The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway- page 6

''Supper,'' said the boy. ''We're going to have supper.''

• Supper: Evening meal [ˈsəpər)]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating speech [sɛd]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific boy [ðə]
• boy: A young male person [bɔɪ]
• We're: Contraction of 'we are' [wɪr]
• going to: Expressing future intention [goʊɪŋ tɪ]
• have: To possess or experience [hæv]
• supper: Evening meal [ˈsəpər)]

''I'm not very hungry.''

• I'm: Contraction of 'I am' [əm]
• not: Adverb, negating the following word [nɑt]
• very: Adverb, modifying 'hungry' [ˈvɛri]
• hungry: Feeling a need or desire for food [ˈhəŋgri)]

''Come on and eat.

• Come on: An expression of encouragement or urging [kəm ɔn]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two actions [ənd]
• eat: To consume food [it]

''I have,'' the old man said getting up and taking the newspaper and folding it.

• I: Pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
• have: Auxiliary verb, used with 'been' implied [hæv)]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific old man [ðə]
• old man: An elderly man [oʊld mæn]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating speech [sɛd]
• getting up: Rising from a sitting or lying position [ˈgɪtɪŋ əp]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two actions [ənd]
• taking: Grasping or holding something [ˈteɪkɪŋ]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific newspaper [ðə]
• newspaper: A printed publication containing news [ˈnuzˌpeɪpər]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two actions [ənd]
• folding: Bending something over on itself [ˈfoʊldɪŋ]
• it: Referring to the newspaper [ɪt]

Then he started to fold the blanket.

• Then: Adverb, indicating sequence [ðɛn]
• he: Referring to the old man [hi]
• started: Began to do something [ˈstɑrtɪd]
• to: Infinitive marker [tɪ]
• fold: To bend something over on itself [foʊld]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific blanket [ðə]
• blanket: A covering used for warmth [ˈblæŋkɪt)]

''Keep the blanket around you,'' the boy said. ''You'll not fish without eating while I'm alive.''

• Keep: An imperative verb, instructing someone to maintain or continue holding something [kip]
• the blanket: A covering made of soft material, used for warmth [ðə ˈblæŋkɪt]
• around you: Positioned or encircling the person being addressed [əraʊnd ju]
• the boy said: Attribution of the statement to the boy [ðə bɔɪ sɛd]
• You'll: Contraction of 'you will', indicating a future action [jul]
• not fish: Refrain from the activity of catching fish [nɑt fɪʃ]
• without eating: Without consuming food [wɪˈθaʊt ˈitɪŋ]
• while I'm alive: During the time that the speaker is living [waɪl əm əˈlaɪv]

''Then live a long time and take care of yourself,'' the old man said. ''What are we eating?''

• Then: In that case; as a consequence [ðɛn]
• live a long time: Continue to exist for an extended period [lɪv ə lɔŋ taɪm]
• and take care of yourself: And ensure your own well-being [ənd teɪk kɛr əv ˈjɔrsɛlf]
• the old man said: Attribution of the statement to the old man [ðə oʊld mæn sɛd]
• What: An interrogative pronoun used to ask for specific information [wət]
• are we eating: Inquiring about the food that will be consumed [ər wi ˈitɪŋ]

''Black beans and rice, fried bananas, and some stew.''

• Black beans and rice: A dish consisting of black beans and rice, often cooked together or served side-by-side [blæk binz ənd raɪs]
• fried bananas: Bananas that have been cooked in hot oil or fat [ frid bəˈnænəz]
• and some stew: A dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid [ ənd səm stu]

The boy had brought them in a two-decker metal container from the Terrace.

• The boy: A young male person [ðə bɔɪ]
• had brought: Past perfect tense of 'bring', indicating that the action of bringing was completed before another point in time [hæd brɔt]
• them: Referring to the food items mentioned previously [ðɛm]
• in a two-decker metal container: Contained within a metal container with two layers or compartments [ɪn ə two-decker ˈmɛtəl kənˈteɪnər]
• from the Terrace: Originating from a place called 'the Terrace' [frəm ðə ˈtɛrəs]

The two sets of knives and forks and spoons were in his pocket with a paper napkin wrapped around each set.

• The two sets of knives and forks and spoons: Two collections each containing a knife, fork, and spoon [ðə tu sɛts əv naɪvz ənd fɔrks ənd spunz]
• were in his pocket: Located inside the boy's pocket [wər ɪn hɪz ˈpɑkət]
• with a paper napkin: Accompanied by a napkin made of paper [wɪθ ə ˈpeɪpər ˈnæpkɪn]
• wrapped around each set: Enclosed around each collection of utensils [ræpt əraʊnd iʧ sɛt]

''Who gave this to you?''

