How Does the Old Man Kill the Great Marlin?
The Old Man and the Sea is a notable literary work by Ernest Hemingway. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Old Man and the Sea.
Answer
How does the old man kill the great marlin? [2020]
Earnest Hemingway (1899-1961) tells a tense sea hunt with care in “The Old Man and the Sea” (1952). Santiago faces a giant marlin alone at sea. He is old, yet his spirit stays firm. His skill, patience, and will guide each step. The kill comes after long pain and trial. It demonstrates skill, courage, and profound respect.
Long Trial: The fish tows the skiff for three days. Santiago holds the line with bleeding hands. He eats little and fights sleep and cramps. He whispers,
“Fish, I’ll stay with you until I am dead.”
This vow keeps his mind fixed on work. He cuts other lines to guard the main line. The long trial slowly weakens the great fish.
Final Circling: At sunrise, the marlin begins slow circles. Santiago gains line inch by inch, carefully timed. He studies pull, slack, and the fish’s turns. He respects the fish as a worthy foe. He keeps exact pressure and saves his strength. The circles grow smaller near the skiff.
Harpoon Strike: Santiago brings the marlin close to the beam. He reads the turn and times the lift. He braces, lifts hard, and shortens the line. The fish rolls; its eye comes near gunwale. Santiago drives the harpoon into the heart. The fish leaps once, “with his death in him.” Blood stains the sea; the body goes still.
In short, Santiago kills the marlin with skill and patience. He tires it with a steady line and circles. Then he strikes the heart with one sure blow. Thus, the old man wins the noble fight.