The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway- page 50

The shark swung over and the old man saw his eye was not alive and then he swung over once again, wrapping himself in two loops of the rope.

• The: Definite article, referring to a specific shark [ðə]
• shark: A large predatory fish [ʃɑrk]
• swung: Past tense of 'swing', meaning to move in a curve or arc [swəŋ]
• over: In this context, meaning to turn or move to face a different direction [ˈoʊvər]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific old man [ðə]
• old man: A man who is advanced in age [oʊld mæn]
• saw: Past tense of 'see', meaning to perceive with the eyes [sɔ]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the shark [hɪz]
• eye: The organ of sight [aɪ]
• was: Past tense of 'be', indicating a state of being [wɑz]
• not: Negation, indicating the absence of something [nɑt]
• alive: Living; having life [əˈlaɪv]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• then: Adverb, indicating sequence or time [ðɛn]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the shark [hi]
• swung: Past tense of 'swing', meaning to move in a curve or arc [swəŋ]
• over: In this context, meaning to turn or move to face a different direction [ˈoʊvər]
• once: One time [wəns]
• again: Another time; anew [əˈgɛn]
• wrapping: Present participle of 'wrap', meaning to enclose or cover something [ˈræpɪŋ]
• himself: Reflexive pronoun, referring to the shark [hɪmˈsɛlf]
• in: Preposition, indicating enclosure or containment [ɪn]
• two: The number 2 [tu]
• loops: Shapes produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself [lups]
• of: Preposition, indicating belonging or association [əv]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific rope [ðə]
• rope: A thick cord made of twisted strands [roʊp]

The old man knew that he was dead but the shark would not accept it.

• The: Definite article, referring to a specific old man [ðə]
• old man: A man who is advanced in age [oʊld mæn]
• knew: Past tense of 'know', meaning to be aware of something [nu]
• that: Conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the shark [hi]
• was: Past tense of 'be', indicating a state of being [wɑz]
• dead: No longer living [dɛd]
• but: Conjunction, introducing a contrast [bət]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific shark [ðə]
• shark: A large predatory fish [ʃɑrk]
• would: Auxiliary verb, expressing a conditional or future action [wʊd]
• not: Negation, indicating the absence of something [nɑt]
• accept: To receive or regard something as true or valid [əkˈsɛpt]
• it: Pronoun, referring to the shark's death [ɪt]

Then, on his back, with his tail lashing and his jaws clicking, the shark plowed over the water as a speedboat does.

• Then: Adverb, indicating sequence or time [ðɛn]
• on: Preposition, indicating position or support [ɔn]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the shark [hɪz]
• back: The rear surface of the body [bæk]
• with: Preposition, indicating accompaniment or possession [wɪθ]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the shark [hɪz]
• tail: The appendage extending from the rear of an animal's body [teɪl]
• lashing: Striking or whipping violently [ˈlæʃɪŋ]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two phrases [ənd]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the shark [hɪz]
• jaws: The bony structures forming the framework of the mouth [ʤɔz]
• clicking: Making a short, sharp sound [ˈklɪkɪŋ]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific shark [ðə]
• shark: A large predatory fish [ʃɑrk]
• plowed: Moved forcefully and rapidly [plaʊd]
• over: Across [ˈoʊvər]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific water [ðə]
• water: A clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid [ˈwɔtər]
• as: Conjunction, introducing a comparison [ɛz]
• a: Indefinite article, introducing a noun [ə]
• speedboat: A fast motorboat [ˈspidˌboʊt]
• does: Auxiliary verb, used for emphasis or to avoid repetition [dɪz]

The water was white where his tail beat it and three-quarters of his body was clear above the water when the rope came taut, shivered, and then snapped.

