived with the eyes [sɔ]
• as well as: to the same extent or degree as [ɛz wɛl ɛz]
• ever: at any time; at all times [ˈɛvər]

Now he knew there was the fish and his hands and back were no dream.

• Now: at the present time; at this moment [naʊ]
• he: referring to a male person or animal previously mentioned [hi]
• knew: past tense of 'know'; was aware of; understood [nu]
• there: in or at that place or position [ðɛr]
• was: past tense of 'be'; existed [wɑz]
• the fish: a specific fish, likely the one the character has been trying to catch [ðə fɪʃ]
• 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 him [hɪz]
• hands: the terminal part of the human arm beyond the wrist, including the fingers and thumb [hænz]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• back: the rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the hips [bæk]
• were: past tense plural of 'be'; existed [wər]
• no: not any; not one [noʊ]
• dream: a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep [drim]

The hands cure quickly, he thought.

• The: definite article; referring to something specific [ðə]
• hands: the terminal part of the human arm beyond the wrist, including the fingers and thumb [hænz]
• cure: to relieve (a person or animal) of the symptoms of a disease or condition [kjʊr]
• quickly: at a fast pace; rapidly [kˈwɪkli]
• he: referring to a male person or animal previously mentioned [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think'; had a particular idea or belief in one's mind [θɔt]

I bled them clean and the salt water will heal them.

• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• bled: past tense of 'bleed'; lost blood [blɛd]
• them: referring to the hands [ðɛm]
• clean: free from dirt, marks, or stains [klin]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• the: definite article; referring to something specific [ðə]
• salt: a white crystalline substance that gives seawater its characteristic taste [sɔlt]
• water: a colorless, transparent, odorless, and tasteless liquid [ˈwɔtər]
• will: expressing the future tense [wɪl]
• heal: cause (a wound, injury, or person) to become sound or healthy again [hil]
• them: referring to the hands [ðɛm]

The dark water of the true gulf is the greatest healer that there is.

• The: definite article; referring to something specific [ðə]
• dark: with little or no light [dɑrk]
• water: a colorless, transparent, odorless, and tasteless liquid [ˈwɔtər]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• the: definite article; referring to something specific [ðə]
• true: in accordance with fact or reality [tru]
• gulf: a large bay that is an arm of an ocean or sea [gəlf]
• is: third-person singular present of 'be'; exists [ɪz]
• the: definite article; referring to something specific [ðə]
• greatest: surpassing all others in size, amount, or degree [ˈgreɪtəst]
• healer: a person or thing that heals [ˈhilər]
• that: used to identify a specific person or thing observed or heard by the speaker [ðət]
• there: in or at that place or position [ðɛr]
• is: third-person singular present of 'be'; exists [ɪz]

All I must do is keep the head clear.

• All: the whole of [ɔl]
• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• do: perform an action, task, or activity [du]
• is: third-person singular present of 'be'; exists [ɪz]
• keep: continue to have in one's possession or control [kip]
• the: definite article; referring to something specific [ðə]
• head: the part of the body above the neck where the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are [hɛd]
• clear: easy to perceive, understand, or interpret [klɪr]

The hands have done their work and we sail well.

• The: definite article; referring to something specific [ðə]
• hands: the terminal part of the human arm beyond the wrist, including the fingers and thumb [hænz]
• have done: have completed [hæv dən]
• their: belonging to or associated with them [ðɛr]
• work: activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result [wərk]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• we: used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself and one or more other people considered together [wi]
• sail: travel in a boat or ship using sails [seɪl]
• well: in a good or satisfactory way [wɛl]

With his mouth shut and his tail straight up and down we sail like brothers.

• With: accompanied by [wɪθ]
• his: belonging to or associated with him [hɪz]
• mouth: the opening in the lower part of the face, surrounded by the lips, through which food is taken in and vocal sounds are emitted [maʊθ]
• shut: closed [ʃət]
• 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 him [hɪz]
• tail: the hindmost part of an animal, especially when prolonged beyond the rest of the body [teɪl]
• straight: extending or moving uniformly in one direction only; without a curve or bend [streɪt]
• up: toward a higher place or position [əp]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• down: toward or in a lower place or position, especially on or to the ground or another surface [daʊn]
• we: used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself and one or more other people considered together [wi]
• sail: travel in a boat or ship using sails [seɪl]
• like: having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to [laɪk]
• brothers: a male sibling [ˈbrəðərz]

Then his head started to become a little unclear and he thought, is he bringing me in or am I bringing him in?

