What type of fish does Santiago catch?
ATuna
BMarlin
CShark
DDolphin
Answer:
B. Marlin
Read Explanation:
Explanation of the Catch
- The specific type of fish Santiago battles and ultimately catches in Ernest Hemingway's novella, The Old Man and the Sea, is a magnificent Marlin.
- This marlin is portrayed as an extraordinarily large and powerful creature, representing the supreme challenge for Santiago, an experienced but aging fisherman.
- The intense struggle between Santiago and the marlin is central to the plot, spanning three days and two nights on the open sea.
About The Old Man and the Sea
- The Old Man and the Sea is a short novel (novella) written by the acclaimed American author Ernest Hemingway, first published in 1952.
- It was Hemingway's last significant work of fiction to be published during his lifetime.
- The novella was instrumental in Hemingway being awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953.
- Its critical acclaim also played a crucial role in the Nobel Committee's decision to award Hemingway the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954, citing his mastery of narration.
- Key themes explored in the novella include man's enduring spirit, perseverance despite hardship, honor in struggle, and the complex relationship between humanity and nature.
- The story is set primarily in the Gulf Stream waters off the coast of Cuba, where Santiago lives.
Characters and Symbolism
- Santiago: The protagonist, an elderly Cuban fisherman renowned for his skill but currently experiencing a long streak of bad luck (84 days without a catch). He symbolizes resilience, dignity, and the human capacity for endurance.
- Manolin: A young boy who previously fished with Santiago and maintains a deep bond of affection and loyalty for him. He represents youth, hope, and companionship.
- The Marlin: Beyond being a fish, it serves as Santiago's ultimate adversary and the embodiment of his ambition and pride. It also symbolizes the grandeur, power, and often indifferent nature of the natural world.
- Sharks: These predators appear after Santiago has hooked the marlin, attacking and consuming most of his hard-won catch. They symbolize the destructive forces of the world and the potential for one's accomplishments to be diminished or taken away.