Question

Why does Santiago not let his lines drift like the other fishermen?

• A. He is afraid of losing the fish
• B. He believes it is imprecise, and he strives always to be exact
• C. He believes it attracts sharks.
• D. He thinks it wastes time

Answer 1

Answer:

B. He believes it is imprecise, and he strives always to be exact

Santiago's Fishing Philosophy: Precision and Mastery

• Santiago, the protagonist in Ernest Hemingway's *The Old Man and the Sea*, exemplifies a profound respect for his craft and the sea, which manifests in his meticulous fishing methods.
• He *consciously avoids* letting his fishing lines drift aimlessly, a common practice among other, less experienced or less dedicated fishermen.
• This decision stems from his deep-seated belief in precision and exactness. He strives to maintain ultimate control over his lines, knowing precisely where they are in the water and at what depth.
• This controlled approach allows him to *feel the slightest tug or vibration*, enabling him to detect even the most subtle presence of fish. It's a testament to his heightened sensory awareness developed over decades of fishing.
• The act of maintaining such precision is a reflection of his professionalism and unwavering dedication to his work, distinguishing him from the younger, often more pragmatic fishermen who prioritize ease over exactitude.
• It symbolizes Santiago's profound connection with the ocean, treating fishing not just as a livelihood but as a sacred art requiring immense skill and patience.
• This method also speaks to his solitary nature and self-reliance, as he trusts his own instincts and hard-earned knowledge more than general practices.

Key Facts about *The Old Man and the Sea* for Competitive Exams:

• Author: Ernest Hemingway.
• Publication Year: 1952.
• Awards: Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953. This novel was also cited by the Nobel Committee when Hemingway was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
• Setting: The Gulf Stream off the coast of Havana, Cuba.
• Protagonist: Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman.
• Antagonist (Symbolic): The Marlin and the Sharks.
• Key Themes:
• Man vs. Nature: The struggle between Santiago and the giant marlin, and later the sharks.
• Perseverance and Resilience: Santiago's unwavering determination despite prolonged bad luck.
• Honor and Defeat: The idea that one can be destroyed but not defeated.
• Skill and Mastery: Santiago's profound knowledge and expertise in fishing.
• Friendship: The bond between Santiago and the boy, Manolin.
• Literary Style: Hemingway's famous 'Iceberg Theory' (or 'Theory of Omission'), where much of the meaning is not explicitly stated but lies beneath the surface.
• Symbolism:
• The marlin symbolizes Santiago's ultimate challenge, nature's majesty, and a worthy adversary.
• The sharks represent the destructive forces of nature and the inevitable erosion of victory.
• Santiago himself embodies the 'Hemingway Code Hero' – a figure who displays grace under pressure, endurance, and courage.