• Who: An interrogative pronoun used to ask about the identity of a person [hu]
• gave: Past tense of 'give', meaning to transfer possession or provide something [geɪv]
• this: Referring to something that is close or present [ðɪs]
• to you: Directed towards the person being addressed [tɪ ju]

''Martin.

• Martin: The name of a person [ˈmɑrtɪn]

''I must thank him.''

• I: The speaker or writer referring to themself [aɪ]
• must: Expressing obligation or necessity [məst]
• thank: Expressing gratitude or appreciation [θæŋk]
• him: Referring to a male person previously mentioned [ɪm]

''I thanked him already,'' the boy said. ''You don't need to thank him.''

• I: Beginning of a direct quote, indicating the speaker is the boy. 'I' refers to the boy himself. [aɪ]
• thanked: past tense of 'thank', expressing gratitude [θæŋkt]
• him: referring to a male person previously mentioned [ɪm]
• already: before now or before the expected time, end of the quote [ɔˈrɛdi]
• the boy: a young male person [ðə bɔɪ]
• said: stated or uttered words, end of the sentence [sɛd]
• You: Beginning of a direct quote, indicating the speaker is the boy. 'You' refers to the person the boy is speaking to. [ju]
• don't: contraction of 'do not', expressing negation [doʊnt]
• need: requirement or necessity [nid]
• to thank: to express gratitude [tɪ θæŋk]
• him: referring to a male person previously mentioned, end of the quote and the sentence [ɪm]

''I'll give him the belly meat of a big fish,'' the old man said. ''Has he done this for us more than once?''

• I'll: Beginning of a direct quote, indicating the speaker is the old man. Contraction of 'I will', expressing a future action. [aɪl]
• give: to present something to someone [gɪv]
• him: referring to a male person previously mentioned [ɪm]
• the belly meat: the meat from the belly of an animal, often considered a choice cut [ðə ˈbɛli mit]
• of a big fish: belonging to a large fish, end of the quote [əv ə bɪg fɪʃ]
• the old man: an elderly male person [ðə oʊld mæn]
• said: stated or uttered words, end of the sentence [sɛd]
• Has: Beginning of a direct quote, indicating the speaker is the old man. Auxiliary verb used to form a question in the present perfect tense. [həz]
• he: referring to a male person previously mentioned [hi]
• done: past participle of 'do', indicating an action performed [dən]
• this: referring to something previously mentioned or understood [ðɪs]
• for us: for our benefit or on our behalf [fər ˈjuˈɛs]
• more than once: on more than one occasion, end of the quote and the question [mɔr ðən wəns]

''I think so.''

• I: Beginning of a direct quote. 'I' refers to the speaker. [aɪ]
• think: to have a particular belief or idea [θɪŋk]
• so: in that way; to that extent, end of the quote and the sentence [soʊ]

''I must give him something more than the belly meat then.

• I: Beginning of a direct quote. 'I' refers to the speaker. [aɪ]
• must: expressing obligation or necessity [məst]
• give: to present something to someone [gɪv]
• him: referring to a male person previously mentioned [ɪm]
• something: an unspecified thing [ˈsəmθɪŋ]
• more than: to a greater extent than [mɔr ðən]
• the belly meat: the meat from the belly of an animal, often considered a choice cut [ðə ˈbɛli mit]
• then: at that time; also; in that case, end of the sentence [ðɛn]

''He sent two beers.''

• He: Beginning of a direct quote. 'He' refers to a male person previously mentioned. [hi]
• sent: past tense of 'send', meaning to dispatch or transmit [sɛnt]
• two beers: two alcoholic beverages, end of the quote and the sentence [tu bɪrz]

''I like the beer in cans best.''

• I: Beginning of a direct quote. 'I' refers to the speaker. [aɪ]
• like: to find something enjoyable or pleasing [laɪk]
• the beer: an alcoholic beverage [ðə bɪr]
• in cans: contained in metal containers [ɪn kænz]
• best: to the highest degree; most, end of the quote and the sentence [bɛst]

''I know.

• I: Beginning of a direct quote. 'I' refers to the speaker. [aɪ]
• know: to have knowledge of something, end of the sentence [noʊ]

''That's very kind of you,'' the old man said. ''Should we eat?''

• That's: Beginning of a direct quote. Contraction of 'that is', referring to the previous action. [ðæts]
• very: to a high degree [ˈvɛri]
• kind: having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature [kaɪnd]
• of you: done by the person being addressed, end of the quote [əv ju]
• the old man: an elderly male person [ðə oʊld mæn]
• said: stated or uttered words, end of the sentence [sɛd]
• Should: Beginning of a direct quote. Used to make a suggestion or ask for advice. [ʃʊd]
• we: the speaker and one or more other people [wi]
• eat: to consume food, end of the quote and the question [it]

''I've been asking you to,'' the boy told him gently. ''I have not wished to open the container until you were ready.''