• Then: at that time; after that [ðɛn]
• his: belonging to or associated with him [hɪz]
• head: the part of the body above the neck where the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are [hɛd]
• started: begin or cause to begin [ˈstɑrtɪd]
• to: expressing motion in the direction of (a particular location [tɪ]
• become: begin to be [bɪˈkəm]
• a: used when mentioning someone or something for the first time in a text or conversation [ə]
• little: small in size, amount, or degree [ˈlɪtəl]
• unclear: not easily understood; vague [ənˈklɪr]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• he: referring to a male person or animal previously mentioned [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think'; had a particular idea or belief in one's mind [θɔt]
• is: third-person singular present of 'be'; exists [ɪz]
• he: referring to the fish [hi]
• bringing: take or carry (someone or something) to a place or person [ˈbrɪŋɪŋ]
• me: used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself as the object of a verb or preposition [mi]
• in: expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]
• or: used to link alternatives [ər]
• am: first-person singular present of 'be'; exists [æm]
• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• bringing: take or carry (someone or something) to a place or person [ˈbrɪŋɪŋ]
• him: used to refer to a male person or animal previously mentioned as the object of a verb or preposition [ɪm]
• in: expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]

If I were towing him behind there would be no question.

• If: on the condition or supposition that [ɪf]
• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• were: past tense subjunctive of 'be'; existed [wər]
• towing: pulling (a boat or vehicle) along with a rope, chain, or other device [toʊɪŋ]
• him: used to refer to a male person or animal previously mentioned as the object of a verb or preposition [ɪm]
• behind: at or to the back of [bɪˈhaɪnd]
• there: in or at that place or position [ðɛr]
• would: expressing a conditional mood [wʊd]
• be: exist [bi]
• no: not any; not one [noʊ]
• question: a sentence worded or expressed so as to elicit information [kˈwɛʃən]

Nor if the fish were in the skiff, with all dignity gone, there would be no question either.

• Nor: used to introduce a further negative statement [nɔr]
• if: on the condition or supposition that [ɪf]
• the: definite article; referring to something specific [ðə]
• fish: a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins and living wholly in water [fɪʃ]
• were: past tense subjunctive of 'be'; existed [wər]
• in: expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]
• the: definite article; referring to something specific [ðə]
• skiff: a shallow, flat-bottomed open boat with sharp bow and square stern [skɪf]
• with: accompanied by [wɪθ]
• all: used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of [ɔl]
• dignity: the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect [ˈdɪgnəti]
• gone: past participle of 'go'; departed [gɔn]
• there: in or at that place or position [ðɛr]
• would: expressing a conditional mood [wʊd]
• be: exist [bi]
• no: not any; not one [noʊ]
• question: a sentence worded or expressed so as to elicit information [kˈwɛʃən]
• either: used to indicate that the speaker's statement applies equally to one or more other things or people [ˈiðər]

But they were sailing together lashed side by side and the old man thought, let him bring me in if it pleases him.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• they: used to refer to two or more people or things previously mentioned or easily identified [ðeɪ]
• were: past tense plural of 'be'; existed [wər]
• sailing: traveling in a boat or ship using sails [ˈseɪlɪŋ]
• together: with or in proximity to another person or people [təˈgɛðər]
• lashed: fastened or secured with a rope or cord [læʃt]
• side: a position on the left or right of an object, place, or person [saɪd]
• by: expressing the means whereby something is done [baɪ]
• side: a position on the left or right of an object, place, or person [saɪd]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• the: definite article; referring to something specific [ðə]
• old: having lived for a long time; no longer young [oʊld]
• man: an adult male human being [mæn]
• thought: past tense of 'think'; had a particular idea or belief in one's mind [θɔt]
• let: allow or permit (someone or something) to do something [lɛt]
• him: used to refer to a male person or animal previously mentioned as the object of a verb or preposition [ɪm]
• bring: take or carry (someone or something) to a place or person [brɪŋ]
• me: used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself as the object of a verb or preposition [mi]
• in: expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]
• if: on the condition or supposition that [ɪf]
• it: used to refer to something previously mentioned or easily identified [ɪt]
• pleases: cause (someone) to feel happy and satisfied [ˈplizɪz]
• him: used to refer to a male person or animal previously mentioned as the object of a verb or preposition [ɪm]

I am only better than him through trickery and he meant me no harm.

• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• am: first-person singular present of 'be'; exists [æm]
• only: and no one or nothing else; solely [ˈoʊnli]
• better: of a more excellent or effective type or quality [ˈbɛtər]
• than: expressing comparison [ðən]
• him: used to refer to a male person or animal previously mentioned as the object of a verb or preposition [ɪm]
• through: expressing the means by which someone travels or something is done [θru]
• trickery: the use of tricks to deceive someone (often in order to obtain something unfairly [ˈtrɪkəri]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• he: referring to the fish [hi]
• meant: past tense of 'mean'; intended to convey, indicate, or refer to (a particular thing or notion); signify [mɛnt]
• me: used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself as the object of a verb or preposition [mi]
• no: not any; not one [noʊ]
• harm: physical injury or damage [hɑrm]

They sailed well and the old man soaked his hands in the salt water and tried to keep his head clear.

