Asslam U Alaikum to all of the respectable members of the forum. I hope all of you are well. I am starting to post notes for B.A. English.It is a general trend that B.A. English is supposed to be very tough indeed.To some extent it is so because the two subjects at B.A. level,i.e 1)Poetry and prose 2)Grammar and Composition, are too lengthy to be covered properly within two years. I hope by taking this step those candidates who feel difficulties with B.A. English can be helped a lot.
Kindly like it to show your willingness and acceptance.

A New Anthology of English Verse

1. Leisure By William Davies

Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem
“Leisure” written by William Davies.

Context:
This poem is a protest against the unnecessary
commitment of man with worldly affairs. We arealways in a hurry and have no leisure time to lookat the beauty spread all around us. Man’smiserable life brings him nothing but sadness andworries.

Explanation:

(Lines 1 – 4)
In these lines the poet bewails our rushed life. The poetsays that we cannot call this life a pure life, if it is full ofworries and anxiety. We have no time to stand at a certainplace and look carefully at nature. Even we cannot spare afew moments to stand under the branches of green trees andenjoy the beautiful and restful shades of the trees. Thecommon animals like sheep and cows are better than us inenjoying life. We cannot look at the common animals likesheep and cows grazing in the pastures. We have committedourselves with worldly affairs unnecessarily and cannot enjoynature and the natural beauty spread all around us.

(Lines 5 – 6)
In these lines the poet tells us, when we pass throughsome forest, we do not have time to stop for some moments tolook at the trees tall and short, and enjoy their naturalbeauty. The dark green trees provide a soothing effect but weare always sick-hurried and cannot enjoy at least the simplebeauty. Also we cannot look at the small animals like
squirrels concealing their food-grain in the grass for the
winter. This minor scene can also give us relief.

(Lines 7 –8)
In these lines the poet says that human beings cannotsee the beauty that is hidden in the streams. During daytime, when the rays of the sun fall upon the clear water of thebrooks, the water reflects and shines like stars in the skyduring night. Sometimes water of streams, because of itsclearness seems so beautiful that even stones beneath thewater can be observed, which look like stars in the clear bluewater. This scene also resembles the stars shining in the skyat night.

(Lines 9 – 10) & (11 – 12)
The poet says we are so hard luck that we cannot watcha girl or a woman who dances in the field. The feet of thedancing girl are very attractive and bewitching but we cannotspare time to look at these feet as how they dance. Thisdancing girl can also amuse us with her performance. Thepoet also mourns that we have no time to wait for the words,the mouth of the dancing girl has to utter. As a sort of smilehas appeared in her eyes but we cannot wait for such time asthe words from her eyes are transferred to her lips. Thosewords can amuse us. In fact the poet uses personification, apoetic device to explain the natural beauty scattered allaround us. The poet personifies beauty as a young beautifuldancing girl having a smiling face.

(Lines 13 – 14)
In these concluding lines the poet regrets to say that
ours is a poor life. In a way it cannot be life if it is full of cares
and worries. Unluckily, we have no time to stand at a placeand look carefully at nature that can refresh us. As such ourlife is nothing but lamentation through and through. Ashuman beings we should spare some moments and look atnature and natural beauty spread around us and enjoy life.

Themes/Central ideas:
1.We should take time off from our daily work to enjoy nature.
2.Learn to relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of life. Learn to observe the little and beautiful things around us.
3.This rushed,pale and repetitious life is of no use if we do not enjoy the beauty around us.

__________________
Man is [a perpetual] Anguish !

The Critical Summary


The poem "Leisure" has been composed by an American poet William Davies. He was a wandering poet and singer. He led a life of loneliness and his poetry is marked with truth and simplicity in idea as well as language. As the title of the poem suggests, it is about the availability of time for enjoying various delights of life. These may range from the most ordinary every day pleasure to the extraordinary events. The poet is lamenting over the rush and hurried manner in which we spend our lives. We deprive ourselves of the richness and diversity of life.

