the old man and the sea book review class 10

Maharashtra Board Class 10 English Solutions Unit 4.5 The Old Man and The Sea Book Review

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Solutions Unit 4.5 The Old Man and The Sea Book Review Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Kumarbharati Textbook Solutions Unit 4.5 The Old Man and The Sea Book Review

Maharashtra Board Class 10 English Solutions Unit 4.5 Warming Up Questions and Answers

The Old Man And The Sea Book Review Class 10 Question 1. Pair up with your partner and answer the following questions : (a) Which animal would you relate yourself to and why? Answer: I would relate to a cat. This is because like a cat, I am lazy. I am also reserved and do not show my emotions easily. I choose my friends carefully and am not friendly with anybody and everybody.

(b) Do you have a hero or a role model to look up to? Who is he/she? Answer: Yes, my role model is my grandmother. Though she has led a very difficult life because she was poor, she is always optimistic and sees the best in people. She is always cheerful and ready to learn new things. She has learnt how to use the computer and surfs the internet regularly. She is even learning a new language with the help of the computer! She is health-conscious and does yoga regularly. I wish to be like her.

(c) Do you have a passion you would fight for? Why? Answer: Yes, my passion is planting trees. Afforestation is the answer to. many of the ills plaguing our country, like water shortage and soil erosion. Planting forests will stop this. When I grow up. I plan to fight for a green cover for our planet.

(d) What is meant by a review? Answer: A ‘review’ is a critical evaluation of something – a book, a film, a play, etc.

(e) Have you ever read any book review? If yes, which one? If no, make it a point to read one. Answer: Yes, I have read a book review. It was of a Harry Potter book. I read it in a newspaper and it gave me an idea of what to expect in the book, without knowing the details.

The Old Man And The Sea Section 1 Answers Question 2. Make a list of famous novels of Ernest Hemingway. Two are given to you. (1) A Farewell to Arms (2) For Whom the Bell Tolls. (3) ……………………………………… (4) ……………………………………… (5) ……………………………………… (6) ……………………………………… (7) ……………………………………… Answer: (1) A Farewell to Arms. (2) For Whom the Bells Toll. (3) The Sun also Rises. (4) The Garden of Eden. (5) Islands in the Stream. (6) To Have and Have Not. (7) The Torrents of Spring.

The Old Man and The Sea Book Review Class 10 English Workshop Questions and Answers Maharashtra Board

The Old Man And The Sea Book Report Question 1. Read the passage and name the following. (a) Young and devoted apprentice (b) The place where Hemingway had experience of fishing (c) That which Hemingway was injured by, during First World War (d) Language of the novel (e) In his first reading, the review writer was left Answer: (a) Manolin (b) Cuban waters (c) shrapnel (d) simple and pithy (e) unimpressed

The Old Man And The Sea Book Review Question 2. Correct the following sentences using facts from the review. (a) Manolin’s parents insisted on his working with the same old fisherman. (b) This novel is pure fiction. (c) Hemingway’s style of writing does not unfold the hidden meaning. (d) The relationship between the old man and Manolin is coarse. Answer: (a) Manolin’s parents insisted on his working with another fisherman. (b) This novel is based on real events and draws heavily from incidents in Hemingway’s own life. (c) Hemingway’s style of writing is such that a reader can read his work again and again and find new layers of meaning every time. (d) The relationship between the old man and Manolin is heart-warming.

The Old Man And The Sea Questions And Answers Question 3. Compare the points that you would use for a book review with those of the review of a play and write in your notebook. Answer:

The Old Man And The Sea Review Question 4. The line – ‘I first read this novel years ago, when I did not understand it at all and was left unimpressed.’ tells us about the book reviewer’s opinion about the book. Complete the following sentences using the expressions. (1) In my opinion, every hard working person achieves success in life. (2) I strongly feel that ………………………………………………………. (3) I wish I could ………………………………………………………. (4) As far as I know you ………………………………………………………. (5) I think ………………………………………………………. Answer: (1) every hardworking person achieves success in life. (2) there should be a complete ban on tobacco. (3) go to the moon. (4) have never taken part in a debate. (5) they know what they are doing.

Old Man And The Sea Book Review Question 5. The review describes the struggle between the old man with the marlin and sharks, Ernest Hemingway’s struggle against defeat or death and noble struggle against destruction. Find all the words from the text that are related to the word ‘brave’ or ‘courage’.

• ……………………………………….
• formidable.
• determination,

The Old Man And The Sea Answers Question 6. The review mentions struggles of both the writer, Ernest Hemingway and the old man. Fill the incidents of struggle of Hemingway in table A and those of the old man in table B.

Question 7. Read the text again. You will find that the text contains many phrases. Match the phrases in ‘A’ and their meanings in ‘B’. After matching their meanings, make sentences of your own

Question 8. (A) Rewrite as directed, without change of meaning, in your notebook. (1) Hemingway’s novel is based on real events. (Convert the underlined adjective to an Adjectival Clause) (2) He hooks a marlin but the marlin is too strong for him. (Rewrite beginning with ‘Although’) (3) The reader can read his work again and again and find new layers of menaing. (Begin the sentence with ‘On reading’) (4) As the novel progresses, the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked. (Rewrite using ‘progress’ as a Noun) (5) Being strong, the marlin starts pulling the boat. (Rewrite inserting ‘and’ as a Co-ordinator) (6) When I first read this novel, I was unimpressed. (Rewrite using ‘but’ as a Co-ordinator) Answer: (1) Hemingway’s novel is based on events which are real. (2) Although he hooks a marlin, the marlin is, too strong for him. (3) On reading his work again and again, the reader can find new layers of meaning. (4) In the course of the progress of the novel, the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked. (5) The marlin is strong and starts pulling the boat. (6) I had read this novel before but I was unimpressed at that time.

(B) Write the ‘root-word’ after dropping the prefix or suffix or both. (1) unable ………………………………………. (2) heavily ………………………………………. (3) determination ………………………………………. (4) endurance ………………………………………. (5) unimpressed ………………………………………. (6) relationship ………………………………………. (7) inseparably ………………………………………. (8) empathetic ………………………………………. (9) beautiful ………………………………………. (10) simplicity ………………………………………. Answer: (1) unable – able (2) heavily – heavy (3) determination – determine (4) endurance – endure (5) unimpressed – impress (6) relationship – relate (7) inseparably – separate (8) empathetic – empathy (9) beautiful – beauty (10) simplicity – simple

Question 9. Write a book review on any book of your choice with the help of the following points.

• Social/Historical content
• Writing style

Pride and Prejudice: Book review.

Story Line: ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a romantic novel written by Jane Austen and first published in 1813. The book follows the life of Elizabeth Bennet, a headstrong, intelligent woman. It takes place in the early 1800s and is about the emotional development of the main character.

Elizabeth has four sisters and no brother. According to the succession rights, none of the girls can inherit the property, and Mrs. Bennet (Elizabeth’s mother) thinks that good marriages are the only way for them to lead a good life. Her main ambition in life is to see that her daughters marry wealthy men. However, the novel emphasizes that one should marry for love and not only for money. Mr. Bennet tolerates his wife’s behaviour and is dryly sarcastic when she is silly. There are villainous characters like George Wickham and comic ones like Mr. Collins.

Social/Historical Context: In Pride and Prejudice, the Bennets are members of the educated upper middle class. At that time, a man’s income was always reported as a ‘number of pounds per year’. Mr Bingley has ‘four or five thousand a year’ while Darcy’s income is a very impressive 10,000 a yepr. Thus, Darcy is considered to possess a fortune, and hence a very eligible bachelor.

The formal manners of behaviour are obvious in the custom of paying visits and leaving calling cards, the necessity of giving formal introductions, etc. Marriage was considered to be the only acceptable role for any woman, and getting married was high on the list of priorities. The clothes and customs all reflect the time. The French revolution was in progress during the time of the writing of this novel. Though it is difficult to relate to such customs and such priorities today, the novel still holds our interest.

Writing Style: Jane Austen has portrayed her characters well, and given good character sketches of all, whether it is the silly, materialistic Mrs. Bennet as the mother or Elizabeth as the strong-willed daughter. Jane Austen’s writing is sharp, with plenty of sarcasm and irony. Many times it is a bit too detailed; but that was the style of writing at that time. She wrote about ordinary people and their ordinary lives in an exceptional way. She recognized the flaws in society, especially as far as marriage is concerned. The opening words of her novel, ’It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.’, are unforgettable and are still quoted.

My Thoughts: When I first read it, it was out of compulsion; it was a part of our school activity, and I disliked it. I was too small to appreciate the undertones. I found too many unnecessary details. However, when I read it a few years later, I had already read many other books based in that time period. Hence, I could appreciate their customs, their dresses and their way of talking. I had alsu seen a film based on it. and things became clearer. I plan to read it again and see if I can find new meaning in it now.

Question 10. You know the essential points required for a book review. Now form pairs and find essential points required for a play review and film review. You can take help of your teacher, library or the internet.

Question 11. Project Classroom Library : Ask all your classmates to donate a book each to the class. In this way everyone will have a book of his/her own to read. Read the book in a week or two. After reading it, exchange your book with your classmate. Keep exchanging and reading books for the whole year. Every fortnight give the book review of the book that you have read recently in the form of a presentation.

Question 12. Complete the following: (1) Hemingway had experience of ………………….. (2) He worked for ………………….. during the First World War. (3) ‘The Old Man and The Sea’ was published in ……………………. Answer: (1) fishing in the Cuban waters. (2) The Red Cross (3) 1952

Question 13. Describe the general mood of the people when the novel was published. Answer: When the novel was published, people were trying to recover from the mass destruction caused by the two World Wars.

Question 14. Sentences: (1) The young actor had a …………………… at the beginning of his career. (2) This painter …………………… the old masterpieces. (3) The girl’s sad story immediately …………………… with the news reporter. (4) Lata Mangeshkar’s songs …………………… for a long time. Answer: (1) run of terrible bad luck (2) draws heavily on (3) struck a chord (4) will live on

Question 15. Find the synonyms (one word) for the following from the passage: (i) The ability to do something difficult for a long time: …………… (ii) Formed or worked: …………… Answer: (i) endurance (ii) wrought

Question 16. The old man is, at the end of the novel, very near death, but we know that the story of his suffering and loss will live on in the memories of the people of his village. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘Though’) Answer: Though the old man is, at the end of the novel, very near death, we know that the story of his suffering and loss will live on in the memories of the people of his village.

Question 17. During the First World War, Hemingway was injured by shrapnel. (Begin the sentence with ‘Shrapnel….’) Answer: Shrapnel injured Hemingway during the First World War.

Question 18. Do you like to read books? If so, what type? If not, why? Answer: I do like to read books. I like to read mystery novels. I find them very thrilling and interesting. I am a big fan of Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. I have read nearly the whole Sherlock Holmes series of short stories.

Question 19. (a) After recent reading the reviewer was left: …………………… (b) It fights for its life desperately: …………………… Answer: (a) moved and impressed (b) the marlin

Question 20. Hemingway practises an extreme economy in his use of words’. What does this mean? Answer: It means he uses very few words to express his thoughts and ideas.

Question 21. What are the ideals that the old man and the marlin both stand for? Answer: The old man and the marlin both stand for the same ideals, that is, a noble struggle against destruction.

Question 23. Sentences: (1) Hussain was ill; in spite of this, he stood first in the test. (2) I could see the new rider holding on to the reins desperately. (3) The little boy looked longingly at the puppy again and again. (4) The symbol of a white dove stands for peace. Answer: (1) in spite of (2) holding on (3) again and again (4) stands for

Question 24. Find the synonyms for the following from the passage: (i) Brief: ………………….. (ii) Likely to make someone believe something that is not true: …………………. Answer: (i) pithy (ii) deceptive

Question 25. Write four to five sentences about your favorite writer. Answer: My favorite writer is Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Every story written by Doyle is different and holds my interest right till the end. The stories are so gripping that one cannot put the book down easily. I borrow the books from the library to read during the vacation.

