What type of boat does Santiago use for fishing?
AA large trawler
BA small skiff
CA canoe
DA vessel
Answer:
B. A small skiff
Read Explanation:
Understanding Santiago's Boat in The Old Man and the Sea
The Skiff Defined
- A skiff is a small, light boat, typically open and shallow, often propelled by oars or a small sail. It is designed for one or two people and is suitable for coastal waters or rivers.
- In the context of Ernest Hemingway's novel, Santiago's use of a skiff underscores his humble means and the solitary nature of his challenging profession as a fisherman.
About the Novel: The Old Man and the Sea
- Author: The novel was written by Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961), a prominent American novelist and short-story writer, known for his concise and impactful prose.
- Publication Year: It was first published in 1952, and it became an immediate critical and commercial success.
- Protagonist: The central character is Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman who struggles with an epic battle against a giant marlin.
- Setting: The story is primarily set in the Gulf Stream off the coast of Havana, Cuba, highlighting the vastness and power of the ocean.
- Plot Overview: The narrative focuses on Santiago's 84-day struggle without catching a fish, followed by his epic, multi-day battle with a massive marlin far out at sea.
Literary Significance & Awards
- Pulitzer Prize: Ernest Hemingway was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 specifically for The Old Man and the Sea.
- Nobel Prize: This novel played a significant role in the decision of the Nobel Committee to award Hemingway the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
- Major Themes: Key themes explored include man's relationship with nature, perseverance in the face of defeat, dignity, the concept of 'nada' (nothingness), and the bond between Santiago and the young boy, Manolin.
- Hemingway's Style: The novel is a prime example of Hemingway's famous