• The: Definite article, referring to a specific water [ðə]
• water: A clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid [ˈwɔtər]
• was: Past tense of 'be', indicating a state of being [wɑz]
• white: A color; in this context, likely due to churning or foam [waɪt]
• where: In the place or location that [wɛr]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the shark [hɪz]
• tail: The appendage extending from the rear of an animal's body [teɪl]
• beat: Past tense of 'beat', meaning to strike repeatedly [bit]
• it: Pronoun, referring to the water [ɪt]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• three-quarters: 75% [θˌrikˈwɔrtərz]
• of: Preposition, indicating a part of a whole [əv]
• his: Possessive pronoun, referring to the shark [hɪz]
• body: The physical structure of an animal [ˈbɑdi]
• was: Past tense of 'be', indicating a state of being [wɑz]
• clear: Visible; unobstructed [klɪr]
• above: Over; higher than [əˈbəv]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific water [ðə]
• water: A clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid [ˈwɔtər]
• when: Conjunction, indicating time [wɪn]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific rope [ðə]
• rope: A thick cord made of twisted strands [roʊp]
• came: Past tense of 'come', meaning to arrive or reach a state [keɪm]
• taut: Stretched or pulled tight [tɔt]
• shivered: Trembled or shook slightly [ˈʃɪvərd]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• then: Adverb, indicating sequence or time [ðɛn]
• snapped: Broke suddenly and completely [snæpt]

The shark lay quietly for a little while on the surface and the old man watched him.

• The: Definite article, referring to a specific shark [ðə]
• shark: A large predatory fish [ʃɑrk]
• lay: Past tense of 'lie', meaning to be in a horizontal position [leɪ]
• quietly: In a calm and peaceful manner [kˈwaɪətli]
• for: Preposition, indicating duration or purpose [fər]
• a: Indefinite article, introducing a noun [ə]
• little: A small amount of [ˈlɪtəl]
• while: A period of time [waɪl]
• on: Preposition, indicating position or support [ɔn]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific surface [ðə]
• surface: The outermost layer or top of something [ˈsərfəs]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses [ənd]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific old man [ðə]
• old man: A man who is advanced in age [oʊld mæn]
• watched: Past tense of 'watch', meaning to observe [wɔʧt]
• him: Pronoun, referring to the shark [ɪm]

Then he went down very slowly.

• Then: Adverb, indicating sequence or time [ðɛn]
• he: Pronoun, referring to the shark [hi]
• went: Past tense of 'go', meaning to move or travel [wɛnt]
• down: In a downward direction [daʊn]
• very: To a great extent; extremely [ˈvɛri]
• slowly: At a slow pace [sˈloʊli]

''He took about forty pounds,'' the old man said aloud.

• He: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned [hi]
• took: past tense of 'take', meaning to seize or acquire something [tʊk]
• about: approximately; around [əˈbaʊt]
• forty pounds: a quantity of weight, specifically forty pounds [ˈfɔrti paʊnz]
• the old man: refers to an elderly male person [ðə oʊld mæn]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• aloud: in a voice that can be heard; not silently [əˈlaʊd]

He took my harpoon too and all the rope, he thought, and now my fish bleeds again and there will be others.

• He: refers to the same male person as before [hi]
• took: past tense of 'take', meaning to seize or acquire something [tʊk]
• my: belonging to the speaker [maɪ]
• harpoon: a barbed spear used for hunting large fish or marine animals [hɑrˈpun]
• too: also; in addition [tu]
• and: used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• all: the whole quantity or extent of [ɔl]
• the rope: a length of strong cord made by twisting together strands of hemp, sisal, nylon, or similar material [ðə roʊp]
• he: refers to the same male person as before [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think', meaning to have a particular idea or belief [θɔt]
• and: used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• now: at the present time [naʊ]
• my: belonging to the speaker [maɪ]
• fish: an aquatic animal [fɪʃ]
• bleeds: present tense of 'bleed', meaning to lose blood [blidz]
• again: once more; another time [əˈgɛn]
• and: used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• there: in or at that place [ðɛr]
• will be: future tense of 'be', indicating something that will happen [wɪl bi]
• others: other people or things [ˈəðərz]

He did not like to look at the fish anymore since he had been mutilated.