Question 26. (1) Write down two compound words from the passage. (2) Pick out an infinitive from the lesson and use it in your own sentence. (3) Find out five hidden words from the given word t endurance (4) Use the following phrase in your own sentence: even after his death (5) Spot the error/errors and rewrite the correct sentence: The novel was publishing in 1952 (6) Identify the type of sentence: I first read this novel years ago, when I did not understand it at all. (7) Hemingway always talks about the need to struggle. (Replace the infinitive with a gerund.) (8) From the following verbs, pick out the verb which forms its present and past participle by doubling the last letter: run, write, swim, fan. (9) Complete the word chain with verbs of your own. write, e………., r………., r………., t……… . Answer: (1) fisherman, baseball (2) to catch: The fielder tried to catch the ball. (3) endurance: endure, dance, under, crane, creed. (4) even after his death: People remembered the great leader with love and respect even after his death. (5) The novel was published in 1952 (6) Assertive (negative) (7) Hemingway always talks about the need for struggling. (8) fan – fanning, fanned. (9) write, enter, remember, report, think.

Question 27. (1) Use the following word and its homophone in two separate sentences: sail (2) He worked for the Red Cross. (Rewrite using the past progressive tense of the verb.) (3) A reader can read his work again and again. (Change the voice beginning ‘His work ….) Answer: (1) (i) The sail of the huge boat fluttered in the breeze, (ii) The old woman loves shopping wherever there is a sale. (2) He was working for the Red Cross. (3) His work can be read again and again (by a reader).

Question 28. (1) Use the given two words in one meaningful sentence: formidable, beautiful. (2) Recently, I read this book again and was extremely moved. (Rewrite as a complex sentence.) Answer: (1) It was a formidable job to make the dilapidated old house beautiful again. (2) I was extremely moved when I recently read the book again.

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Balbharati solutions for English Kumarbharati 10th Standard SSC Maharashtra State Board chapter 4.5 - The Old Man and The Sea: Book Review [Latest edition]

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Solutions for chapter 4.5: the old man and the sea: book review.

Below listed, you can find solutions for Chapter 4.5 of Maharashtra State Board Balbharati for English Kumarbharati 10th Standard SSC Maharashtra State Board.

Balbharati solutions for English Kumarbharati 10th Standard SSC Maharashtra State Board Chapter 4.5 The Old Man and The Sea: Book Review Warming Up! [Page 174]

Pair up with your partner and answer the following question :

Which animal would you relate yourself to and why?

Do you have a hero or a role model to look up to? Who is he/she?

Do you have a passion you would fight for? Why?

What is meant by a review?

Have you ever read any book review? If yes, which one? If no, make it a point to read one.

Make a list of famous novels by Ernest Hemingway. Two are given to you.

(1) A Farewell to Arms

(2) For Whom the Bell Tolls.

(3) __________________

(4) __________________

(5) __________________

(6) __________________

(7) __________________

Ernest Miller Hemingway was a famous American novelist, short story writer, and journalist. Make a list of other famous American novelists. Complete the web by filling the boxes with the names of famous American novelists.

Balbharati solutions for English Kumarbharati 10th Standard SSC Maharashtra State Board Chapter 4.5 The Old Man and The Sea: Book Review English Workshop [Pages 176 - 178]

Read the passage and name the following.

Young and devoted apprentice

The place where Hemingway had the experience of fishing.

That which Hemingway was injured by, during the First World War.

Language of the novel.

In his first reading, the review writer was left.

Correct the following sentence using facts from the review.

Manolin’s parents insisted on his working with the same old fisherman.

This novel is pure fiction.

Hemingway's style of writing does not unfold the hidden meaning.

The relationship between the old man and Manolin is coarse.

Compare the points that you would use for a book review with those of the review of a play and write in your notebook.

The line - ‘I first read this novel years ago, when I did not understand it at all and was left unimpressed.’ tells us about the book reviewer’s opinion about the book. Complete the following sentences using the expressions.

(1) In my opinion, every hard-working person achieves success in life.

(2) I strongly feel that ____________

(3) I wish I could ____________

(4) As far as I know you ____________

(5) I think ____________

The review describes the struggle between the old man with the marlin and sharks, Ernest Hemingway’s struggle against defeat or death, and noble struggle against destruction. Find all the words from the text that are related to the word ‘brave’ or ‘courage’.

The review mentions the struggles of both the writer, Ernest Hemingway, and the old man. Fill the incidents of the struggle of Hemingway in table A and those of the old man in table B.

Read the text again. You will find that the text contains many phrases. Match the phrases in ‘A’ and their meanings in ‘B’. After matching their meanings, make sentences of your own.

Rewrite as directed, without change of meaning, in your notebook.

Hemingway’s novel is based on real events. (Convert the underlined adjective to an Adjectival Clause)

He hooks a marlin but the marlin is too strong for him. (Rewrite beginning with ‘Although’)

The reader can read his work again and again and find new layers of meaning. (Begin the sentence with ‘On reading’)

As the novel progresses, the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked. (Rewrite using ‘progress’ as a Noun)

Being strong, the marlin starts pulling the boat. (Rewrite inserting ‘and’ as a Co-ordinator)

When I first read this novel, I was unimpressed. (Rewrite using ‘but’ as a Co-ordinator)

Write the ‘root-word’ after dropping the prefix or suffix or both.

unable: ____________

heavily: ______________

determination: __________________

endurance: _________________

unimpressed: _________________

Relationship: _______

inseparably: __________________

empathetic: _______________

beautiful: _____________

simplicity: ____________

Write a book review on any book of your choice with the help of the following points.

• Social/Historical content
• Writing style

You know the essential points required for a book review. Now form pairs and find essential points required for a play review and film review. You can take the help of your teacher, library, or the internet.

Classroom Library :

Ask all your classmates to donate a book to the class. In this way, everyone will have a book of his/her own to read. Read the book in a week or two. After reading it, exchange your book with your classmate. Keep exchanging and reading books for the whole year. Every fortnight gives the book review of the book that you have read recently in the form of a presentation.

Balbharati solutions for English Kumarbharati 10th Standard SSC Maharashtra State Board chapter 4.5 - The Old Man and The Sea: Book Review

Shaalaa.com has the Maharashtra State Board Mathematics English Kumarbharati 10th Standard SSC Maharashtra State Board Maharashtra State Board solutions in a manner that help students grasp basic concepts better and faster. The detailed, step-by-step solutions will help you understand the concepts better and clarify any confusion. Balbharati solutions for Mathematics English Kumarbharati 10th Standard SSC Maharashtra State Board Maharashtra State Board 4.5 (The Old Man and The Sea: Book Review) include all questions with answers and detailed explanations. This will clear students' doubts about questions and improve their application skills while preparing for board exams.

Further, we at Shaalaa.com provide such solutions so students can prepare for written exams. Balbharati textbook solutions can be a core help for self-study and provide excellent self-help guidance for students.

Concepts covered in English Kumarbharati 10th Standard SSC Maharashtra State Board chapter 4.5 The Old Man and The Sea: Book Review are The Old Man and the Sea : Book Review, Grammar, The Alphabet, Parts of Speech, Noun, Pronoun, Root Word, Prefix-suffix, Compound Words, Word Building, Punctuation, Speech, Pronunciation, Figures of Speech, Idioms and Phrases, Syllables, Tense, English Translation, Rhyme Scheme, Modal Auxiliary, Use ‘Not Only but Also’, Use ‘As Soon As’, ‘either ... or’ and ‘No Sooner ... Than’, Rhyming Words, Wh-questions, Add a Question Tag, Change the Voice, Make a Sentence, Use of Though, Although, Even Though and but, Spotting Errors, Verb, Adjective, Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, Interjection, Determiners, Articles - A, An, The, Degrees of Comparison, Make a Sentence, Types of Sentences, Types of Sentences, Subject and Predicate, Direct-Indirect Speech, Clauses, Vocabulary, Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Register, Writing Skills, Speech Writing, Story Writing, Summary Writing, Dialogue Writing, Interview Questions, Report Writing, Note Making, Letter Writing, Notice Writing, View and Counterview, Tourist Leaflet, Article Writing, Information Transfer, Expansion of Ideas, Narration, Paragraph Writing, Reading Skills, Unseen Passage Comprehension, Unseen Poem Comprehension.

Using Balbharati English Kumarbharati 10th Standard SSC Maharashtra State Board solutions The Old Man and The Sea: Book Review exercise by students is an easy way to prepare for the exams, as they involve solutions arranged chapter-wise and also page-wise. The questions involved in Balbharati Solutions are essential questions that can be asked in the final exam. Maximum Maharashtra State Board English Kumarbharati 10th Standard SSC Maharashtra State Board students prefer Balbharati Textbook Solutions to score more in exams.

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The Old Man and The Sea Book Review Summary Class 10th

Back to: Maharashtra Board Class 10th English Guide & Notes

Table of Contents

Introduction

In the story “The Old man and the Sea “written by Ernest Hemingway, we have three major characters- Santiago, Manolin, and the Marlin. This lesson is just a book review written by a review writer about the story’s style, its characters, and the historical context behind it.

Years ago, when the review writer first read this novel “The Old man and the Sea”, he was left unimpressed since he could not understand the story at all. However, when he read the novel for the second time, he realized the historical context behind it and finally understood the exact meaning of the novel without any further doubts. He understood that the motive behind the story is to emphasize the theme of Life and Death.

As a fisherman who has caught nothing for the last eighty-four days, Santiago is a man fighting against his own destiny. Santiago is a Cuban Fisherman who has had an extended run of bad luck since he has been unable to catch a fish for eighty-four days. However, on the eighty-fifth day, he succeeds in hooking a Marlin with his bait but the Marlin is too strong for him and starts pulling the boat.

Story of Old Man’s Struggle

However, at the end of the story, there is a turning point when readers think that Santiago is about to catch the Marlin because the Marlin fights for its life desperately and it becomes really hard to know whether we should feel pity for the old man or Marlin. But as the novel progresses, the old man and the Marlin are inseparably linked because both stand for the same purpose that is a noble struggle against destruction.

Novels Based on Real Events

Hemingway’s novels are based on real events. He worked for the Red Cross during the First World War and was injured by a weapon when he was in Italy. Hemingway always talked about the need to struggle against defeat and how determination and endurance can help one to win the struggle.

The Old man and the Sea shows how an old fisherman, Santiago, was almost near his death though he suffered and struggled a lot to achieve something. This novel was published in the year 1952 when people were trying to recover from the mass destruction brought about by the two world wars.

Book Review: ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ by Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway published ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ in 1952, and it was to be his last major work. It is easy to see the parallels between the old man in the novel, called Santiago, and Hemingway. Santiago suffers from bad luck in his old age despite being a great fisher in his youth. Hemingway had been trying to reclaim the literary success of his older books, such as “The Sun Also Rises” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Even though Santiago could have success in the easier, nearer patches of water, he hunts for a bigger fish further out. Hemingway too searches for a big success and writes this ambitious project.

Santiago’s run of bad luck continues for the 85th day; he hooks a marlin, but the marlin is too smart to panic and die quickly. Santiago must wait for the marlin to get hungry and jump out of the water. In this waiting game with the marlin, he verges onto the point of insanity, brought about by hunger, thirst and a lack of sleep. And yet he never lets go of the fishing line that connects him and the marlin. You, as the reader, as a bystander to this madness, at this point implore Santiago to let go and head back to shore, thinking to yourself “Why doesn’t he just let go?” in frustration. Santiago, on the one hand completely oblivious to your protestations, but also completely aware of them at the same time, does not let go.

