Question

What happens upon the old man's return to his fishing village?

• A. He is praised for his efforts
• B. He is given a grand feast
• C. The villagers congratulate him.
• D. Manolin promises to sail with him.

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Manolin promises to sail with him.

The Old Man and the Sea: Santiago's Return and Manolin's Promise

• The Old Man and the Sea is a novella written by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1952. It was his last major work of fiction published during his lifetime.
• The story centers on an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago, who endures a lengthy struggle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.
• Upon his return to the fishing village, Santiago is utterly exhausted, and his prize marlin has been devoured by sharks, leaving only its skeleton. Despite this physical loss, his spirit remains unbroken.
• The young boy, Manolin, who had been Santiago's apprentice for years but was forced by his parents to leave Santiago due to the old man's bad luck, is deeply concerned for Santiago.
• Manolin finds Santiago asleep in his shack and brings him coffee, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and affection.
• The crucial moment is when Manolin, seeing Santiago's deep sleep and physical state, promises to return to fishing with him, regardless of his parents' objections. This promise signifies a renewed bond and hope.
• This promise is highly symbolic, representing the continuation of tradition, the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next, and the enduring human spirit in the face of defeat.
• It underscores the theme of mentorship and companionship, highlighting the deep platonic love and respect between the two characters.
• Manolin's decision offers Santiago a sense of purpose and companionship, alleviating his profound loneliness and demonstrating that his struggle and wisdom are valued.
• The novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 and was cited by the Nobel Committee when Hemingway was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954, largely for his mastery of narrative, exemplified in this work.
• The ending, with Manolin's promise, provides a powerful message of resilience and hope, suggesting that even after great struggle and apparent failure, life offers new beginnings and continued companionship.