• I've: Contraction of 'I have'. 'I' indicates the speaker, and 'have' is an auxiliary verb used to form the present perfect tense. [aɪv]
• been asking: Present perfect continuous tense, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present. 'Asking' implies requesting or inquiring repeatedly. [bɪn ˈæskɪŋ]
• you: Refers to the person being addressed. [ju]
• to: Indicates what the speaker has been requesting. The comma sets off the direct quote. [tɪ]
• the boy: Refers to a young male person. [ðə bɔɪ]
• told: Past tense of 'tell', meaning to communicate information. [toʊld]
• him: Refers to the person to whom the boy is speaking. [ɪm]
• gently: Adverb describing how the boy spoke, indicating a mild and kind manner. The period ends the sentence. [ˈʤɛntli]
• I: The speaker, in this case, the boy. [aɪ]
• have not: Negative form of 'have', indicating that something has not happened. [hæv nɑt]
• wished: Past participle of 'wish', meaning to want or desire something. [wɪʃt]
• to open: Infinitive form of the verb 'open', meaning to make something accessible. [tɪ ˈoʊpən]
• the container: Refers to a specific object that holds something. [ðə kənˈteɪnər]
• until: A conjunction indicating a time up to which something will happen. [ənˈtɪl]
• you: Refers to the person being addressed. [ju]
• were ready: Past tense of 'be ready', meaning prepared or willing to do something. The double quotes end the direct quote. [wər ˈrɛdi]

''I'm ready now,'' the old man said. ''I only needed time to wash.''

• I'm: Contraction of 'I am', where 'I' refers to the speaker. [əm]
• ready: Adjective meaning prepared or willing. [ˈrɛdi]
• now: Adverb indicating the present time. The comma sets off the direct quote. [naʊ]
• the old man: Refers to an elderly male person. [ðə oʊld mæn]
• said: Past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words. The period ends the sentence. [sɛd]
• I: The speaker, in this case, the old man. [aɪ]
• only: Adverb meaning 'just' or 'merely'. [ˈoʊnli]
• needed: Past tense of 'need', meaning to require something. [ˈnidɪd]
• time: Refers to a period available or required for something. [taɪm]
• to wash: Infinitive form of the verb 'wash', meaning to clean oneself. The double quotes end the direct quote. [tɪ wɑʃ]

Where did you wash?

• Where: An adverb used to ask about a place or location. [wɛr]
• did: Auxiliary verb used to form the past tense in questions. [dɪd]
• you: Refers to the person being addressed. [ju]
• wash: Verb meaning to clean oneself. The question mark indicates a question. [wɑʃ]

the boy thought.

• the boy: Refers to a young male person. [ðə bɔɪ]
• thought: Past tense of 'think', meaning to have an opinion or belief. The period ends the sentence. [θɔt]

The village water supply was two streets down the road.

• The village: Refers to a small community or group of houses in a rural area. [ðə ˈvɪlɪʤ]
• water supply: Refers to the system or source that provides water. [ˈwɔtər səˈplaɪ]
• was: Past tense of 'be', linking the subject to the description. [wɑz]
• two streets: Refers to two roads in a town or city. [tu strits]
• down the road: Indicates a direction along the road, meaning further along. The period ends the sentence. [daʊn ðə roʊd]

I must have water here for him, the boy thought, and soap and a good towel.

• I: The speaker, in this case, the boy. [aɪ]
• must: Modal verb expressing obligation or necessity. [məst]
• have: Verb meaning to possess or hold. [hæv]
• water: Refers to a clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid. [ˈwɔtər]
• here: Adverb indicating a location near the speaker. [hir]
• for him: Preposition indicating the recipient of the water. The comma separates the phrase. [fər ɪm]
• the boy: Refers to a young male person. [ðə bɔɪ]
• thought: Past tense of 'think', meaning to have an opinion or belief. The comma separates the phrase. [θɔt]
• and: Conjunction used to connect words or phrases. [ənd]
• soap: Refers to a substance used for washing. [soʊp]
• and: Conjunction used to connect words or phrases. [ənd]
• a good towel: Refers to a piece of absorbent cloth used for drying. The period ends the sentence. [ə gʊd taʊəl]

Why am I so thoughtless?

• Why: Adverb used to ask about the reason for something. [waɪ]
• am: Present tense of 'be', linking the subject to the description. [æm]
• I: The speaker, in this case, the boy. [aɪ]
• so: Adverb meaning 'to such a great extent'. [soʊ]
• thoughtless: Adjective meaning lacking consideration for others. The question mark indicates a question. [ˈθɔtləs]

I must get him another shirt and a jacket for the winter and some sort of shoes and another blanket.

