. Manolin's parents don't want him to fish with the old man because he is "salao" or......
ACursed
BUnlucky
CFoolish
DWeak
Answer:
B. Unlucky
Read Explanation:
Understanding "Salao" in The Old Man and the Sea
- The term "salao" is a Spanish word, primarily used in Cuban fishing communities, that literally translates to "unlucky" or "jinxed".
- In Ernest Hemingway's novella, Santiago, the old fisherman, is considered "salao" because he has gone 84 days without catching a significant fish.
- This prolonged period of bad luck leads Manolin's parents to forbid him from fishing with Santiago, believing that Santiago's ill fortune will rub off on their son. They insist Manolin fish with more successful boats.
- The concept of "salao" highlights the superstitious beliefs prevalent among the fishermen and underscores the immense pressure and societal judgment Santiago faces due to his lack of catch.
- Despite being labeled "salao," Santiago demonstrates remarkable perseverance and skill throughout the story, challenging the very notion of pure luck versus determination and talent.
Key Facts for Competitive Exams:
- Author: Ernest Hemingway.
- Publication Year: The Old Man and the Sea was first published in 1952.
- Awards:
- Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 for The Old Man and the Sea.
- Contributed to Hemingway receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
- Genre: Novella. It is one of Hemingway's most famous works and was his last major fictional work published during his lifetime.
- Themes: The novella explores themes of perseverance, courage, dignity, the bond between man and nature, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
- Setting: The story is set in the Gulf Stream off the coast of Cuba.