Santiago wonders about this connection that he has made with this marlin. The marlin has seen him, and he has seen the marlin. He thinks that the marlin is far more dignified, far more beautiful and is ultimately far more deserving of life than him, with his old, decrepit body, abject poverty and the curse of bad luck that hangs over him. The marlin seems to also know this, seeing its reluctance to give up. And so Santiago must come up with a reason to justify his own survival. And he points to two things: his will and his intellect. In his moments of madness, he must rely on reason to come to a judgement of how things must be, and then bring about this outcome through his will. Because he can do this, and the marlin cannot, Santiago judges that he should live and the marlin should die; at this point, Santiago is playing at God, and promptly whispers some catechisms, asking the Lord to forgive him.

The marlin is far more dignified, far more beautiful and is ultimately far more deserving of life than him.

The stream of consciousness that Hemingway uses reflects Santiago’s way of coping with his madness. He ultimately asks 3 questions in this battle: “Who am I? Why am I here? What is it about me that deserves to live?” His response to the first question comes with his memories, which are, by definition, personal. His mind drifts to baseball, to the market stalls and to the fields of Africa, where he spent his youth. He traces who he was, and how he has got here. The second question is answered by the fact that he remembers that he has been fishing his whole life, and that fishing has essentially become the sole purpose of his life. All of his fishing experience has led him to this triumph. The third question is answered with a final moment; Santiago relates the story of when he arm-wrestled a man for 2 days in order to win. He identifies himself through his will. Even though this mission is suicide, giving up and letting go would also be a sort of suicide, because he has betrayed who he sees himself as. Time has taken away his body and his fortune, and so, his will is his last stand against time and it is the only thing that he will not relinquish. By extension, he cannot not relinquish the fishing line in his hand.

Santiago’s story is ultimately one of failure and his run of bad luck continues. The marlin’s blood has entered the ocean and the marlin’s corpse, strapped to the side of the boat, is eaten by sharks. He comes back after several days and all there is to show for it is a skeleton. Yet he has succeeded. Not only did he return alive, he also never betrayed his principles or his will. And so he lives to fish another day, whereas the marlin does not.

Even though this mission is suicide, giving up and letting go would also be a sort of suicide, because he has betrayed who he sees himself as.

Yet the ending is not depressing or demoralising. Santiago goes to bed, has some food when he wakes up and then goes fishing again, to repeat the whole process. Santiago has reaffirmed who he is in his old age; he has justified that he does not need to change. Resolute, unyielding and unchanging. This is what, Hemingway argues, it means to be a man.

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Maharashtra Board Class 10 English Chapter 4.5 The Old Man and The Sea : Book Review Solution

Maharashtra board class 10 english solution chapter 4.5 – the old man and the sea : book review.

Balbharati Maharashtra Board Class 10 English Solution Chapter 4.5: The Old Man and The Sea : Book Review. Marathi or English Medium Students of Class 10 get here The Old Man and The Sea : Book Review full Exercise Solution.

(1) A Farewell to Arms

Ans. 3) The Torrents of Spring

7) Islands in the Stream

Ans.1.Walt Whitman.

Ans. Cuban waters.

(d) Language of the novel

(e) In his first reading, the review writer was left

(b) This novel is pure fiction.

Ans. No, it is based on real events.

(d) As far as I know you are not that naughty.

6.) The review mentions struggles of both the writer, Ernest Hemingway and the old man. Fill the incidents of struggle of Hemingway in table A and those of the old man in table B:

Ans. On reading his works again and again, readers can find new layers of meaning.

(a) Unable- able                                               (b) heavily- heavy

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Maharashtra Board Textbook Solutions for Standard Ten

Chapter 4.5 – the old man and the sea : book review.

In the Old Man and The Sea, an aging Cuban fisherman struggles to make his living. He hasn’t caught anything in 84 days and has lost his apprentice, Manolin. To redeem himself, he ventures far out to catch a great marlin. When hauling it to shore, the carcass is ravaged by sharks and Santiago returns to shore with only a skeleton. This is a book review and when the writer of the review read it the first time, he was not impressed. Hemingway’s descriptions of the sea and the creatures of the water are beautiful. As the novel progresses, the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked because both stand for the same ideals, that is, a noble struggle against destruction.

apprentice : a person who works for another in order to learn a trade

Marlin : a large saltwater fish with an elongated body and a spear-like snout, shrapnel : small pieces of metal  that fly during an explosion of a bomb / weapon to hurt people, wrought : brought about, pithy : brief, full of vigour, formidable : causing fear.

Warming up!

1. Pair up with your partner and answer the following questions :

(a) Which animal would you relate yourself to and why?

Ans: I would relate to a goat. Since it is my zodiac sign and I show signs of the ability and endurance of this animal. Its slow and steady pace allows it to reach the top.

(b) Do you have a hero or a role model to look up to? Who is he/she ?

Ans: No, I do not have any particular role model whom I look up to. Anyone who displays endurance and the ability to face difficulties and hurdles, fights them and reaches these goals, inspire me.

(c) Do you have a passion you would fight for? Why ?

Ans: A Passion I would fight for is ‘Anti-littering’. I know that the amount of litter that we churn out every single day, will pollute our planet to a very great extent. 

(d) What is meant by a review?

Ans: A review is critically examining a book on the lines of its social and historical context. The writing style and lastly your thoughts on it.

(e) Have you ever read any book review? If yes, which one ? If no, make it a point to read one.

Ans: No, I haven’t read any book reviews, but I plan to do so at the earliest.

2. Make a list of famous novels of Ernest Hemingway. Two are given to you.

(1) A Farewell to Arms

(2) For Whom the Bell Tolls.

(3) The Sun Also Rises 

(4) A Moveable Feast 

(5) To Have and Have Not 

(6) Death in the Afternoon 

(7) The Garden of Eden

3. Ernest Miller Hemingway was a famous American novelist, short story writer and journalist. Make a list of other famous American novelists. Complete the web filling the boxes with the names of famous American novelists.

In Between The LESSON

Q1. What was the entertainment arranged for by the hostess ?

Ans: The entertainment arranged was a concert to be performed by a pianist.

Q2. What was the writer’s reaction to classical music?

Ans: The writer was not able to understand classical music; he was tone-deaf. As a result he felt forced to pay attention to it.

Q3. What do you learn from Einstein’s treatment to the young man ?

Ans: Einstein showed a good relationship and instead of getting frustrated, he accepted the writer’s lack of ability and taught him to appreciate music. From this I learnt that we should be friendly, helpful, and empathetic. We should listen to others and overcome prejudice.

Q4. Do you think the comparison between music and arithmetic was a good one? In what ways ?

Ans: Yes, I think the comparison between music and arithmetic was a good one. Einstein managed to see so much. Perhaps, more significant to me is his arithmetic example. A math teacher starts the chapter with elementary things then proceeds from simple to complex. When the child acquires the skill with the simplest problems it leads the child to solve division & fractions. Similarly, the writer had never heard the basics of music and he directly heard the complex parts of classical music. When the writer had mastered his skill of listening to understand the basics he was able to clap sincerely.

Q5. As far as listening is concerned, what difference do you notice between the writer and Einstein?

Ans: As far as listening is concerned, the writer did not understand classical music at all as he was tone-deaf. Whereas Einstein was fond of classical music and Bach was his favourite composer, which is why he had come to attend the concert.

Q6. How did Einstein help the narrator appreciate music ?

Ans: The writer told Einstein that he was tone-deaf. Einstein took him to a room which had a gramophone and played the type of music which the writer had heard and could understand well.

Q7. What does the last line tell you about Einstein?

Ans: The last line tells us about Einstein’s genuine attempt which opens the door of interest for beauty of music which explains the writer to work around with his eyes and ears opened. Make him learn that one should be open to everything around him and not to be afraid to experience or try new things. creativity will come gradually.

This line put the writer in his endless debt.

ENGLISH WORKSHOP

1. Read the passage and name the following.

(a) Young and devoted apprentice

Ans: Manolin

(b) The place where Hemingway had experience of fishing

Ans: Cuban waters

(c) That which Hemingway was injured by, during First World War 

Ans: shrapnel

(d) Language of the novel

Ans: simple and pithy

(e) In his first reading, the review writer was left

Ans: unimpressed

2. Correct the following sentences using facts from the review.

(a) Manolin’s parents insisted on his working with the same old fisherman.

Ans: No, they insisted on him changing his work.

(b) This novel is pure fiction.

Ans: It is based on real experiences.

(c) Hemingway’s style of writing does not unfold the hidden meaning.

Ans: It unfolds the hidden meaning.

(d) The relationship between the old man and Manolin is coarse.

Ans: The relationship is heart-warming.

3. Compare the points that you would use for a book review with those of the review of a play and write in your notebook.

4. the line – ‘i first read this novel years ago, when i did not understand it at all and was left unimpressed.’ tells us about the book reviewer’s opinion about the book. complete the following sentences using the expressions..

(1) In my opinion, every hard working person achieves success in life.

(2) I strongly feel that _______________

Ans: I strongly feel that the novel is based on real events of Hemingway’s own life. 

(3) I wish I could _______________

Ans: I wish I could sympathize with the marlin since it was caught in the fishing line.

(4) As far as I know you _______________

Ans: As far as I know you, your memories will live on in the minds of the people .

(5) I think _______________

Ans: I think his simplicity is deceptive .

5. The review describes the struggle between the old man with the marlin and sharks, Ernest Hemingway’s struggle against defeat or death and noble struggle against destruction. Find all the words from the text that are related to the word ‘brave’ or ‘courage’.

Determination

6. The review mentions struggles of both the writer, Ernest Hemingway and the old man. Fill the incidents of struggle of Hemingway in table A and those of the old man in table B.

7. Read the text again. You will find that the text contains many phrases. Match the phrases in ‘A’ and their meanings in ‘B’. After matching their meanings, make sentences of your own.

Ans: (1 – d), (2 – e), (3 – a), (4 – b), (5 – c) 

Sentences :

(1) Due to the drought, the country went through a run of terrible bad luck.

(2) Not all students draw heavily on the opportunities open to them.

(3) The picture you took of the boy, lying in the alley struck a chord with me.

(4) The weather seems to be hot, in spite of the fact that it was only the end of March. 

(5) Jane is holding on in spite of her difficult circumstances.

8. (A) Rewrite as directed, without change of meaning, in your notebook.

(1) Hemingway’s novel is based on real events. (Convert the underlined adjective to an Adjectival Clause)

Ans: Hemingway’s novel is based on events which are real.

(2) He hooks a marlin but the marlin is too strong for him. (Rewrite beginning with ‘Although’)

Ans: Although he hooks a marlin, the marlin is too strong for him. 

(3) The reader can read his work again and again and find new layers of meaning. (Begin the sentence with ‘On reading’)

Ans: On reading his work again and again, the reader can find new layers of meaning. 

(4) As the novel progresses, the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked. (Rewrite using ‘progress’ as a Noun)

Ans: In the course of the progress of the novel, the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked. 

(5) Being strong, the marlin starts pulling the boat. (Rewrite inserting ‘and’ as a Coordinator)

Ans: The marlin is strong and starts pulling the boat. 

(6) When I first read this novel, I was unimpressed. (Rewrite using ‘but’ as a Coordinator)

Ans: I had read this novel before but I was unimpressed at that time.

(B) Write the ‘root-word’ after dropping the prefix or suffix or both.