The poet believes that life must be enjoyed in a casual leisurely manner. He thinks that we should spend our free time enjoying and appreciating the beauty of nature. We should find time to stand under the trees and look at beautiful objects of nature as sheep and cows do. While passing through the woods, we must pause to se the squirrels busy in hiding their nuts in the grass. We should also stop by streams of clear water glittering like skies at night. We must also find time to see the beautiful glance of a maiden and admire the skill of her dancing feet. We should not miss the beautiful smile playing at her face. In this way we can fill our lives with happiness.

The poet expresses his grief at the fact that modern rush of life has deprived us of many commonplace pleasures. We run around after our material pursuits, so crazily that we get no time to spend in a relaxed manner. He warns us if our life remains full of worries and problems with no opportunity to enjoy its simple pleasures, it will be very miserable life.

__________________
Man is [a perpetual] Anguish !

Q:Modern man can’t stand and stare. Explain. or
What are the main ideas explained in the poem “leisure”?

William Davies is a modern poet. He has studied life very deeply. In his poem Leisure he laments on the preoccupation of man in daily pursuits of life.
“What is this life, if full of care
We have no time to stand and stare"
He points out that advancement in science and industry has mad man materialistic. It is a very painful fact that people of modern age remain busy day and night like a machine to earn money to improve their standard of living. Their minds are all the time preoccupied with worries and responsibilities of day-today life. Therefore, they have no time or attention to spare for the beautiful scenes of nature which are a gift of God for the amusement of mankind. These busy people do not bother to get pleasure from the charming things of life. In this age of material advancement, time is considered wealth. People feel envious of those who struggle hard to raise high in life and remain busy all the time. In this poem, the poet has urged us to spare some time to enjoy nature.

Q:The poet has used personification . Can you point it out?

When an inanimate object or abstraction is given human qualities or abilities, it is called personification. It is used to make an idea rich and beautiful. In the short lyrical poem “Leisure” the poet makes the use of personification. He presents beauty as a living creature. The young girl in this poem has been used as a symbol of natural beauty. He says:
“No time to turn at Beauty’s glance
And watch her feet, how they can dance”

The young, charming and attractive girl’s dancing feet can attract young people and captivate their hearts. The beautiful girl has an alluring smile which starts from her eyes and descends upon her lips:
“No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began”

In the poem beauty has dancing feet, it can dance, it has eyes and it can smile. All these are human qualities. This personification of beauty for a beautiful woman makes the meaning of the poem clear and lucid.

Q: What are some of the simple delights we miss in our rushed life? OR
“William Davies laments the hurried manner in which we spend our lives depriving ourselves of savoring the richness and diversity that life offers.” Discuss with reference to his poem, ‘Leisure’?

William Davies laments in his poem, Leisure, about the hurried manner in which we spend our lives .He is sorry for the modern man who is so much absorbed in his material pursuits that he hardly finds any time to see the colors of life. Nature and manifestations of nature are lying bare and open for us everywhere but we have closed our eyes for these. There are trees and plants. There are squirrels in the woods. There are brightly shinning waves in the stream. There are twinkling stars in the sky. Beauty itself is present. It is looking at us with its sweet glance. Its eyes are smiling and its lips are also going to smile. Its feet are going to dance. But we are so strange persons that we don’t have any leisure or spare time to see the “beauty incarnate” and enjoy seeing it. According to Davies, life is nothing but a constant care and worry if we are unable to enjoy nature and its manifestations.

__________________
Kon Kaisa hai yehi fikr rahi tmam umar...
Khud kaisi hon kabhi bhool kr b na socha

Q1: Pick out the fanciful images from “Tartary”.

