The Old Man and The Sea — Page 59 | Contextual Explanations

You are reading page 59 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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She's good, he thought.

She's: contraction of 'she is' [ʃiz]
good: of high quality; skilled or talented [gʊd]
he thought: indicates the character's internal thought process [ hi θɔt]

She is sound and not harmed in any way except for the tiller.

She: referring to a female person or character previously mentioned [ʃi]
is: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
sound: in good condition; not damaged or impaired [saʊnd]
and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
not: negation; the opposite of 'is' [nɑt]
harmed: injured or damaged [hɑrmd]
in any way: to any extent or degree [ɪn ˈɛni weɪ]
except: excluding; not including [ɪkˈsɛpt]
for: used to indicate the reason or cause of something [fər]
the tiller: a lever used to steer a boat [ðə ˈtɪlər]

That is easily replaced.

That: referring to the tiller [ðət]
is: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
easily: without difficulty [ˈizəli]
replaced: to be put in place of something else [ˌriˈpleɪst]

He could feel he was inside the current now and he could see the lights of the beach colonies along the shore.

He: referring to a male person or character [hi]
could: past tense of 'can'; indicates ability or possibility [kʊd]
feel: to perceive through physical sensation [fil]
he: referring to a male person or character [hi]
was: past tense form of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
inside: within; contained by [ˌɪnˈsaɪd]
the current: a body of water or air moving in a definite direction [ðə ˈkɑrənt]
now: at the present time [naʊ]
and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
he: referring to a male person or character [hi]
could: past tense of 'can'; indicates ability or possibility [kʊd]
see: to perceive with the eyes [si]
the lights: sources of illumination [ðə laɪts]
of: used to indicate possession or association [əv]
the beach colonies: settlements or communities located on the beach [ðə biʧ ˈkɑləniz]
along: in a line next to or parallel to [əˈlɔŋ]
the shore: the edge of land along a body of water [ðə ʃɔr]

He knew where he was now and it was nothing to get home.

He: referring to a male person or character [hi]
knew: past tense of 'know'; to be aware of [nu]
where: in what place or location [wɛr]
he: referring to a male person or character [hi]
was: past tense form of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
now: at the present time [naʊ]
and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
it: referring to a situation or task [ɪt]
was: past tense form of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
nothing: not at all difficult [ˈnəθɪŋ]
to: used to indicate purpose or direction [tɪ]
get home: to return to one's residence [gɪt hoʊm]

The wind is our friend, anyway, he thought.

The wind: air moving naturally [ðə wɪnd]
is: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
our friend: someone who is liked and trusted [ɑr frɛnd]
anyway: in any case; regardless [ ˈɛniˌweɪ]
he thought: indicates the character's internal thought process [ hi θɔt]

Then he added, sometimes.

Then: at that time; next [ðɛn]
he: referring to a male person or character [hi]
added: to say something more [ˈædɪd]
sometimes: occasionally; not always [ ˈsəmˌtaɪmz]

And the great sea with our friends and our enemies.

And: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
the great sea: a large body of saltwater [ðə greɪt si]
with: accompanied by; in the company of [wɪθ]
our friends: people whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection [ɑr frɛndz]
and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
our enemies: people who are hostile to or oppose someone [ɑr ˈɛnəmiz]

And bed, he thought.

And: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
bed: a piece of furniture for sleeping or resting on [bɛd]
he thought: indicates the character's internal thought process [ hi θɔt]

Bed is my friend.

Bed: a piece of furniture for sleeping or resting on [bɛd]
is: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
my friend: someone who is liked and trusted [maɪ frɛnd]

Just bed, he thought.

Just: only; simply [ʤɪst]
bed: a piece of furniture for sleeping or resting on [bɛd]
he thought: indicates the character's internal thought process [ hi θɔt]

Bed will be a great thing.

Bed: a piece of furniture for sleeping or resting on [bɛd]
will be: future tense of 'to be' [wɪl bi]
a great thing: something wonderful or desirable [ə greɪt θɪŋ]

It is easy when you are beaten, he thought.