(1) unable 

(2) heavily

(3) determination 

Ans: determine

(4) endurance

Ans: endure

(5) unimpressed 

Ans: impress

(6) relationship

Ans: relate

(7) inseparably 

Ans: separate

(8) empathetic

Ans: empathy

(9) beautiful 

Ans: beauty

(10) simplicity

Ans: simple

9. Write a book review on any book of your choice with the help of the following points.

• Story line 
• Social / Historical content 
• Writing style 

Name of the book – If I Never Forever Endeavour, by Holly Meade

This book is about a bird who didn’t yet know how to fly. The bird wants to decide if it will try to fly but it is not sure if it wants to. On one head he worries he might fast and on the other he thinks of how he may succeed. 

He worries that if he tries he may get lost in the world and that makes him want to stay in his nest where he ‘s safe.

I feel that this book may help other children to try and learn new things which they are afraid of doing. It will help them to understand that they are bound to make mistakes. but it’s okay at times, since making mistakes is a part of learning.

I liked reading this book because it gave me an opportunity to talk to my elder sister and mother about the mistakes that I could make, while learning something new in life; a new language or a new skill. 

Boys and girls who are between 3 and 8 years old would enjoy reading this book, because it will encourage them to take up a new skill or a new craft and also learn how it is important not to be afraid all the time about trying out new things. 

I could give this book 4 stars, since I think it is important for children to take up a new thing to engage themselves with.

The language used by the writer is easy and understandable.

10. You know the essential points required for a book review. Now form pairs and find essential points required for a play review and film review. You can take help of your teacher, library or the internet.

11. Project

Classroom Library :

Ask all your classmates to donate a book each to the class. In this way everyone will have a book of his/her own to read. Read the book in a week or two. After reading it, exchange your book with your classmate. Keep exchanging and reading books for the whole year. Every fortnight give the book review of the book that you have read recently in the form of presentation.

Ans: Students should do this on their own.

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The Old Man and the Sea

By ernest hemingway.

'The Old Man and the Sea' is a story of man versus nature, hardship, poverty, and himself. At the beginning of the novella, Hemingway takes a reader directly to the life and struggles of Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman.

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

He’s making his way back to shore after what is his eighty-fourth day without catching a fish. This hardship, and its reverberating impact, consume Santiago’s life . Fishing is everything to him. It is both his passion and the way he makes a living. Read The Old Man and the Sea  summary here .

In his failure, I felt every impossibility of my own life. In his hope and perseverance: something of the human spirit. His character drives the novella, without the incredible character-building Hemingway engaged in, the story would be a shell of itself.  

While Santiago’s luck might be down, his ability to look towards the next day and find a reason to keep going is persistent. These are features of Hemingway’s main character that endeared him to me. I felt, almost instantly, an attachment to Santiago and a stake in his day-to-day hardship.  

Santiago and Manolin

As The Old Man and the Sea  progresses , the reader is treated to a clear look into Santiago’s mind and the purity of his drives. He cares about simple things, fishing first and foremost, but also his young friend Manolin, and baseball, specifically Joe DiMaggio. I felt that this, as have critics since it was written, is Hemingway at his best, his most articulate and most engaging.  

When the character of Manolin is introduced, the already growing empathy and commitment I felt towards Santiago’s character were expanded. To care for one, and feel tied to his fate, is to care for the other. Manolin is connected to Santiago through friendship and mutual interest in fishing and sports.  

The investment I’d already developed in these characters and their fight against poverty, hunger, and failure, was taken out to sea alongside Santiago. He endeavors, hoping against hope that this time on the eighty-fifth day, things will be different. He has faced streaks of bad luck before and refuses to believe this one will be his longest.  

The Pursuit  

With joy and relief, I greeted the news that a fish had taken the old man’s hook. “Oh, thank goodness,” I said out loud, surprising myself with my attachment to the fictional events put on paper more than sixty years ago. This was it, I thought, f inally relief for this infinitely deserving man is in reach. But, as with all great fiction, my satisfaction was prolonged. What followed was a struggle beyond my comprehension. Days passed with the fish dragging Santiago further and further out to sea. To make it all the more frustrating, for some time he didn’t even know what had taken the bait.  

Hemingway’s depictions of pain, perseverance, and fortitude are unmatched in this memorable section of The Old Man and the Sea .  Through Santiago’s thoughts and the words he spoke aloud to himself, a reader is pulled into a world of suffering and determination. In my own hands, it seemed as though I could feel the weight of the line. Across my back, I tried to imagine its pressure. The dragging hours as one day moved into the night and day again, weighed on my own mind as I considered the reserves of strength the old man had.  

Character Motivations and Considerations

At this point in The Old Man and the Sea,  I found myself considering Santiago’s motivations and what I would do in his place. I knew without a doubt that I couldn’t withstand the miserable forces he did as the marlin dragged him out to sea. Nor could I return to the ocean after the devastation the sharks wrought on the long labored for fish later in the novella. This, of course, made his efforts all the more impressive.  

But what, I asked myself, kept him going? How could he, an old frail man, pursue the marlin so single-mindedly? While I could never say for sure what Ernest Hemingway was thinking, or what Santiago might say for himself, I concluded that I think speaks to the root of the old man’s character.  

When the marlin took his hook and he saw the prize within his grasp, he felt everything—all the impossibles in his life—merge into one single, physical possibility at the end of his line. He knew that he had to catch this fish or die trying. It was the culmination of his simple life and the experiences he’d drawn on to get where he was. He wanted to prove himself worthy, as a man, but also as another life form, suffering and surviving as the myriad of fish and birds do around him.  

The Old Man and the Sea : A Conclusion

In conclusion, this achingly short novella, which speaks so clearly on what it means to be human in a cold, and hateful world, brings me hope. Finishing it for what is not the first time, I found myself entranced by Santiago’s continued fascination with his past. Specifically, the lions on the beach. The memory imprinted itself onto my own mind, and I tried to place myself in his shoes and figure out what it was about the scene that had so captured him.

I believe now it was the purity of the moment. The world was in alignment, with nature acting in accordance with its own laws and at the same time displaying Santiago the two of the possibles that consume human life—joy and community.  

The Old Man and the Sea Review: Earnest Hemingway's Pulitzer Prize Winning Novel

Book Title: The Old Man and the Sea

Book Description: The Old Man and the Sea is a short novel that tells the story of an old Cuban fisherman, Santiago. The novel focuses on his poverty, determination, and incredible spirit as he battles to reel in the biggest fish he's ever seen.

Book Author: Earnest Hemingway

Book Edition: Scribner Paperback Classics

Book Format: Paperback

Publisher - Organization: Simon & Schuster

Date published: May 5, 1995

ISBN: 0-684-80122-1

Number Of Pages: 128

• Writing Style
• Lasting Effect on Reader

The Old Man and the Sea Review

Even though The Old Man and the Sea is a short novel, it has a powerful impact. Santiago’s world, although simple, is incredibly moving and memorable. He suffers through poverty and hardship for little reward. His few pleasures, being on the sea, speaking with his young friend, and baseball are meager. But, all that makes him somehow easier to connect with.

When Santiago goes on to sea, trying once again to break his streak of unsuccessful fish trips, he embarks on a journey that pushes him to his absolute limits. The reader is asked to consider the value of life, their own capacity for suffering, and how if long they could persevere in the face of what Santiago stands up against.

• Hemingway’s writing style is incredibly effective.
• The characters are vibrant easy to connect with.
• Hemingway successfully uses imagery and memories to create a moving inner narrative when Santiago is at sea.
• Limited dialogue. Most of the actions play out through narration.
• Disappointing conclusion for Santiago who suffered for nothing.
• Reader is left wondering what happens to Santiago at the end of the novel.

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About Emma Baldwin

Emma Baldwin, a graduate of East Carolina University, has a deep-rooted passion for literature. She serves as a key contributor to the Book Analysis team with years of experience.

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'The Old Man and the Sea' Review

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" The Old Man and the Sea " was a big success for Ernest Hemingway when it was published in 1952. At first glance, the story appears to be a simple tale of an old Cuban fisherman who catches an enormous fish, only to lose it. There's much more to the story -- a tale of bravery and heroism, of one man's struggle against his own doubts, the elements, a massive fish, sharks and even his desire to give up.

The old man eventually succeeds, then fails, and then wins again. It's the story of perseverance and the machismo of the old man against the elements. This slim novella -- it's only 127 pages -- helped to revive Hemingway's reputation as a writer , winning him great acclaim, including the Nobel Prize for literature. 

Santiago is an old man and a fisherman who has gone for months without catching a fish. Many are starting to doubt his abilities as an angler. Even his apprentice, Manolin, has abandoned him and gone to work for a more prosperous boat. The old man sets out to the open sea one day -- off the Florida coast -- and goes a little farther out than he normally would in his desperation to catch a fish. Sure enough, at noon, a big marlin takes hold of one of the lines, but the fish is far too big for Santiago to handle.

To avoid letting the fish escape, Santiago lets the line go slack so that the fish won't break his pole; but he and his boat are dragged out to sea for three days. A kind of kinship and honor develop between the fish and the man. Finally, the fish -- an enormous and worthy opponent -- grows tired, and Santiago kills it. This victory does not end Santiago's journey; he is still far out to sea. Santiago has to drag the marlin behind the boat, and the blood from the dead fish attracts sharks. Santiago does his best to fend off the sharks, but his efforts are in vain. The sharks eat the flesh of the marlin, and Santiago is left with only the bones. Santiago gets back to shore -- weary and tired -- with nothing to show for his pains but the skeletal remains of a large marlin. Even with just the bare remains of the fish, the experience has changed him and altered the perception others have of him. Manolin wakes the old man the morning after his return and suggests that they once again fish together.

Life and Death

During his struggle to catch the fish, Santiago holds on to the rope -- even though he is cut and bruised by it, even though he wants to sleep and eat. He holds onto the rope as though his life depends on it. In these scenes of struggle, Hemingway brings to the fore the power and masculinity of a simple man in a simple habitat. He demonstrates how heroism is possible in even the most seemingly mundane circumstances.

Hemingway's novella shows how death can invigorate life, how killing and death can bring a man to an understanding of his own mortality -- and his own power to overcome it. Hemingway writes of a time when fishing was not merely a business or a sport. Instead, fishing was an expression of humankind in its natural state -- in tune with nature. Enormous stamina and power arose in the breast of Santiago. The simple fisherman became a classical hero in his epic struggle.

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The latest book reviews and book news, the old man and the sea: book review.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

I have always enjoyed novels that use the sea as the setting and one novel that does that well is The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Follow Santiago as he chases his biggest catch yet. Find out whether this classic novel is a good read for you!

The Old Man and the Sea: Summary

Santiago is an old, experienced fisherman who is on a bad streak. He has gone 84 days without catching a fish and feels his luck turning around. His fishing partner, Manolin, is a young man who Santiago has trained since childhood and accompanies him on his fishing expeditions.

On the 85 th  day, Santiago travels to the Gulf Stream and hooks a big fish. It is a marlin and puts up a fight that lasts for days. Over the course of those days and nights, he becomes close with his prey and even calls it his brother.

As time passes by, Santiago becomes tired, has cuts on his hands and his body is sore, and sleeps little.  The third day arrives and the end seems to be near. Santiago’s battle with his catch is only the beginning as new challenges are encountered and Santiago’s strength is pushed to the limit. 

There is not much to say about this novel that hasn’t already been said. A brilliant novel by Hemingway which would be his final full-length novel. A lot of the novel reflects Santiago’s own life and upbringing. And as I have said before, most great novels come true experience.