Water De la Mare is a pure poet who is known as the poet of images and impression.His poem “Tartary” is a romantic and fanciful journey of the poet into the realm of imagination. Tartary is not a real land. It is the creation of poet’s own mind. He conceives it as a land full of pleasures, charm and comfort. He uses many fanciful images to depict the beauty of this imaginary land; for example “bed of ivory”, “peacocks flaunt”, “Lamps would shine, yellow as honey and red as wine”, “Morning star”, “Dark glades”, “Silvery pale” etc. These images have a wonderful effect on the mind of the reader.
The most fanciful image appears in the 3rd and 4th line of the last stanza:
“Her flashing stars, her scented breeze,
Her trembling lakes, like foamless seas,”
It is the image in the whole poem that is widest in its scope- the poet imagines rule over even the heavenly bodies (stars) and the forces of nature (scented breeze and lakes) which is the height of a longing for monarchy.

Q2: How will the poet change his dreams into reality? Or
How does the poet fulfill his dream of getting power on earth?

Walter De La Mare is a romantic. Like all romantic poets, he escapes into an idea.In this poem the poet dreams of becoming the lord of Tartary. Dreams are important in man’s life because they give color to our dull and boring life as someone has rightly said:
“Existence would be intolerable if we were never to dream.”
He dreams of sole monarchy over the land as well as the heavenly bodies. He imagines himself to be the Lord of a rich and fertile territory, where his palace is furnished with luxurious items of furniture and his court is decorated with golden throne. The forests of his territory abound with wild animals. In the clear water of pools the fishes swim freely. The poet imagines to wear the royal robes fitted with diamonds and precious stones. He dreams of a luxurious life and by becoming the lord of Tartary he can fulfil all his dreams.

Q3: What color words has the poet used in “Tartary”? What effects do they create?
Walter De La Mare is a pure and romantic poet. His poem “Tartary” is a romantic and fanciful journey of the poet into the realm of imagination. Tartary is not a real land. It is the creation of poet’s own mind. He conceives it as a land full of pleasures, charm and comfort. He uses the color words like bed of ivory, throne of beaten gold, peacocks flaunt, lamps shining yellow as honey and red as wine, morning star, dark glades , silvery pale etc. to describe the beauty of the imaginary land.
These color words create a wonderful effect upon the mind of the reader. The reader enters into a world of dream from the world of reality. He forgets his worries and cares for some time and feels himself in the company of zebras, fish, tigers, fairies, forests and valleys. He considers the land of Tartary as a real world.

Q4: Explain “Tartary” by Walter De La Mare as a romantic poem. (P.U. 2004)Or
The poem “Tartary” is of romantic temper. Discuss. Or
The poem “Tartary” throws light on the romantic world. Discuss this statement.

The poem “Tartary” is a fine example of romantic tempter. There is height of sensibility, adventure and imagination in it. There is escape from harsh realities of life. From this point of view the poem ”Tartary” is romantic one. The poet visualizes to be the lord of romantic land. The poet, as the ruler of ”Tartary” will be having ivory bed, golden throne. The atmosphere of his court will be unmatched as peacocks will dance and display their beauty. Tigers will move in his forests, and the charm of the court will be enhanced by the shining fishes in the ponds. Trumpeters will announce the time of his meal. In the evening multicolored lamps will be lighted. His royal dress will be in different colors. Zebras will pull his carriage through open places in the forests. He wishes to possess everything that is found “Tartary”. In this way the poet is taking .flight in the world of imagination. No one can have such place in real life. It is the result of imagination. So poem is a perfect example of romantic temper.

Q.5: The hero’s dreams are pure, innocent and un-harmful. Elaborate (P.U.2006).

The poet as a lord of romantic land longs to dream and enjoy everything that is tremendous and occurs in a grand way. His dreams are very pure, innocent and un-harmful. The hidden motive is just to satisfy his disturbed real life. He is fulfilling his every desire that is incomplete in the world of reality. His dreams are not based on any ill will for others but on his intense aspiration of a tremendous life style. He dreams of sole monarchy over the land as well as the heavenly bodies. He imagines himself to be the Lord of a rich and fertile territory, where his palace is furnished with luxurious items of furniture and his court is decorated with golden throne. The forests of his territory abound with wild animals. In the clear water of pools the fishes swim freely. The poet imagines to wear the royal robes fitted with diamonds and precious stones. So these are all pleasures and royal facilities which the poet wishes to have. Innocence is obvious when we realise that everything is possible only in dreams everything cannot be achieved in real life.