It: referring to a situation or task [ɪt]
is: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
easy: achieved without great effort; presenting no difficulties [ˈizi]
when: at or during the time that [wɪn]
you: the person being addressed [ju]
are beaten: defeated or overcome [ər ˈbitən]
he thought: indicates the character's internal thought process [ hi θɔt]

I never knew how easy it was.

I: the speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]
never: at no time; not ever [ˈnɛvər]
knew: past tense of 'know'; to be aware of [nu]
how: in what way or manner [haʊ]
easy: achieved without great effort; presenting no difficulties [ˈizi]
it: referring to a situation or task [ɪt]
was: past tense form of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]

And what beat you, he thought.

And: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
what: used to ask for information specifying something [wət]
beat: defeated or overcame [bit]
you: the person being addressed [ju]
he thought: indicates the character's internal thought process [ hi θɔt]

''Nothing,'' he said aloud. ''I went out too far.''

Nothing: The word 'Nothing' enclosed in single quotes, indicating direct speech or a quote. It signifies the absence of something or a lack of information. [ˈnəθɪŋ]
he said: Indicates that the subject 'he' is speaking. [hi sɛd]
aloud: Speaking in a voice loud enough to be heard. [əˈlaʊd]
I went out too far: A statement in single quotes indicating direct speech. 'I' refers to the speaker. 'went out' means to go outside or beyond a certain limit. 'too far' means beyond a reasonable or safe distance. The whole sentence means the speaker went too far from the shore or a safe point. [aɪ wɛnt aʊt tu fɑr]

When he sailed into the little harbour the lights of the Terrace were out and he knew everyone was in bed.

When: A conjunction used to indicate a time or condition. [wɪn]
he: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
sailed: To travel on water in a boat or ship. [seɪld]
into: Expressing movement or direction toward the inside of something. [ˈɪntu]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular harbour. [ðə]
little: Small in size. [ˈlɪtəl]
harbour: A place of shelter on the coast, often used by boats and ships. [ˈhɑrbər]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular place. [ðə]
lights: Sources of illumination. [laɪts]
of: A preposition indicating belonging or association. [əv]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular place. [ðə]
Terrace: Likely a proper noun referring to a specific location or establishment. [ˈtɛrəs]
were: Past tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state of being. [wər]
out: Not lit or extinguished. [aʊt]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
he: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
knew: Past tense of the verb 'to know', indicating awareness or understanding. [nu]
everyone: All the people. [ˈɛvriˌwən]
was: Past tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state of being. [wɑz]
in: Expressing location or position inside something. [ɪn]
bed: A place for sleeping. [bɛd]

The breeze had risen steadily and was blowing strongly now.

The: A definite article, specifying a particular breeze. [ðə]
breeze: A gentle wind. [briz]
had: Auxiliary verb used to form the past perfect tense. [hæd]
risen: Past participle of the verb 'to rise', meaning to increase or ascend. [ˈrɪzən]
steadily: In a consistent and gradual manner. [ˈstɛdəli]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
was: Past tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state of being. [wɑz]
blowing: Moving air. [bloʊɪŋ]
strongly: With great force or intensity. [ˈstrɔŋli]
now: At the present time. [naʊ]

It was quiet in the harbour though and he sailed up onto the little patch of shingle below the rocks.

It: A pronoun referring to the situation or environment. [ɪt]
was: Past tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state of being. [wɑz]
quiet: Absence of noise or disturbance. [kwaɪət]
in: Expressing location or position inside something. [ɪn]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular harbour. [ðə]
harbour: A place of shelter on the coast, often used by boats and ships. [ˈhɑrbər]
though: Despite the preceding statement; however. [ðoʊ]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
he: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
sailed: To travel on water in a boat or ship. [seɪld]
up: Toward a higher place or position. [əp]
onto: Expressing movement or direction toward a surface. [ˈɔntu]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular patch. [ðə]
little: Small in size. [ˈlɪtəl]
patch: A small area of something. [pæʧ]
of: A preposition indicating belonging or association. [əv]
shingle: Gravel or pebbles on a beach. [ˈʃɪŋgəl]
below: At a lower level or position than. [bɪˈloʊ]
the: A definite article, specifying particular rocks. [ðə]
rocks: Large stones. [rɑks]

There was no one to help him so he pulled the boat up as far as he could.