Most people come cross this novel in school as it is usually a required reading . I like this novel being part of the curriculum because it is a drastic change from your typical classical novels . Who doesn’t like a good book that takes place on the sea?

If you haven’t read this novel yet then this is a good reminder that you should see what the hype is about. This timeless classic novel is interpreted differently by everyone. See what lesson you get out of this novel when you read it!

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We like this novel as well but we see it more as mainstream, short, easy to read and the typicall Hemingway style with short setences. From all the nautical novels we like most Melville’s “Moby Dick”. That is a classic as well that most of the people have read. If you look at the style it’s just the opposite to Hemingway’s novel, totally different how Melville builds up tension f.e. Keep well The Fab Four of Cley 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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The Old Man and the Sea

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The Old Man and the Sea , short heroic novel by Ernest Hemingway , published in 1952 and awarded the 1953 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. It was his last major work of fiction. The story centres on an aging fisherman who engages in an epic battle to catch a giant marlin .

The central character is an old Cuban fisherman named Santiago, who has not caught a fish for 84 days. The family of his apprentice, Manolin, has forced the boy to leave the old fisherman, though Manolin continues to support him with food and bait. Santiago is a mentor to the boy, who cherishes the old man and the life lessons he imparts. Convinced that his luck must change, Santiago takes his skiff far out into the deep waters of the Gulf Stream , where he soon hooks a giant marlin . With all his great experience and strength, he struggles with the fish for three days, admiring its strength, dignity, and faithfulness to its identity; its destiny is as true as Santiago’s as a fisherman. He finally reels the marlin in and lashes it to his boat.

However, Santiago’s exhausting effort goes for naught. Sharks are drawn to the tethered marlin, and, although Santiago manages to kill a few, the sharks eat the fish, leaving behind only its skeleton. After returning to the harbour, the discouraged Santiago goes to his home to sleep. In the meantime, others see the skeleton tied to his boat and are amazed. A concerned Manolin is relieved to find Santiago alive, and the two agree to go fishing together.

The Old Man and the Sea contains many of the themes that preoccupied Hemingway as a writer and as a man. The routines of life in a Cuban fishing village are evoked in the opening pages with a characteristic economy of language. The stripped-down existence of the fisherman Santiago is crafted in a spare, elemental style that is as eloquently dismissive as a shrug of the old man’s powerful shoulders. With age and luck now against him, Santiago knows he must row out “beyond all people,” away from land and into the Gulf Stream , where one last drama would be played out, in an empty arena of sea and sky.

Hemingway was famously fascinated with ideas of men proving their worth by facing and overcoming the challenges of nature. When the old man hooks a marlin longer than his boat, he is tested to the limits as he works the line with bleeding hands in an effort to bring it close enough to harpoon . Through his struggle, Santiago demonstrates the ability of the human spirit to endure hardship and suffering in order to win. It is also his deep love and knowledge of the sea, in its impassive cruelty and beneficence, that allows him to prevail. The essential physicality of the story—the smells of tar and salt and fish blood, the cramp and nausea and blind exhaustion of the old man, the terrifying death spasms of the great fish—is set against the ethereal qualities of dazzling light and water, isolation, and the swelling motion of the sea. And through it all, the narrative is constantly tugging, unreeling a little more, and then pulling again, all in tandem with the old man’s struggle. It is a story that demands to be read in a single sitting.

The Old Man and the Sea was an immediate success and came to be regarded as one of Hemingway’s finest works. It was cited when he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954. A hugely popular film adaptation starring Spencer Tracy was released in 1958.

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The Old Man and the Sea | Ernest Hemingway | Book Review

PLOT: 4.5/5 CHARACTERS: 5/5 WRITING STYLE: 4.5/5 CLIMAX: 5/5 ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 4.5/5

“Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.” ~ Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea

One of the bookish resolutions that I took in 2018 was to read 10 classics. My progress wasn’t noteworthy but I am determined to change it in the coming years.

I picked up The Old Man and the Sea because I am participating in an Instagram readathon in which the prompt was to read a book that is a part of a “100 books to read in a lifetime” list.

Needless to state, The Old Man and the Sea frequently graces many such lists and was a good option.

What is the book all about and what to expect?

The Old Man and the Sea is a classic novel written in 1951 by Ernest Hemingway . It is considered to be the last major work by the eminent author to be published while he was alive.

The book is a short read (under 100 pages) which is set in Havana, Cuba. The story tells us the tale of an old fisherman, a young boy and a beautiful and brave fish.

What is the story like?

Santiago is an old fisherman who has gone 84 days without fishing. He has now been termed as “salao” by the local people, which means that he is suffering from the worst form of unluckiness.

Once a sturdy and healthy man, he was great at his job and would always catch the best fish. Now, he is an old and poor man with nothing much to keep his days and mind occupied.

Even the boy whom he loves dearly and had trained well is now forbidden by his parents to work with the old man because of his unlucky strike.

Manolin, the young boy, however, loves Santiago and cares for him. He often brings him food and tea and they talk about all things under the sun especially Santiago’s favourite – the American baseball.

Determined to change his luck and bring home a catch big enough to get the town talking, the old man sets out on the sea on the 85 th day. He goes out into the Gulf Stream and his bait soon gets taken by a big fish which he supposes is a Marlin.

But, the fish will not relent so easily. The old man is also determined and won’t let go easily. What follows is a fight for life with both sides being equally brave and determined.

“But man is not made for defeat,” he said. “A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”

How good are the characters?

The characters are one of the most honest and brave ones that I have come across in a book in recent times.

Santiago, the old man is . Though his body is weakened by the number of years he has seen, the same cannot be said about his resolve. That he is old in his manners and in his treatment of elements only adds to his charms. Unlike, many younger fishermen he respects the sea and calls her La Mar, a term of endearment.

“But the old man always thought of her as feminine and as something that gave or withheld great favours, and if she did wild or wicked things it was because she could not help them. The moon affects her as it does a woman, he thought.”

Santiago, for me, was a character that cannot be . His respect for the Marlin is also noteworthy. Though he is determined to prevail, he still respects the fish and apologizes to it profusely. He calls it noble and and sometimes laments about the futility of such an existence, which makes people do such horrible things to nature’s beautiful creatures.

The author’s writing style

I consider myself quite incompetent to comment on the author’s writing style. The author chooses a very simple story and turns it into a masterpiece. If that is not wonderful, I don’t know what else is.

I also liked the way a non-human i.e. the Marlin plays such an important role in the book.

The life lessons which the old man teaches while battling for his own existence is also something to look forward to in this book.

What I absolutely loved?

Undoubtedly, the climax is the best part of the book but more about that in the following paragraphs.

What did I not like?

The Old Man and the Sea is a difficult read for somebody who isn’t familiar with all the fishing jargons, methods, techniques and equipment. This is probably one of the reasons most readers find it difficult to finish the book.

It also means that once you are through the book you emerge as a more informed reader. I personally found myself googling for a lot of information throughout the course of the book, and that is something that really makes me happy.

What about the climax?

The climax is what makes this book a winner. The magic of The Old Man and the Sea lies in its tragic ending and that is what elevates the book to its classic status.

The climax is and, in the end, if you are a sensitive and emotional reader like me, you cannot help but shed a tear or two for the old man Santiago and his undying spirit.

How good was the entertainment quotient?

The book, though a short read, is not an easy one. It takes time for the reader to get into it and it is also perceptibly slow towards the middle, but that doesn’t take away the entertainment quotient.

Finishing the book does require some effort but, in the end, it is worth every minute that you spend reading it.

 Pick up the book if

The book is often featured in the “100 books to read in a lifetime” list, do you need any other reason apart from that?

Skip the book if

Skip the book if you don’t like slow reads and if classics are not your cup of tea.

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Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of The Old Man and the Sea from the link below.

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Meet Sankalpita, the bookworm extraordinaire! With an insatiable appetite for reading (over 100 books annually!), she started her blog, bookGeeks, in 2013. Now India's top-tier book blog, it attracts 700,000 monthly readers. She also runs a popular YouTube channel, inspiring a passion for Indian literature in all ages. Her ultimate goal? "To serve a nation through literature." With a passion for Indian literature, she's on a mission to ignite the reading spark in both kids and grown-ups alike.

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Maharashtra Board Solutions for Class 10- English: Chapter 4.5- The Old Man and The Sea Book Review

Class 10: English Chapter 4.5 solutions. Complete Class 10 English Chapter 4.5 Notes.

• 1 Maharashtra Board Solutions for Class 10- English: Chapter 4.5- The Old Man and The Sea Book Review
• 2 Download PDF
• 3 Chapterwise Maharashtra Board Solutions Class 10 English :
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Maharashtra Board 10th English Chapter 4.5, Class 10 English Chapter 4.5 solutions

Question 1. Pair up with your partner and answer the following questions : (a) Which animal would you relate yourself to and why? Answer: I would relate to a cat. This is because like a cat, I am lazy. I am also reserved and do not show my emotions easily. I choose my friends carefully and am not friendly with anybody and everybody.

(b) Do you have a hero or a role model to look up to? Who is he/she? Answer: Yes, my role model is my grandmother. Though she has led a very difficult life because she was poor, she is always optimistic and sees the best in people. She is always cheerful and ready to learn new things. She has learnt how to use the computer and surfs the internet regularly. She is even learning a new language with the help of the computer! She is health-conscious and does yoga regularly. I wish to be like her.

(c) Do you have a passion you would fight for? Why? Answer: Yes, my passion is planting trees. Afforestation is the answer to. many of the ills plaguing our country, like water shortage and soil erosion. Planting forests will stop this. When I grow up. I plan to fight for a green cover for our planet.

(d) What is meant by a review? Answer: A ‘review’ is a critical evaluation of something – a book, a film, a play, etc.

(e) Have you ever read any book review? If yes, which one? If no, make it a point to read one. Answer: Yes, I have read a book review. It was of a Harry Potter book. I read it in a newspaper and it gave me an idea of what to expect in the book, without knowing the details.

Question 2. Make a list of famous novels of Ernest Hemingway. Two are given to you. (1) A Farewell to Arms (2) For Whom the Bell Tolls. (3) ……………………………………… (4) ……………………………………… (5) ……………………………………… (6) ……………………………………… (7) ……………………………………… Answer: (1) A Farewell to Arms. (2) For Whom the Bells Toll. (3) The Sun also Rises. (4) The Garden of Eden. (5) Islands in the Stream. (6) To Have and Have Not. (7) The Torrents of Spring.

Question 3. Ernest Miller Hemingway was a famous American novelist, short story writer and journalist. Make a list of other famous American novelists. Complete the web filling the boxes with the names of famous American novelists.

Question 1. Read the passage and name the following. (a) Young and devoted apprentice (b) The place where Hemingway had experience of fishing (c) That which Hemingway was injured by, during First World War (d) Language of the novel (e) In his first reading, the review writer was left Answer: (a) Manolin (b) Cuban waters (c) shrapnel (d) simple and pithy (e) unimpressed

Question 2. Correct the following sentences using facts from the review. (a) Manolin’s parents insisted on his working with the same old fisherman. (b) This novel is pure fiction. (c) Hemingway’s style of writing does not unfold the hidden meaning. (d) The relationship between the old man and Manolin is coarse. Answer: (a) Manolin’s parents insisted on his working with another fisherman. (b) This novel is based on real events and draws heavily from incidents in Hemingway’s own life. (c) Hemingway’s style of writing is such that a reader can read his work again and again and find new layers of meaning every time. (d) The relationship between the old man and Manolin is heart-warming.