Q.6: Critically evaluate the poem ’Tartary’ by Walter De La Mare .Or
Give the critical appreciation of the poem Tartary1 by Walter De La Mare.

Tartary’ is a remarkable romantic poem. It describes poet’s journey into the dreamland of joy where there is perfection in each and everything. The poem is romantically impressive. The poet wants to become the ruler of that land. As a lord he will command, control and relish everything in a grand way. He will have bed of ivory, throne of gold and beauty of his court will be enhanced by then dancing peacocks and shining -fishes. He will wear magnificent robe and sword for the expedition of romantic land on the carriage driven by zebras. He will rule over all the resources of Tartary. For the presentation of an ideal world fine and impressive images have been used to paint the natural picture of every object. Colored words have been used as bed of ivory, golden throne, colorful peacocks, tigers, great fishes robe in beautiful color, zebras, glades and morning star. The whole poem is rhythmic. Similes have been used as ’yellow as honey’, ’red as wine.’ Everything occurs in a natural way. There is no ambiguity in the poem. Diction is quite simple. Theme is approachable for every sort of reader.


Q7: Discuss De la Mare as a lover of nature with reference to his poem ‘Tartary’.
OR
Give your impression of Walter de La Mare as a poet after reading his poem ‘Tartary’.
Walter De La Mare is a romantic poet. To make Tartary an ideal land, the poet has given a good proof of his love for nature. He believes that the beautiful scenes of nature and its enchanting sound are a precious treasure of delight and wonder for man.
The poet wishes that his kingdom of Tartary should have all the variety of natural society. There should be thick forests, deep valley and tall hills. The sky of his country should be decorated with shining stars. It should be a land of dazzling rivers, trembling lakes and foamless seas. He loves to have abundance of fruit trees that delight the birds and inspire them to sing cheerfully. On every morning he would love to ride through the dark glades of Tartary to enjoy the beauties of nature. He likes to hear the songs of birds and to feast his eyes on the beauty of the green world. His dream of happy life remains incomplete without such aesthetic pleasure driven form, the world of nature

__________________
Kon Kaisa hai yehi fikr rahi tmam umar...
Khud kaisi hon kabhi bhool kr b na socha

Q: “A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” Discuss.
Or
Is it a novel of triumph of man or his defeat?

Ernest Hemingway is one of the most popular and widely acclaimed American writers of the 20th century. His works and life epitomize the image of the hyper-masculine hero, facing the cruelties of life with 'grace under pressure'. His novel ‘Old man and the Sea’ presents a man whose mettle is tested at the face of misfortunes in his life.
Santiago is the protagonist of the novella ‘Old man and the Sea’. He is an old fisherman in Cuba who, when we meet him at the beginning of the book, has not caught anything for eighty-four days. The novella follows Santiago's quest for the great catch that will save his career. Santiago endures a great struggle with an uncommonly large and noble marlin only to lose the fish to rapacious sharks on his way back to land. Despite this loss, Santiago ends the novel with his spirit undefeated.
The novel is about the triumph of man as is shown from the Old man’s words:
“ A man can be destroyed but not defeated”.
Though the old man does not get anything materially as his big fish was snatched by sharks but even then he stands undefeated. He wins the battle morally and makes a resolution to go on another expedition.

Q: How was the old man able to hook marlin?
0r
‘Fish’, he said softly aloud, “I will stay with you until I am dead”. Discuss.