There: Used to indicate the existence or presence of something. [ðɛr]
was: Past tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state of being. [wɑz]
no: Not any. [noʊ]
one: A person. [wən]
to: Expressing direction or purpose. [tɪ]
help: To assist someone. [hɛlp]
him: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [ɪm]
so: Therefore; as a result. [soʊ]
he: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
pulled: To exert force on something to move it toward oneself. [pʊld]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular boat. [ðə]
boat: A small vessel for traveling on water. [boʊt]
up: Toward a higher place or position. [əp]
as: To the same extent or degree. [ɛz]
far: To a great distance. [fɑr]
as: To the same extent or degree. [ɛz]
he: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
could: Past tense of the verb 'can', indicating ability. [kʊd]

Then he stepped out and made her fast to a rock.

Then: After that. [ðɛn]
he: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
stepped: To move by lifting and setting down one's foot. [stɛpt]
out: Away from the inside. [aʊt]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
made: Past tense of the verb 'to make', meaning to create or construct. [meɪd]
her: Possessive pronoun referring to the boat. [hər]
fast: Securely fixed or attached. [fæst]
to: Expressing direction or purpose. [tɪ]
a: An indefinite article, specifying a rock. [ə]
rock: A large stone. [rɑk]

He unstepped the mast and furled the sail and tied it.

He: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
unstepped: Removed from its stepped or upright position. [~~unstepped~~]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular mast. [ðə]
mast: A tall upright post on a boat or ship, used to support sails. [mæst]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
furled: Rolled up and secured. [~~furled~~]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular sail. [ðə]
sail: A piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship. [seɪl]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
tied: Fastened with a knot. [taɪd]
it: A pronoun referring to the sail. [ɪt]

Then he shouldered the mast and started to climb.

Then: After that. [ðɛn]
he: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
shouldered: Placed on one's shoulder. [ˈʃoʊldərd]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular mast. [ðə]
mast: A tall upright post on a boat or ship, used to support sails. [mæst]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
started: Began. [ˈstɑrtɪd]
to: Expressing direction or purpose. [tɪ]
climb: To ascend or go up. [klaɪm]

It was then he knew the depth of his tiredness.

It: A pronoun referring to the situation or experience. [ɪt]
was: Past tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state of being. [wɑz]
then: At that time. [ðɛn]
he: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
knew: Past tense of the verb 'to know', indicating awareness or understanding. [nu]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular depth. [ðə]
depth: The intensity or degree. [dɛpθ]
of: A preposition indicating belonging or association. [əv]
his: Possessive pronoun referring to the subject. [hɪz]
tiredness: The state of being tired. [ˈtaɪərdnɪs]

He stopped for a moment and looked back and saw in the reflection from the street light the great tail of the fish standing up well behind the skiff's stern.

He: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
stopped: Ceased moving or acting. [stɑpt]
for: Indicating a reason or purpose. [fər]
a: An indefinite article, specifying a moment. [ə]
moment: A brief period of time. [ˈmoʊmənt]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
looked: Turned one's eyes in a particular direction. [lʊkt]
back: Toward the rear or past. [bæk]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
saw: Past tense of the verb 'to see', indicating perception with the eyes. [sɔ]
in: Expressing location or position inside something. [ɪn]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular reflection. [ðə]
reflection: An image seen in a mirror or other reflective surface. [rɪˈflɛkʃən]
from: Indicating a source or origin. [frəm]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular light. [ðə]
street: A public road in a city or town. [strit]
light: A source of illumination. [laɪt]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular tail. [ðə]
great: Large in size or degree. [greɪt]
tail: The rear part of an animal or fish. [teɪl]
of: A preposition indicating belonging or association. [əv]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular fish. [ðə]
fish: An aquatic animal with fins and gills. [fɪʃ]
standing: Being in an upright position. [ˈstændɪŋ]
up: Toward a higher place or position. [əp]
well: To a great extent or degree. [wɛl]
behind: At the back of. [bɪˈhaɪnd]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular skiff. [ðə]
skiff's: Possessive form of 'skiff', a light rowing boat. [skiffs]
stern: The rear part of a boat or ship. [stərn]