• He: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned [hi]
• did not like: past tense of 'not like', meaning to dislike or not enjoy [dɪd nɑt laɪk]
• to look: to turn one's eyes in a specified direction or to gaze [tɪ lʊk]
• at: expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position [æt]
• the fish: an aquatic animal [ðə fɪʃ]
• anymore: any longer; no more [ˌɛniˈmɔr]
• since: because; as [sɪns]
• he: refers to the same male person as before [hi]
• had been: past perfect tense of 'be', indicating a state that existed before a specific time [hæd bɪn]
• mutilated: having had a part of the body severely damaged or removed [mˈjutəˌleɪtɪd]

When the fish had been hit it was as though he himself were hit.

• When: at or during the time that [wɪn]
• the fish: an aquatic animal [ðə fɪʃ]
• had been: past perfect tense of 'be', indicating a state that existed before a specific time [hæd bɪn]
• hit: past participle of 'hit', meaning to strike or come into contact with forcefully [hɪt]
• it: refers to a situation or event [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]
• as though: as if; like [ɛz ðoʊ]
• he: refers to the same male person as before [hi]
• himself: that same person or thing; used for emphasis [hɪmˈsɛlf]
• were: past subjunctive of 'be', used to express a hypothetical or conditional situation [wər]
• hit: past participle of 'hit', meaning to strike or come into contact with forcefully [hɪt]

But I killed the shark that hit my fish, he thought.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• killed: past tense of 'kill', meaning to cause the death of someone or something [kɪld]
• the shark: a type of fish, often predatory [ðə ʃɑrk]
• that: used to introduce a defining or restrictive clause [ðət]
• hit: past tense of 'hit', meaning to strike or come into contact with forcefully [hɪt]
• my: belonging to the speaker [maɪ]
• fish: an aquatic animal [fɪʃ]
• he: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think', meaning to have a particular idea or belief [θɔt]

And he was the biggest dentuso that I have ever seen.

• And: used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• he: refers to the same male person as before [hi]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]
• the biggest: superlative form of 'big', meaning the largest [ðə ˈbɪgəst]
• dentuso: Spanish word for a type of shark, specifically a Mako shark [dentuso]
• that: used to introduce a defining or restrictive clause [ðət]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• have: auxiliary verb used to form the present perfect tense [hæv]
• ever: at any time [ˈɛvər]
• seen: past participle of 'see', meaning to perceive with the eyes [sin]

And God knows that I have seen big ones.

• And: used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• God: in many religions, the being who is worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe [gɑd]
• knows: present tense of 'know', meaning to be aware of something [noʊz]
• that: used to introduce a defining or restrictive clause [ðət]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• have: auxiliary verb used to form the present perfect tense [hæv]
• seen: past participle of 'see', meaning to perceive with the eyes [sin]
• big ones: large sharks [bɪg wənz]

It was too good to last, he thought.

• It: refers to a situation or event [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]
• too: excessively; more than enough [tu]
• good: of a high quality; pleasing [gʊd]
• to last: to continue or endure for a specified period of time [tɪ læst]
• he: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned [hi]
• thought: past tense of 'think', meaning to have a particular idea or belief [θɔt]

I wish it had been a dream now and that I had never hooked the fish and was alone in bed on the newspapers.

• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• wish: to want something to be true or to happen [wɪʃ]
• it: refers to a situation or event [ɪt]
• had been: past perfect tense of 'be', indicating a state that existed before a specific time [hæd bɪn]
• a dream: a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep [ə drim]
• now: at the present time [naʊ]
• and: used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• that: used to introduce a defining or restrictive clause [ðət]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• had: auxiliary verb used to form the past perfect tense [hæd]
• never: at no time in the past [ˈnɛvər]
• hooked: past tense of 'hook', meaning to catch with a hook [hʊkt]
• the fish: an aquatic animal [ðə fɪʃ]
• and: used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]
• alone: without anyone else present [əˈloʊn]
• in bed: on a piece of furniture used for sleeping or resting [ɪn bɛd]
• on: expressing support or reliance [ɔn]
• the newspapers: publications containing news, information, and advertising [ðə ˈnuzˌpeɪpərz]

''But man is not made for defeat,'' he said. ''A man can be destroyed but not defeated.'' I am sorry that I killed the fish though, he thought.