• They: refers to previously mentioned people or things, in this context, likely the sailors [ðeɪ]
• sailed: moved a boat or ship using sails [seɪld]
• well: in a skillful or effective manner [wɛl]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• the old man: refers to an elderly male character [ðə oʊld mæn]
• soaked: immersed or saturated in liquid [soʊkt]
• his hands: the old man's hands [hɪz hænz]
• in: a preposition indicating location or containment [ɪn]
• the salt water: water containing salt, typically seawater [ðə sɔlt ˈwɔtər]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• tried: made an attempt or effort [traɪd]
• to keep: to maintain or preserve [tɪ kip]
• his head: the old man's head, referring to his mental state [hɪz hɛd]
• clear: free from confusion or fogginess [klɪr]

There were high cumulus clouds and enough cirrus above them so that the old man knew the breeze would last all night.

• There: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• were: past tense of 'to be', indicating existence [wər]
• high cumulus clouds: large, puffy clouds that are tall and white [haɪ cumulus klaʊdz]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• enough cirrus: thin, wispy clouds high in the atmosphere [ɪˈnəf ˈsɪrəs]
• above: in or to a higher position than [əˈbəv]
• them: referring to the cumulus clouds [ðɛm]
• so that: in order that; with the result that [soʊ ðət]
• the old man: refers to an elderly male character [ðə oʊld mæn]
• knew: was aware of; understood [nu]
• the breeze: a gentle wind [ðə briz]
• would last: would continue or endure [wʊd læst]
• all night: throughout the entire night [ɔl naɪt]

The old man looked at the fish constantlyto make sure it was true.

• The old man: refers to an elderly male character [ðə oʊld mæn]
• looked: used his eyes to observe [lʊkt]
• at: expressing direction or location [æt]
• the fish: the marine animal the old man caught [ðə fɪʃ]
• it was true: that it was real or genuine [ɪt wɑz tru]

It was an hour before the first shark hit him.

• It: refers to a period of time [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]
• an hour: a unit of time equal to 60 minutes [ən aʊər]
• before: preceding in time [ˌbiˈfɔr]
• the first shark: the initial shark attack [ðə fərst ʃɑrk]
• hit: struck or impacted [hɪt]
• him: the old man [ɪm]

The shark was not an accident.

• The shark: a type of fish, often a predator [ðə ʃɑrk]
• was not: negation of 'was' [wɑz nɑt]
• an accident: an unintentional event [ən ˈæksədənt]

He had come up from deep down in the water as the dark cloud of blood had settled and dispersed in the mile deep sea.

• He: referring to the shark [hi]
• had come up: had ascended or risen [hæd kəm əp]
• from deep down: from a great depth [frəm dip daʊn]
• in the water: within the body of water [ɪn ðə ˈwɔtər]
• as: used to indicate that something happens during the time that something else is taking place [ɛz]
• the dark cloud: a mass of something, in this case blood, that obscures light [ðə dɑrk klaʊd]
• of blood: blood released into the water [əv bləd]
• had settled: had sunk or descended [hæd ˈsɛtəld]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• dispersed: spread out or scattered [dɪˈspərst]
• in: expressing location or position within something [ɪn]
• the mile deep sea: the ocean that is a mile in depth [ðə maɪl dip si]

He had come up so fast and absolutely without caution that he broke the surface of the blue water and was in the sun.

• He: referring to the shark [hi]
• had come up: had ascended or risen [hæd kəm əp]
• so fast: at a high speed [soʊ fæst]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• absolutely: completely; without any doubt [ˌæbsəˈlutli]
• without caution: without any care or wariness [wɪˈθaʊt ˈkɔʃən]
• that: used to introduce a clause expressing a result or consequence [ðət]
• he broke: he emerged through [hi broʊk]
• the surface: the top layer [ðə ˈsərfəs]
• of the blue water: the upper part of the ocean [əv ðə blu ˈwɔtər]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• was: past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]
• in the sun: exposed to sunlight [ɪn ðə sən]

Then he fell back into the sea and picked up the scent and started swimming on the course the skiff and the fish had taken.

• Then: after that; next [ðɛn]
• he fell back: he descended again [hi fɛl bæk]
• into: expressing movement or direction toward the inside of something [ˈɪntu]
• the sea: the ocean [ðə si]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• picked up: detected or sensed [pɪkt əp]
• the scent: the smell [ðə sɛnt]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• started: began [ˈstɑrtɪd]
• swimming: moving through water [sˈwɪmɪŋ]
• on the course: following the path [ɔn ðə kɔrs]
• the skiff: a small boat [ðə skɪf]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• the fish: the marine animal the old man caught [ðə fɪʃ]
• had taken: had followed [hæd ˈteɪkən]