Question 3. Compare the points that you would use for a book review with those of the review of a play and write in your notebook. Answer:

Question 4. The line – ‘I first read this novel years ago, when I did not understand it at all and was left unimpressed.’ tells us about the book reviewer’s opinion about the book. Complete the following sentences using the expressions. (1) In my opinion, every hard working person achieves success in life. (2) I strongly feel that ………………………………………………………. (3) I wish I could ………………………………………………………. (4) As far as I know you ………………………………………………………. (5) I think ………………………………………………………. Answer: (1) every hardworking person achieves success in life. (2) there should be a complete ban on tobacco. (3) go to the moon. (4) have never taken part in a debate. (5) they know what they are doing.

Question 5. The review describes the struggle between the old man with the marlin and sharks, Ernest Hemingway’s struggle against defeat or death and noble struggle against destruction. Find all the words from the text that are related to the word ‘brave’ or ‘courage’.

• ……………………………………….
• formidable.
• determination,

Question 6. The review mentions struggles of both the writer, Ernest Hemingway and the old man. Fill the incidents of struggle of Hemingway in table A and those of the old man in table B.

Question 7. Read the text again. You will find that the text contains many phrases. Match the phrases in ‘A’ and their meanings in ‘B’. After matching their meanings, make sentences of your own

Question 8. (A) Rewrite as directed, without change of meaning, in your notebook. (1) Hemingway’s novel is based on real events. (Convert the underlined adjective to an Adjectival Clause) (2) He hooks a marlin but the marlin is too strong for him. (Rewrite beginning with ‘Although’) (3) The reader can read his work again and again and find new layers of menaing. (Begin the sentence with ‘On reading’) (4) As the novel progresses, the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked. (Rewrite using ‘progress’ as a Noun) (5) Being strong, the marlin starts pulling the boat. (Rewrite inserting ‘and’ as a Co-ordinator) (6) When I first read this novel, I was unimpressed. (Rewrite using ‘but’ as a Co-ordinator) Answer: (1) Hemingway’s novel is based on events which are real. (2) Although he hooks a marlin, the marlin is, too strong for him. (3) On reading his work again and again, the reader can find new layers of meaning. (4) In the course of the progress of the novel, the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked. (5) The marlin is strong and starts pulling the boat. (6) I had read this novel before but I was unimpressed at that time.

(B) Write the ‘root-word’ after dropping the prefix or suffix or both. (1) unable ………………………………………. (2) heavily ………………………………………. (3) determination ………………………………………. (4) endurance ………………………………………. (5) unimpressed ………………………………………. (6) relationship ………………………………………. (7) inseparably ………………………………………. (8) empathetic ………………………………………. (9) beautiful ………………………………………. (10) simplicity ………………………………………. Answer: (1) unable – able (2) heavily – heavy (3) determination – determine (4) endurance – endure (5) unimpressed – impress (6) relationship – relate (7) inseparably – separate (8) empathetic – empathy (9) beautiful – beauty (10) simplicity – simple

Question 9. Write a book review on any book of your choice with the help of the following points.

• Social/Historical content
• Writing style

Pride and Prejudice: Book review.

Story Line: ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a romantic novel written by Jane Austen and first published in 1813. The book follows the life of Elizabeth Bennet, a headstrong, intelligent woman. It takes place in the early 1800s and is about the emotional development of the main character.

Elizabeth has four sisters and no brother. According to the succession rights, none of the girls can inherit the property, and Mrs. Bennet (Elizabeth’s mother) thinks that good marriages are the only way for them to lead a good life. Her main ambition in life is to see that her daughters marry wealthy men. However, the novel emphasizes that one should marry for love and not only for money. Mr. Bennet tolerates his wife’s behaviour and is dryly sarcastic when she is silly. There are villainous characters like George Wickham and comic ones like Mr. Collins.

Social/Historical Context: In Pride and Prejudice, the Bennets are members of the educated upper middle class. At that time, a man’s income was always reported as a ‘number of pounds per year’. Mr Bingley has ‘four or five thousand a year’ while Darcy’s income is a very impressive 10,000 a yepr. Thus, Darcy is considered to possess a fortune, and hence a very eligible bachelor.

The formal manners of behaviour are obvious in the custom of paying visits and leaving calling cards, the necessity of giving formal introductions, etc. Marriage was considered to be the only acceptable role for any woman, and getting married was high on the list of priorities. The clothes and customs all reflect the time. The French revolution was in progress during the time of the writing of this novel. Though it is difficult to relate to such customs and such priorities today, the novel still holds our interest.

Writing Style: Jane Austen has portrayed her characters well, and given good character sketches of all, whether it is the silly, materialistic Mrs. Bennet as the mother or Elizabeth as the strong-willed daughter. Jane Austen’s writing is sharp, with plenty of sarcasm and irony. Many times it is a bit too detailed; but that was the style of writing at that time. She wrote about ordinary people and their ordinary lives in an exceptional way. She recognized the flaws in society, especially as far as marriage is concerned. The opening words of her novel, ’It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.’, are unforgettable and are still quoted.

My Thoughts: When I first read it, it was out of compulsion; it was a part of our school activity, and I disliked it. I was too small to appreciate the undertones. I found too many unnecessary details. However, when I read it a few years later, I had already read many other books based in that time period. Hence, I could appreciate their customs, their dresses and their way of talking. I had alsu seen a film based on it. and things became clearer. I plan to read it again and see if I can find new meaning in it now.

Question 10. You know the essential points required for a book review. Now form pairs and find essential points required for a play review and film review. You can take help of your teacher, library or the internet.

Question 11. Project Classroom Library : Ask all your classmates to donate a book each to the class. In this way everyone will have a book of his/her own to read. Read the book in a week or two. After reading it, exchange your book with your classmate. Keep exchanging and reading books for the whole year. Every fortnight give the book review of the book that you have read recently in the form of a presentation.

Question 12. Complete the following: (1) Hemingway had experience of ………………….. (2) He worked for ………………….. during the First World War. (3) ‘The Old Man and The Sea’ was published in ……………………. Answer: (1) fishing in the Cuban waters. (2) The Red Cross (3) 1952

Question 13. Describe the general mood of the people when the novel was published. Answer: When the novel was published, people were trying to recover from the mass destruction caused by the two World Wars.

Question 14. Sentences: (1) The young actor had a …………………… at the beginning of his career. (2) This painter …………………… the old masterpieces. (3) The girl’s sad story immediately …………………… with the news reporter. (4) Lata Mangeshkar’s songs …………………… for a long time. Answer: (1) run of terrible bad luck (2) draws heavily on (3) struck a chord (4) will live on

Question 15. Find the synonyms (one word) for the following from the passage: (i) The ability to do something difficult for a long time: …………… (ii) Formed or worked: …………… Answer: (i) endurance (ii) wrought

Question 16. The old man is, at the end of the novel, very near death, but we know that the story of his suffering and loss will live on in the memories of the people of his village. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘Though’) Answer: Though the old man is, at the end of the novel, very near death, we know that the story of his suffering and loss will live on in the memories of the people of his village.

Question 17. During the First World War, Hemingway was injured by shrapnel. (Begin the sentence with ‘Shrapnel….’) Answer: Shrapnel injured Hemingway during the First World War.

Question 18. Do you like to read books? If so, what type? If not, why? Answer: I do like to read books. I like to read mystery novels. I find them very thrilling and interesting. I am a big fan of Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. I have read nearly the whole Sherlock Holmes series of short stories.

Question 19. (a) After recent reading the reviewer was left: …………………… (b) It fights for its life desperately: …………………… Answer: (a) moved and impressed (b) the marlin

Question 20. Hemingway practises an extreme economy in his use of words’. What does this mean? Answer: It means he uses very few words to express his thoughts and ideas.

Question 21. What are the ideals that the old man and the marlin both stand for? Answer: The old man and the marlin both stand for the same ideals, that is, a noble struggle against destruction.

Question 22. Complete the following web: Answers:

Question 23. Sentences: (1) Hussain was ill; in spite of this, he stood first in the test. (2) I could see the new rider holding on to the reins desperately. (3) The little boy looked longingly at the puppy again and again. (4) The symbol of a white dove stands for peace. Answer: (1) in spite of (2) holding on (3) again and again (4) stands for

Question 24. Find the synonyms for the following from the passage: (i) Brief: ………………….. (ii) Likely to make someone believe something that is not true: …………………. Answer: (i) pithy (ii) deceptive

Question 25. Write four to five sentences about your favorite writer. Answer: My favorite writer is Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Every story written by Doyle is different and holds my interest right till the end. The stories are so gripping that one cannot put the book down easily. I borrow the books from the library to read during the vacation.

Question 26. (1) Write down two compound words from the passage. (2) Pick out an infinitive from the lesson and use it in your own sentence. (3) Find out five hidden words from the given word t endurance (4) Use the following phrase in your own sentence: even after his death (5) Spot the error/errors and rewrite the correct sentence: The novel was publishing in 1952 (6) Identify the type of sentence: I first read this novel years ago, when I did not understand it at all. (7) Hemingway always talks about the need to struggle. (Replace the infinitive with a gerund.) (8) From the following verbs, pick out the verb which forms its present and past participle by doubling the last letter: run, write, swim, fan. (9) Complete the word chain with verbs of your own. write, e………., r………., r………., t……… . Answer: (1) fisherman, baseball (2) to catch: The fielder tried to catch the ball. (3) endurance: endure, dance, under, crane, creed. (4) even after his death: People remembered the great leader with love and respect even after his death. (5) The novel was published in 1952 (6) Assertive (negative) (7) Hemingway always talks about the need for struggling. (8) fan – fanning, fanned. (9) write, enter, remember, report, think.

Question 27. (1) Use the following word and its homophone in two separate sentences: sail (2) He worked for the Red Cross. (Rewrite using the past progressive tense of the verb.) (3) A reader can read his work again and again. (Change the voice beginning ‘His work ….) Answer: (1) (i) The sail of the huge boat fluttered in the breeze, (ii) The old woman loves shopping wherever there is a sale. (2) He was working for the Red Cross. (3) His work can be read again and again (by a reader).

Question 28. (1) Use the given two words in one meaningful sentence: formidable, beautiful. (2) Recently, I read this book again and was extremely moved. (Rewrite as a complex sentence.) Answer: (1) It was a formidable job to make the dilapidated old house beautiful again. (2) I was extremely moved when I recently read the book again.

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Download PDF : Maharashtra Board Solutions for Class 10- English: Chapter 4.5- The Old Man and The Sea Book Review PDF

Chapterwise Maharashtra Board Solutions Class 10 English :

• Chapter 1.1- Where the Mind is Without Fear
• Chapter 1.2- The Thief’s Story
• Chapter 1.3- On Wings of Courage
• Chapter 1.4- All the World’s a Stage
• Chapter 1.5- Joan of Arc
• Chapter 1.6- The Alchemy of Nature
• Chapter 2.1- Animals
• Chapter 2.2- Three Questions
• Chapter 2.3- Connecting the Dots
• Chapter 2.4- The Pulley
• Chapter 2.5- Let’s March
• Chapter 2.6- Science and Spirituality
• Chapter 3.1- Night of the Scorpion
• Chapter 3.2- The Night I Met Einstein
• Chapter 3.3- Stephen Hawking
• Chapter 3.4- The Will to Win
• Chapter 3.5- Unbeatable Super Mom-Mary Kom
• Chapter 3.6- The Concert
• Chapter 4.1- A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever
• Chapter 4.2- The Luncheon
• Chapter 4.3- World Heritage
• Chapter 4.4- The Height of the Ridiculous
• Chapter 4.5- The Old Man and The Sea Book Review
• Chapter 4.6- The Gift of the Magi

You can download the Maharashtra State Board Books from the eBalbharti official website, i.e. cart.ebalbharati.in or from this article.