• But: Indicates the beginning of a direct quote or dialogue. 'But' introduces a contrasting statement. [bət]
• man: refers to humankind or a male individual [mæn]
• is not made for: is not designed or destined for [ɪz nɑt meɪd fər]
• defeat: the state of losing or being overcome [dɪˈfit]
• he said: attribution of the quote to a male speaker [hi sɛd]
• A: Indicates the beginning of a new direct quote. 'A' introduces a general statement. [ə]
• man: a male individual [mæn]
• can be: is able to be [kən bi]
• destroyed: ruined or demolished physically [dɪˈstrɔɪd]
• but: however; introduces a contrast [bət]
• not: negation [nɑt]
• defeated: overcome or beaten in a contest or battle [dɪˈfitɪd]
• I am sorry: expressing regret or remorse [aɪ æm ˈsɑri]
• that: introduces the reason for being sorry [ðət]
• I killed: the act of ending the life of something [aɪ kɪld]
• the fish: a specific fish that was killed [ðə fɪʃ]
• though: however; despite that [ðoʊ]
• he thought: internal monologue or reflection [hi θɔt]

Now the bad time is coming and I do not even have the harpoon.

• Now: at the present time [naʊ]
• the bad time: a period of difficulty or hardship [ðə bæd taɪm]
• is coming: is approaching or about to happen [ɪz ˈkəmɪŋ]
• and: conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• I do not: negation; I don't [aɪ du nɑt]
• even: used to emphasize something unexpected or surprising [ˈivɪn]
• have: possess [hæv]
• the harpoon: a specific spear-like weapon used for fishing [ðə hɑrˈpun]

The dentuso is cruel and able and strong and intelligent.

• The dentuso: likely refers to a type of shark, possibly a mako shark [ðə dentuso]
• is: linking verb [ɪz]
• cruel: intentionally causing pain or suffering [kruəl]
• and: conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• able: capable; having the skill to do something [ˈeɪbəl]
• and: conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• strong: having physical power [strɔŋ]
• and: conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• intelligent: having a high level of mental capacity [ˌɪnˈtɛləʤənt]

But I was more intelligent than he was.

• But: however; introduces a contrast [bət]
• I was: past tense of 'I am' [aɪ wɑz]
• more intelligent: having a higher level of mental capacity in comparison [mɔr ˌɪnˈtɛləʤənt]
• than: used to make a comparison [ðən]
• he was: referring to the dentuso [hi wɑz]

Perhaps not, he thought.

• Perhaps: possibly; maybe [pərˈhæps]
• not: negation [nɑt]
• he thought: internal monologue or reflection [hi θɔt]

Perhaps I was only better armed.

• Perhaps: possibly; maybe [pərˈhæps]
• I was: past tense of 'I am' [aɪ wɑz]
• only: merely; just [ˈoʊnli]
• better armed: having superior weapons or equipment [ˈbɛtər ɑrmd]

''Don't think, old man,'' he said aloud. ''Sail on this course and take it when it comes.

• Don't: contraction of 'do not', used to give a negative command or suggestion [doʊnt]
• think: engage in conscious thought or reasoning [θɪŋk]
• old man: term of address, possibly affectionate or familiar, to an elderly man [oʊld mæn]
• he said: attribution of the quote to a male speaker [hi sɛd]
• aloud: in a voice loud enough to be heard [əˈlaʊd]
• Sail: command to navigate a boat [seɪl]
• on: preposition indicating direction or continuation [ɔn]
• this course: a specific direction or path to follow [ðɪs kɔrs]
• and: conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• take it: accept or deal with a situation [teɪk ɪt]
• when: at the time that [wɪn]
• it comes: when the situation arises or happens [ɪt kəmz]

But I must think, he thought.