He saw the white naked line of his backbone and the dark mass of the head with the projecting bill and all the nakedness between.

He: A pronoun referring to a male subject. [hi]
saw: Past tense of the verb 'to see', indicating perception with the eyes. [sɔ]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular line. [ðə]
white: A color. [waɪt]
naked: Without covering. [ˈneɪkəd]
line: A long, narrow mark or band. [laɪn]
of: A preposition indicating belonging or association. [əv]
his: Possessive pronoun referring to the subject. [hɪz]
backbone: The spine or spinal column. [ˈbækˌboʊn]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular mass. [ðə]
dark: Lacking light. [dɑrk]
mass: A large body of something. [mæs]
of: A preposition indicating belonging or association. [əv]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular head. [ðə]
head: The upper part of the body. [hɛd]
with: Expressing accompaniment or possession. [wɪθ]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular bill. [ðə]
projecting: Extending outward. [prɑˈʤɛktɪŋ]
bill: A beak or pointed projection. [bɪl]
and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
all: The whole quantity or extent of. [ɔl]
the: A definite article, specifying a particular nakedness. [ðə]
nakedness: The state of being without covering. [~~nakedness~~]
between: In the space separating two things. [bɪtˈwin]

He started to climb again and at the top he fell and lay for some time with the mast across his shoulder.

He: refers to a male person previously mentioned or known [hi]
started: began an action or process [ˈstɑrtɪd]
to climb: to ascend or go upward [tɪ klaɪm]
again: one more time; repeating a previous action [əˈgɛn]
and: used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
at the top: the highest point or position [æt ðə tɔp]
he: referring to the same male person as before [hi]
fell: past tense of 'fall', meaning to drop or descend suddenly [fɛl]
and: connecting the two actions of falling and lying [ənd]
lay: past tense of 'lie', meaning to be in a horizontal or resting position [leɪ]
for some time: a period of unspecified duration [fər səm taɪm]
with: indicating accompaniment or possession [wɪθ]
the mast: a long, upright pole on a ship or boat, here used metaphorically or literally [ðə mæst]
across: extending from one side to the other of something [əˈkrɔs]
his shoulder: the part of the body where the arm is attached [hɪz ˈʃoʊldər]

He tried to get up.

He: referring to the same male person [hi]
tried: made an attempt or effort [traɪd]
to get up: to rise from a lying or sitting position [tɪ gɪt əp]

But it was too difficult and he sat there with the mast on his shoulder and looked at the road.

But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
it: referring to the action of getting up [ɪt]
was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
too difficult: excessively hard or challenging [tu ˈdɪfəkəlt]
and: connecting the two clauses [ənd]
he: referring to the same male person [hi]
sat: past tense of 'sit', meaning to rest with the body supported by the buttocks [sæt]
there: in that place or position [ðɛr]
with: indicating accompaniment or possession [wɪθ]
the mast: the same mast as mentioned before [ðə mæst]
on: supported by or resting upon [ɔn]
his shoulder: the same shoulder as mentioned before [hɪz ˈʃoʊldər]
and: connecting the two actions of sitting and looking [ənd]
looked: past tense of 'look', meaning to direct one's gaze [lʊkt]
at: expressing direction or location [æt]
the road: a way or route between two places [ðə roʊd]