• I: The speaker, in this case, the boy. [aɪ]
• must: Modal verb expressing obligation or necessity. [məst]
• get: Verb meaning to obtain or acquire. [gɪt]
• him: Refers to the person to whom the boy is providing items. [ɪm]
• another shirt: Refers to an additional item of clothing worn on the upper body. [əˈnəðər ʃərt]
• and: Conjunction used to connect words or phrases. [ənd]
• a jacket: Refers to a short coat. [ə ˈʤækɪt]
• for the winter: Preposition indicating the season for which the jacket is intended. [fər ðə ˈwɪntər]
• and: Conjunction used to connect words or phrases. [ənd]
• some sort of: Phrase meaning 'a type of'. [səm sɔrt əv]
• shoes: Refers to footwear. [ʃuz]
• and: Conjunction used to connect words or phrases. [ənd]
• another blanket: Refers to an additional covering for warmth. The period ends the sentence. [əˈnəðər ˈblæŋkɪt]

''Your stew is excellent,'' the old man said.

• Your: Possessive pronoun indicating that something belongs to the person being addressed. [jʊr]
• stew: Refers to a dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid. [stu]
• is: Present tense of 'be', linking the subject to the description. [ɪz]
• excellent: Adjective meaning very good or outstanding. The comma sets off the direct quote. [ˈɛksələnt]
• the old man: Refers to an elderly male person. [ðə oʊld mæn]
• said: Past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words. The period ends the sentence. [sɛd]

''Tell me about the baseball,'' the boy asked him.

• Tell: beginning of a direct quote; an imperative, meaning 'to say' or 'narrate' [tɛl]
• me: the speaker is asking to be told something [mi]
• about: regarding; concerning [əˈbaʊt]
• the baseball: referring to a specific baseball or the sport in general [ðə ˈbeɪsˈbɔl]
• the boy: a young male [ðə bɔɪ]
• asked: to put a question to someone [æst]
• him: the person being addressed [ɪm]

''In the American League it is the Yankees as I said,'' the old man said happily.''

• In: beginning of a direct quote; indicating location or context [ɪn]
• the American League: a professional baseball league in North America [ðə əˈmɛrɪkən lig]
• it: referring to a team [ɪt]
• is: linking verb, indicating identity [ɪz]
• the Yankees: a famous baseball team from New York [ðə ˈjæŋkiz]
• as: in the manner that; like [ɛz]
• I: the speaker [aɪ]
• said: past tense of 'say'; to utter words [sɛd]
• the old man: an elderly male [ðə oʊld mæn]
• said: past tense of 'say'; to utter words [sɛd]
• happily: in a joyful manner [ˈhæpəli]

''They lost today,'' the boy told him.

• They: beginning of a direct quote; referring to a team, likely the Yankees [ðeɪ]
• lost: past tense of 'lose'; to be defeated [lɔst]
• today: the current day [təˈdeɪ]
• the boy: a young male [ðə bɔɪ]
• told: past tense of 'tell'; to communicate information [toʊld]
• him: the person being addressed [ɪm]

''That means nothing.

• That: beginning of a direct quote; referring to the previous statement [ðət]
• means: to signify; to indicate [minz]
• nothing: not anything; of no importance [ˈnəθɪŋ]

''They have other men on the team.''

• They: beginning of a direct quote; referring to a team [ðeɪ]
• have: to possess; to include [hæv]
• other: additional; different [ˈəðər]
• men: plural of 'man'; referring to players [mɛn]
• on: located on; part of [ɔn]
• the team: a group of players [ðə tim]

''Naturally.

• Naturally: beginning of a direct quote; of course; as expected [ˈnæʧərəli]

But he makes the difference.

• But: however; introducing a contrasting idea [bət]
• he: referring to DiMaggio [hi]
• makes: to cause; to create [meɪks]
• the difference: the factor that changes the outcome [ðə ˈdɪfərəns]

In the other league, between Brooklyn and Philadelphia I must take Brooklyn.

• In: indicating location or context [ɪn]
• the other: the remaining; the alternative [ðə ˈəðər]
• league: a group of sports teams that compete against each other [lig]
• between: in the space separating [bɪtˈwin]
• Brooklyn: a borough of New York City, formerly home to the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team [ˈbrʊklɪn]
• and: connecting two items [ənd]
• Philadelphia: a city in Pennsylvania [ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə]
• I: the speaker [aɪ]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• take: to choose; to select [teɪk]
• Brooklyn: referring to the Brooklyn Dodgers [ˈbrʊklɪn]