• But: however; introduces a contrast [bət]
• I must: I am obligated to [aɪ məst]
• think: engage in conscious thought or reasoning [θɪŋk]
• he thought: internal monologue or reflection [hi θɔt]

Because it is all I have left.

• Because: for the reason that [bɪˈkəz]
• it is: it refers to the act of thinking [ɪt ɪz]
• all: everything [ɔl]
• I have left: what remains to me [aɪ hæv lɛft]

That and baseball.

• That: referring to the act of thinking [ðət]
• and: conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• baseball: a specific sport [ˈbeɪsˈbɔl]

I wonder how the great DiMaggio would have liked the way I hit him in the brain?

• I wonder: expressing curiosity or doubt [aɪ ˈwəndər]
• how: in what way or manner [haʊ]
• the great: highly skilled or admired [ðə greɪt]
• DiMaggio: likely refers to Joe DiMaggio, a famous baseball player [dɪˈmæʤiˌoʊ]
• would have liked: would have enjoyed or approved of [wʊd hæv laɪkt]
• the way: the manner or method [ðə weɪ]
• I hit: past tense of 'hit', referring to striking something [aɪ hɪt]
• him: referring to the fish [ɪm]
• in the brain: the specific location where the fish was struck [ɪn ðə breɪn]

It was no great thing, he thought.

• It was: it refers to the act of hitting the fish [ɪt wɑz]
• no great thing: not a remarkable or impressive feat [noʊ greɪt θɪŋ]
• he thought: internal monologue or reflection [hi θɔt]

Any man could do it.

• Any man: any person [ˈɛni mæn]
• could do it: would be capable of doing the same thing [kʊd du ɪt]

But do you think my hands were as great a handicap as the bone spurs?

• But: however; introduces a contrast [bət]
• do you think: asking for an opinion or belief [du ju θɪŋk]
• my hands: referring to the speaker's hands [maɪ hænz]
• were: past tense of 'are' [wər]
• as great: to the same extent or degree [ɛz greɪt]
• a handicap: a disadvantage or impediment [ə ˈhændiˌkæp]
• as: used to make a comparison [ɛz]
• the bone spurs: abnormal growths on the bone [ðə boʊn spərz]

I cannot know.

• I cannot: I am unable to [aɪ ˈkænɑt]
• know: be certain or have knowledge [noʊ]

I never had anything wrong with my heel except the time the sting ray stung it when I stepped on him when swimming and paralyzed the lower leg and made the unbearable pain.

• I never: I have never [aɪ ˈnɛvər]
• had: experienced or possessed [hæd]
• anything wrong: any problem or ailment [ˈɛniˌθɪŋ rɔŋ]
• with my heel: referring to the speaker's heel [wɪθ maɪ hil]
• except: excluding; apart from [ɪkˈsɛpt]
• the time: a specific instance or occasion [ðə taɪm]
• the sting ray: a type of ray with a venomous spine [ðə stɪŋ reɪ]
• stung: past tense of 'sting', referring to the act of injecting venom [stəŋ]
• it: referring to the speaker's heel [ɪt]
• when: at the time that [wɪn]
• I stepped: past tense of 'step', referring to placing one's foot [aɪ stɛpt]
• on him: referring to the sting ray [ɔn ɪm]
• when: while [wɪn]
• swimming: the act of propelling oneself through water [sˈwɪmɪŋ]
• and: conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• paralyzed: caused a loss of movement or sensation [ˈpɛrəˌlaɪzd]
• the lower leg: the part of the leg below the knee [ðə loʊər lɛg]
• and: conjunction indicating addition [ənd]
• made: caused [meɪd]
• the unbearable pain: pain that is too intense to endure [ðə ənˈbɛrəbəl peɪn]