Students can get the Maharashtra Books for primary, secondary, and senior secondary classes from here.  You can view or download the  Maharashtra State Board Books  from this page or from the official website for free of cost. Students can follow the detailed steps below to visit the official website and download the e-books for all subjects or a specific subject in different mediums. Step 1:  Visit the official website  ebalbharati.in Step 2:  On the top of the screen, select “Download PDF textbooks”  Step 3:  From the “Classes” section, select your class. Step 4:  From “Medium”, select the medium suitable to you. Step 5:  All Maharashtra board books for your class will now be displayed on the right side.  Step 6: Click on the “Download” option to download the PDF book.

As of now, the MSCERT and Balbharti are responsible for the syllabus and textbooks of Classes 1 to 8, while Classes 9 and 10 are under the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE).

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education, conducts the HSC and SSC Examinations in the state of Maharashtra through its  nine  Divisional Boards located at Pune, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Nasik, Kolhapur, Amravati, Latur, Nagpur and Ratnagiri.

About Maharashtra State Board ( MSBSHSE )

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education or MSBSHSE (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र राज्य माध्यमिक आणि उच्च माध्यमिक शिक्षण मंडळ), is an  autonomous and statutory body established in 1965 . The board was amended in the year 1977 under the provisions of the Maharashtra Act No. 41 of 1965.

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE), Pune is an independent body of the Maharashtra Government. There are more than 1.4 million students that appear in the examination every year. The Maha State Board conducts the board examination twice a year. This board conducts the examination for SSC and HSC. 

The Maharashtra government established the Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, also commonly referred to as Ebalbharati, in 1967 to take up the responsibility of providing quality textbooks to students from all classes studying under the Maharashtra State Board. MSBHSE prepares and updates the curriculum to provide holistic development for students. It is designed to tackle the difficulty in understanding the concepts with simple language with simple illustrations. Every year around 10 lakh students are enrolled in schools that are affiliated with the Maharashtra State Board.

• NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 8- Novels, Society and History
• Maharashtra Board Solutions Class 11-English Yuvakbharati (Writing Skills): Chapter 5- Film Review
• Maharashtra Board Solutions Class 12-English Yuvakbharati (Genre-Drama): Chapter 1- History of Novel
• Maharashtra Board Solutions Class 11-Political Science: Chapter 6- Role of the Judiciary
• Maharashtra Board Solutions Class 11-English Yuvakbharati (Genre-Drama): Chapter 1- History of English Drama

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The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway | Book Review

Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea had been on my to-read list for ages now. A Pulitzer Prize winning story, this book was Hemingway’s last published full-length book while he was alive. Between it figuring on numerous must-read lists and languishing on my Kindle bookshelf, the curiosity as to why it was so highly recommended always ate me away from within. So I finally decided to pick it up a few weeks ago.

While the book is not exactly exciting, it is in every way something that boosts your morale . Santiago, a fisherman on the wane, has the same confidence he had when he was young. He believes that today, after a long dry spell, will be the day he snares the catch of his life. He sets out and catches a great marlin. But instead of him pulling the fish in, the marlin pulls him and his skiff out into the seas. Tired, Santiago pulls the fish in with all he has and thrusts a harpoon into it before securing it to the side of the skiff.

Now that the marlin is secured, he turns the skiff around and heads homeward. His strength and patience is tested when, thanks to the blood, sharks start circling the skiff and biting off chunks of the marlin’s flesh. Santiago rows on and on homeward, his strength draining. He returns, the marlin now reduced to bones, and flops on his bed, asleep. In the meanwhile, the villagers, who, before his departure laughed at him, are now in awe, believing the skeleton to be that of a shark. The old man, oblivious to all this, sinks into a sleep full of bright dreams.

The reason why The Old Man and the Sea resonates to the extent it does is because of how motivational it is without being preachy . In simple dialogue and expressions, Hemingway sends out a simple message to the reader: Do not give up. It might feel like nothing is coming out of it all, but the end is in sight. And it is as fruitful as your labors feel tough. At the end of it all, you will have the luxury of sitting back and relaxing for as long as your success allows you to. You will get a lot of rewards – you just have to notice and grab them; sharks in the guise of marlins.

The impact that The Old Man and the Sea has is so intense that its review preaches more than the book does. No wonder the book was recognized and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1953, also gaining a mention when its author, Ernest Hemingway was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature the following year. One of Hemingway’s best works, it remains unparalleled. And it doesn’t look like it is going to be matched any time soon!

Rating: 5/5 stars

Until next time, keep reading and add melodrama to your life! 🙂

Picture Credit: beamingnotes.com!

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The Old Man and the Sea Book Review

• Trent Lorcher
• Categories : High school english lesson plans grades 9 12
• Tags : High school lesson plans & tips

The Old Man and the Sea won a Nobel Prize in literature. I need not, therefore, write a traditional Old Man and the Sea book review because the Nobel Prize speaks for itself. My book review is different. It’s geared toward high school English teachers trying to decide on novels to teach (Click on “novels for high school” above for more reviews). I’ve also included literary elements worth teaching, a short summary, and lesson ideas.

I’ve enjoyed great success teaching The Old Man and the Sea, both as a novel for the whole class and as part of independent reading. I’ve had several students claim it was the first “real” book they’d ever read cover to cover. Here are some specific aspects of the novel that make it excellent for teaching in high school.

The Old Man and the Sea Lesson Plans: Write a Book Review

This Old Man and the Sea Book Review is part of my Old Man and the Sea lesson plans. Have each student do the following after reading the novel:

• Write a brief summary of it–100-200 words.
• Write a brief Old Man and the Sea analysis, extolling its literary merit, 150-200 words.
• List teaching ideas for the novel, 3-4 ideas in a bulleted list.
• Give each section a rating of 1-5 stars.

Old Man and the Sea Summary (5 out of 5)

Santiago has gone 84 days without catching a fish. Santiago makes a living by catching fish. Not good.

The other fishermen consider Santiago bad luck, all except his young friend Manolin, whose father refuses to allow him to fish with the old man on account of his bad luck. Despite his old age and his perceived bad luck, Santiago remains optimistic. He sails far out in the sea, too far he later admits, beyond the others, in order to garner a prize catch.

He eventually hooks a huge marlin, who Santiago respects as a worthy opponent. The two battle each other, isolated from all help. After three days of suffering Santiago reals in the marlin, ties it to the side of his skiff, and heads to land.

Then come the sharks.

Sharks enjoy a tasty marlin. They are attracted by the smell of marlin blood and nibble away at Santiago’s prize catch. Santiago fights them off but is unable to save his vanquished marlin from the predatory sharks. He arrives home safely with nothing but the skeletal remains of one of the greatest fish ever caught and the honor of having fought valiantly in the face of certain defeat.

The Old Man and the Sea: Literary Merit and Teachability (5 out of 5)

The Old Man and the Sea won the Nobel Prize for Literature. It obviously has literary merit. More importantly it’s teachable: it’s short; it’s suspenseful; it’s accessible. Focus on the following literary aspects as part of your Old Man and the Sea lesson plans:

• Modernism - For advanced students, focus on Hemingway’s modern style .
• Allegory - Many critics consider the novel an allegory, for example, Santiago (St. James) receives injuries to the palms of his hands and rope marks along his back and shoulders.
• Symbolism - In addition to allegorical symbols like the ones above, Hemingway includes others. For a complete list, check out The Old Man and the Sea study guide .
• Themes - Hemingway compared his writing style to the composition of an iceberg; that is most of the meaning to his writing is under the surface. In other words, there’s a lot more to the novel than an old man trying to catch a fish.
• Conflict - There’s Santiago vs. the Marlin and the sharks (Man v. Nature); Santiago vs. himself (Man vs. Self); Santiago vs. The fishermen who ridicule him (Individual vs. Society); and Santiago vs. Old Age/Death (Man vs. Self or the Supernatural perhaps).

The Old Man and the Sea Lesson Plans (5 out of 5)

There are numerous resources on the web for Old Man and the Sea Lesson Plans. Here are some ideas:

• Teach modernism - Understanding the context of Hemingway’s life and philosophy gives the novel added meaning. Using the audiobook of The Old Man and the Sea will help students recognize Hemingway’s modern style.
• Teach allegory - Adapt this lesson plan on allegory in Of Mice and Men to teach allegory in T_he Old Man and the Sea_.
• Create a list of 10 passages, facts, events that involve conflict.
• Instruct students to categorize each one. There can be more than one conflict for each event or quotation.
• Discuss answers.
• Teach nature. Show one of those Discovery channel episodes on sharks after you read about Santiago catching the marlin. To make it really fun, bring in a giant tank full of sharks and throw in the first student who misbehaves. The other students will love it.

This post is part of the series: Novels for High School

Looking for a good novel to teach. Look here first.

• Novels in High School: Brave New World Analysis and Review
• Novels for High School: The Old Man and the Sea Book Review
• Novels for High School Students: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
• A Review of The Catcher in the Rye for High School Teachers with Lesson Plans for The Catcher in the Rye
• Red Badge of Courage Review with Lesson Plan

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The Old Man and the Sea Kindle Edition

• Reading age 9 - 18 years
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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D9F6Z19W
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 21, 2024
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About the author

Ernest hemingway.

Ernest Hemingway was born in 1899. His father was a doctor and he was the second of six children. Their home was at Oak Park, a Chicago suburb.

In 1917, Hemingway joined the Kansas City Star as a cub reporter. The following year, he volunteered as an ambulance driver on the Italian front, where he was badly wounded but decorated for his services. He returned to America in 1919, and married in 1921. In 1922, he reported on the Greco-Turkish war before resigning from journalism to devote himself to fiction. He settled in Paris where he renewed his earlier friendships with such fellow-American expatriates as Ezra Pound and Gertrude Stein. Their encouragement and criticism were to play a valuable part in the formation of his style.

Hemingway's first two published works were Three Stories and Ten Poems and In Our Time but it was the satirical novel, The Torrents of Spring, that established his name more widely. His international reputation was firmly secured by his next three books; Fiesta, Men Without Women and A Farewell to Arms.

He was passionately involved with bullfighting, big-game hunting and deep-sea fishing and his writing reflected this. He visited Spain during the Civil War and described his experiences in the bestseller, For Whom the Bell Tolls.

His direct and deceptively simple style of writing spawned generations of imitators but no equals. Recognition of his position in contemporary literature came in 1954 when he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, following the publication of The Old Man and the Sea. He died in 1961.

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Money blog: How chancellor's cuts impact your pocket - from tax rises to scrapping social care cap

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Leave your Money Problem/consumer dispute in the box below - remember, we can't look into it unless you leave an email address or phone number.

Tuesday 30 July 2024 10:02, UK

• How chancellor's statement affects your pocket
• Martin Lewis hits out at winter fuel payment announcement
• Junior doctors offered 20% pay rise by government to end strike action
• Business round-up : 9,000 new delivery jobs; plan to tax world's billionaires; NatWest share sale scrapped

Essential reads

• What happened to Tooty Frooties - and will they return to shelves? We ask Nestle...
• Basically... Do you need a mortgage broker?
• Estate agents reveal how to make yourself stand out as a tenant
• Money Problem : Can I put thousands I've saved in my spouse's ISA?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive of features

Ask a question or make a comment

Rachel Reeves, the new Labour chancellor, said yesterday the Treasury had identified a "forecast overspend" for this year of £21.9bn.

As a consequence, she announced cuts worth £5.5bn this year, rising to £8.1bn next year.