Hemingway’s novel “Old man and the Sea” is about a fisherman who is old but courageous enough to go far off in the sea all alone even in old age. In this novel Hemingway presents the experience of an old man who catches a big fish. After remaining unsuccessful for 84 days old man went to catch fish as he was an optimistic man. He said:
“My big fish must be somewhere”
The old man was able to judge from the sight of bird in the sky that there must be a big fish nearby. He caught the line between the thumb and the fore finger of his right hand. It was a big marlin. Marlin seemed to have swallowed the bait. As the weight of the fish increased, he gave more line. The fish move steadily.
Once the big fish made a sudden movement forward, which nearly brought the old man down. He received a cut below his eyes but he was not upset at it. He says to the fish:
“Fish, I will stay with you, until I am dead.”
The old man thought that he would kill the big fish if he jumped. He began to circle the boat. In ninth circle he brought out the harpoon and killed the big marlin with it.

Q: How does Santiago prove the truth of his remark ‘Man is not made for defeat”?

Ernest Hemingway is one of the most popular and widely acclaimed American writers of the 20th century. His works and life epitomize the image of the hyper-masculine hero, facing the cruelties of life with 'grace under pressure'. His novel ‘Old man and the Sea’ presents a man whose mettle is tested at the face of misfortunes in his life.
Santiago, the hero of the novel, has to face great trial all alone. He goes on expedition of catching fish. He succeeds in hooking a big Marlin which is larger than his skiff. This powerful fish tows the boat and drags the old man with it. The old man remains in the boat for three days and three nights without any rest or sleep. There is great strain on his mind and body. But he does not care for his life and decides to fight with him till his death. He addresses the fish and says, “Fish I will stay with you until I am dead”.
The old man keeps up his spirits when the hunted fish is attacked by the sharks. He fights with the sharks and kills them with his knife, harpoon and club. The sharks take the best part of the hunted fish but he is not disappointed. Instead he decides to go on another expedition. His decision to another expedition proves that “man is not made for defeat”.

Q: Write a note on the heroic spirit of the old man.

The Old Man and the Sea is an adventure tale, glorifying the heroic spirit in man. Hemingway wants to show how man can attain great glory and can rise to a high stature if he makes use of the valuable qualities and great capacities given to him by God.
Although he is old and weak and poor yet he is a man of invincible courage and unshakable determination. He refuses to be discouraged by his repeated failures to catch any fish for eighty four clays continuously. On the 85th day he takes his small boat and goes far into the open sea where no other fisherman has ever ventured. He is a brave man who is prepared to risk his life instead of accepting defeat to save himself. He firmly believes that man is not made for defeat. “A man may be destroyed but he cannot be defeated.”
He endures his suffering without complaint and says that “Pain does not matter to a man”. He is determined to show to the huge sea creature, “What a man can do and what a man endures.” He is conscious of the fact that the marlin is fatiguing him to death and in his attempt to kill the fish he may get killed himself. But he declares, “I do not bother who kills who”. At last the fish feels totally exhausted and gives up` resistancej The Old Man pulls her up gradually and kills her with a harpoon as soon as it gets within his easy reach. It is a marvelous victory of a valiant, determined and experienced man against the hostile nature.

Q: Narrate the hand game competition held between Santiago and Negro.

Santiago, the hero of this novel, is shown to be a man of exceptional courage, physical strength, determination and power of endurance. He is shown to be an old man, worn out by age and miseries of life, with a thin and lean body.
At the moments of failing faith, he tried to boost up his morale by recollecting his deeds of bravery in the past. The Old Man recalled to his mind the great trial of physical strength and power of endurance. It was the hand-game competition. His opponent was the famous Negro. Both of them sat round a table facing each other. Their elbows were resting on a line drawn across the centre of the table. They held their arms erect and gripped each other’s hand tightly.
Both the competitors tried to bring each other’s hand down to the surface of the table. The competition started early in the morning and continued throughout the day and night without a break. The referees were changed after every eight hours to provide them relief. Both of them strained themselves so severely that blood began to ooze from the tips of their fingers.
The Negro was a man of strong nerves. He once succeeded in bowing Santiago’s hand three inches below the balancing position, But Santiago soon retaliated and brought his arm back to the balancing point. This gave him a new confidence. He exerted himself with full might and determination and succeeded in defeating the Negro. In this way he was declared the Champion of the dock.

