Question

The old man remembers that once, when he killed a female marlin, the male Marlin

• A. Followed the boat for hours
• B. Swam alongside the boat as though in mourning.
• C. Attacked the fisherman
• D. Disappeared into the depths of the ocean

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Swam alongside the boat as though in mourning.

Understanding a Pivotal Memory in The Old Man and the Sea

• The Old Man's Memory

  • In Ernest Hemingway's classic novella, The Old Man and the Sea, the protagonist, Santiago, recounts a powerful memory from his past.
  • This specific memory involves an occasion when he had previously killed a female marlin.
  • The striking and memorable detail of this recollection is the reaction of the male marlin. Instead of fleeing, it remarkably "swam alongside the boat as though in mourning" for its deceased mate.
  • This poignant display of grief deeply impacted Santiago, highlighting the perceived emotional depth and strong bond between the marlins.

• Symbolism and Themes

  • This memory serves to significantly deepen Santiago's characterization, emphasizing his profound respect and empathy for the creatures of the sea that he hunts. He views them not merely as prey, but as worthy adversaries and even as kindred spirits.
  • It strongly reinforces one of the novel's central themes: the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, suggesting a shared capacity for emotion and dignity across different species.
  • The male marlin's act of mourning humanizes the fish, thereby elevating the natural world and implying a complex emotional life within animals.
  • This scene also aligns with the concept of the "code hero" often found in Hemingway's works, where dignity and courage are exemplified not only by the human protagonist but also by the natural forces and beings with whom he interacts.

• Relevance to Competitive Exams

  • Author: Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961), a highly influential American novelist and short-story writer.
  • Novel: The Old Man and the Sea, originally published in 1952.
  • Awards: This novella was a key factor in Hemingway receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
  • Key Themes: Prominent themes include man versus nature, perseverance, courage, dignity in the face of defeat, isolation, and the profound brotherhood between man and the natural world.
  • Protagonist: Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman who symbolizes the indomitable spirit and enduring struggle of humanity.
  • The incident with the male marlin is a crucial moment that illustrates Santiago's deep philosophical connection to the sea and his unique perspective on his lifelong struggle, a recurring and significant motif throughout the novella.