The measures impacting your personal finances include: 

• Winter fuel payments will be scrapped for around 10 million pensioners - those not receiving means-tested benefits;
• A £86,000 lifetime cap on social care costs, due to start from October 2025, has been postponed. There is currently no cap;
• The manifesto pledge to charge 20% VAT on private school fees will kick in from January 2025;
• The Labour plan to replace the non-dom tax status will be implemented from April 2025;
• The windfall tax on the profits of energy and gas companies will rise 3%, to 38%, from November;
• Ms Reeves also hinted at potential tax rises - or "difficult decisions" - in her October budget, though not income tax, national insurance or VAT.

We also learned yesterday that:

• The chancellor had accepted advisory recommendations to give most NHS workers, teachers and members of the armed forces above-inflation pay rises of 5.5-6%;
• The government has offered striking junior doctors in England a pay deal - over two years - of 22%.

Want to know more? Business correspondent Paul Kelso is at the Sky News screen to take a deeper dive...

Greggs has admitted prices have been hiked in the last few weeks - and has blamed soaring wage bills.

Confirming what many people have been tweeting about in recent weeks, chief executive Roisin Currie told the PA news agency some items were up 5p and 10p - but the meal deal is unchanged.

Ms Currie said the company had acted to offset higher pay for its 32,000 staff, having raised salaries earlier this year ahead of the increase in the National Living Wage.

She said: "The biggest inflation cost right now is the increase in the National Living Wage and making sure our employees get the wage increases that are appropriate.

"That puts pressure on the cost increases within the business."

This emerged as the group reported a 16.3% rise in underlying pre-tax profits to £74.1m for the six months to 29 June.

Greggs says it remains committed to its long-term aims to have "significantly" more than 3,000 shops across the UK, having opened 99 new shops and closed 18 to reach 2,524 in the first half.

It is planning to open up to 160 new shops net this year as a whole.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

BP is among the top gainers on the stock market this morning after it reported higher-than-expected profits of more than £4.2bn for the first half of the year.

The oil giant was up more than 2% in early trading following the publication of its latest results.

The FTSE 100 firm also said it would increase its dividend for shareholders by 10%.

However, critics reacted with outrage to the figures as they accused BP of not caring about the impact of its business on climate change.

Fiona Waters, from energy bills campaign group Warm This Winter, described the profits as "obscene".

She added: "They have rolled back on their green pledges that would mean lower bills, an end to energy price shocks and would also help save the planet."

A spokeswoman for fellow campaign group Global Witness added: "While millions of us struggle with high temperatures and high bills, BP are raking in billions of profits, paying out massive dividends, and doubling down on dirty new oil and gas projects."

Yesterday, the chancellor announced the windfall tax on the profits of energy and gas companies would rise 3%, to 38%, from November.

On the flipside of the FTSE 100, shares in drinks giant Diageo plunged more than 10% on Tuesday.

It comes after the company reported a steeper-than-expected 4.8% decline in annual organic operating profit in its preliminary results for the year ending June.

The company blamed "an unfavourable foreign exchange impact and organic net sales decline" but said it was confident it would return to growth when the "consumer environment improves".

Overall, the FTSE 100 is down 0.68%, while the FTSE 250 is up 0.79%.

On the currency markets, this morning £1 buys $1.29 US or €1.19.

Meanwhile, despite tensions in the Middle East, the cost of a barrel of Brent Crude oil is just below $80 (£62), a slight fall on this time yesterday.

Evri is to hire 9,000 new staff in the UK following its multi-billion pound takeover.

The delivery giant said it is looking to employ 8,000 more couriers, along with around 1,000 warehouse and other supporting roles.

The company said key locations selected for the new jobs included Scotland, Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, Plymouth in Devon and also  Gatwick Airport .

Couriers typically earn around £16.50 per hour, according to Evri.

Read the full story here ...

For the first time, finance leaders from every G20 country have agreed to tax the world's billionaires.

Treasury ministers and central bankers from the group of 20 major economies agreed to reference fair taxation of "ultra-high-net-worth individuals" in joint statements after meetings in Brazil.

But an agreement to team up on taxing the world's richest families papered over disagreements about how to do it, raising fears about how viable the plan is.

NatWest has said it "welcomes" the government's commitment to returning it to full private ownership after the chancellor announced she was scrapping a retail share sale in the high street bank.

Rachel Reeves said the plans, announced by the previous Conservative administration, were a "bad use of taxpayer money" and suggested the bank's remaining state-owned stock would now be sold off to large, institutional investors instead.

Basically, a mortgage broker is a person or company that sorts out a mortgage deal between you and the lender.

They can help you seek out the best option for your situation and apply on your behalf, doing the legwork so you don't have to – including gathering paperwork and passing it along.

A mortgage broker will likely earn a commission from the lender, and possibly the borrower as well, at closing – although some offer their services to buyers for free.

Mortgage brokers , unlike mortgage bankers , don't use their own funds to originate the mortgages.

How do they work?

Mortgage brokers use a system where they can access some or most of the deals being offered on the market by lenders.

Based on their client's budget and type of property they're looking for, the broker can tell them which lenders are likely to accept them and recommend deals they think are most suited.

Factors that brokers will look at when recommending a mortgage include the size of the buyer's deposit, how long they are looking to fix for, interest rates and other personal information such as credit history and outgoings.

What are the benefits of using a broker?

You don't have to use a mortgage broker to secure your mortgage - if you're feeling confident enough, you can go to lenders directly.

But a broker could end up saving you money by finding you a more favourable rate or making a recommendation that's better for you financially. You may also end up getting access to more products than you would through your own research.

Brokers also have expertise in the mortgage market which the average person doesn't - so they'll be able to advise which mortgage would work best for their client at that time.

Another biggie is the convenience. Trawling through all the deals being offered by different lenders yourself can be a tedious job, but a broker can cut out all of this work for you.

What are the downsides?

You're not guaranteed to get a better rate through a broker - and if they charge you a fee at the end, you may end up being more out of pocket than you realised.

Some brokers may only work with certain lenders, meaning they don't have access to the whole market. 

And while a reputable broker will be able to offer a good range of the best deals from the biggest names, some may be incentivised to steer borrowers towards certain lenders or loans that offer them a higher commission.

Read other entries in our Basically series...

After the revival of popular Cadbury's chocolate bar Top Deck earlier this year, we asked you which discontinued treat you would like to see brought back - and we got so many responses that we've decided to make a weekly feature of it called  Bring It Back . 

Every Tuesday, we'll pick one from our comments box and look at why it was so beloved and, crucially,  find out whether the companies in question might consider reintroducing them.

This week, we take a look at Tooty Frooties.

First launched in 1963 by Mackintosh (which became Rowntree Mackintosh a few years later), the purple bags of sweets quickly became a hit with children and adults alike.

Chewy, and fruit-flavoured and with crunchy, multicoloured shells, the product could be considered somewhat of a precursor to Skittles.

Such was their popularity that spin-offs including the shortlived mint-flavoured version called Tooty Minties and even a Tooty Frooties Easter egg was introduced to the market.

However, as sweet trends shifted towards jelly and foam textures, sales of the original product waned - and it was finally axed in 2019.

Kelly Francis was among those who continues to mourn the loss of the confectionary.

"I will never understand why they got rid of Tooty Frooties," she lamented.

"They were levels above any other sweets you can buy.

"There was something really special about the chewy, fruitiness with the crunchy shell on the outside. There is barely a week that goes by when I don't think about them."

But will they ever return to the shelves of your local corner shop or supermarket?

We asked Nestle, which took over Rowntree's in 1988.

"Rowntree's Tooty Frooties were launched in 1963 and delisted in 2019 due to changing consumer preferences," a spokesperson said.

"Of course, sweet tastes and trends change all the time, and while there's no plan to bring back Tooty Frooties, Rowntree's has launched several exciting new products in the past years and has some more new offerings in development for 2025 – so watch this space."

So while it may not be exactly the news lovers of the classic sweet wanted, there is at least some hope that at least one of the products being worked on by the confectioners goes some way towards filling the fruity, chewy and crunchy hole left in their lives by its absence.

Which currently discontinued chocolate bar, crisps, sweets - or any other food product - would you like to see brought back, and why? Let us know in the comment box at the top!

Harry Potter fans have been told not to go to King's Cross station in September for the annual "back to Hogwarts" day.

Every year, thousands of Potterheads head to the fictional Platform 9 ¾ at the London station on 1 September for the start of the new Hogwarts term.

But what began as a small gathering of fans now sees thousands descend on the station.

In an effort to stop that, Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD)  has urged fans to instead tune into the official Harry Potter YouTube channel at 11am.

"There will be no event, departure board, or countdown at the station this year," they said.

Job Centre security guards launched a fresh strike today in a long-running dispute over pay.

The GMB said more than 1,500 of its members will stage their fourth week-long walkout, remaining on strike until Saturday.

The union said the guards, employed by private firm G4S, do a dangerous job, adding that 90% of them are paid just the minimum wage.

The GMB claimed G4S is in breach of minimum wage laws by insisting on unpaid training at home, which the company denied.

Previous strikes were held in June and earlier this month.

A London hotel has been listed as one of the world's greatest places to stay by TIME Magazine .

In its reviews, TIME said the new Raffles London at The OWO had "layers on a new level of luxury".

The five-star hotel in Whitehall has undergone an eight-year £1.4bn refurbishment project and finally opened last year.

It boasts 120 rooms, a 65ft swimming pool, a Guerlain spa and health club.

Guests can also stay in oak-panelled cupola suites where the statesmen worked during the Second World War.

Prices for a classic room which accommodates two guests range from around £870 to £1,350 per night.

What other UK places made it onto the TIME list?

• Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, Manchester
• 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh

Consumer champion Martin Lewis has hit out at the government scrapping winter fuel payments for those not in receipt of benefits.

The measure is one of a raft announced by new chancellor Rachel Reeves in response to what Labour says is a previously unknown about £20bn black hole in the public finances.

Lewis has responded by pointing out energy prices will rise this winter - and says one group will be hit hardest now...

"The Energy Price Cap is likely to rise 10% this October and stay high across the winter, leaving most energy bills nearly double those pre-crisis, at levels unaffordable for millions.

"Many pensioners eke out the £100 to £300 winter fuel payments to allow them to keep some heating on through the cold months. While there's an argument for ending its universality due to tight national finances, it's being squeezed to too narrow a group – just those on benefits and pension credit. Yet again, those just above the thresholds will be hardest hit."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she has made the "difficult decision" to scrap winter fuel payments for some pensioners.

"Those not in receipt of pension credit or certain other means tested benefits will no longer receive the winter fuel payment from this year onward," she says.

"The government will continue to provide winter fuel payments worth £200 to households receiving pension credit, or £300 to those receiving them with someone over the age of 80."

It is part of her emergency announcement in the Commons to expose what Labour say is a £20bn black hole in the public finances left by the previous government.

Follow all the latest on that in our Politics Hub...

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Make a plan to attend the Maine Lobster Festival, July 31 to Aug. 4

The annual event takes place in Rockland.

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A fresh batch of lobster at the food tent during the 2018 Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland. Ariana van den Akker/Staff Photographer

You’ll have a shell of a good time celebrating the state’s star crustacean during the annual Maine Lobster Festival, happening July 31 to Aug. 4 at Harbor Park in Rockland.

The festival’s five-day schedule features an arts and crafts show, parade and tasting event.

Other highlights of the Maine Lobster Festival include the International Great Crate Race, during which participants attempt to race across a string of lobster traps in Rockland Harbor. There’s also a seafood cooking contest, road race and plenty of kids’ activities.

Some of the musical acts performing over the five days are Paddy Mills, Rigometrics, Charlie and The Hustle and Julia Gagnon.

Don’t forget about the actual lobsters. You’ll have plenty of chances to eat your fill.

For the full schedule, head to mainelobsterfestival.com .

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