Q12: Trace some of the symbols employed by Hemingway in his novel.

Symbolism is the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character. A symbol is an object, action, or idea that represents something other than itself, often of a more abstract nature.
In Ernest Hemingway's masterpiece, The Old Man and the Sea, he uses much symbolism to assist the readers understanding of the massage he is trying to portray. The Old Man and the Sea isn't just a book about an old man and the sea. There are many hidden meanings to it. Each element represents different things.
The Sea
The sea, in the novel, represents the Universe and Santiago's isolation in the Universe. It is at sea, with no help and no recognition, that Santiago faces his ultimate challenge.
The Marlin
The marlin represents the ultimate opponent, one that brings out the best in Santiago.
The Sharks
Santiago considers the sharks base predators, not worthy of glory. They represent destructive forces in life that serve no purpose.
The Lions
Santiago dreams of Lions on the beach in Africa three times. They represent virility and youth. The lion imagery at the end of the novel represents hope of eternal life.
Manolin
Santiago's young friend represents hope. He also represents old man's past.

Q13: Fight against the sharks is the real test of the old man’s mettle. Elaborate. OR
Q: Give a brief account of the old man’s encounter with the sharks?
OR
The old man is a great fighter. Comment.

The Old Man and the Sea is the story of an old and experienced fisherman who after a bad luck of three months succeeded in hooking a big marlin in the open sea. The fish was so enormous in size that it could not be accommodated in the small boat. He decided to tie the fish along side his boat. Then he hoisted the sail and started on homeward voyage happily.
The old man’s sense of elation could not last much longer. After an hour of rest and relaxation, he was required to face a new challenge. The smell of oozing blood from the body of the marlin attracted sharks who came to eat the flesh of the dead fish. The sharks fell upon the tail of the marlin and tore off a huge chunk of meat from the carcass. The old man took up his harpoon and thrust it into the brain of the shark. The shark was killed but it took away the harpoon. In the evening two more sharks attacked the dead marlin.
Late in the evening the fourth shark appeared. Santiago faced it with his knife tied to an oar. The knife also lost. Now the old man was left with nothing to defend his marlin except two oars, a gaff and short club. After mid-night the attacks of the sharks ceased as there was nothing left of the great marlin but its bare skeleton. In his efforts to fight with sharks all of his weapons were lost. Then he sailed on peacefully. His hands had been badly bruised and his whole body ached. This fight against the sharks is the real test of the old man’s mettle./ His encounter with sharks proves him to be a great fighter.

Q14: The old man is by all means an extraordinary fisherman. Elaborate.
The old man in “The Old Man and the Sea” is an experienced fisherman who after a bad luck of three months succeeded in hooking a big marlin in the open sea. Despite his expertise, he has been unable to catch a fish for eighty-four days. Our first impression of Santiago is that of a failure. But as we go through the novel we find a man who is resolute, courageous, strong and undefeated.
Santiago is humble, yet exhibits a justified pride in his abilities. His knowledge of the sea and its creatures, and of his craft, is unparalleled and helps him preserve a sense of hope regardless of circumstance. Throughout his life, Santiago has been presented with contests to test his strength and endurance. The marlin with which he struggles for three days represents his greatest challenge.
Novel shows Santiago a Christ like figure. He is ready to endure pain. He is optimistic by temperament. He has strong faith in success and confidence in future. Though he could not catch fish for a long time, he does not lose hope of success. He is the best fisherman of all. He is ready to fight beyond the limits of strength. He is a man of determination and resolution. He believes in love, loyality and respect. No doubt he is an extra ordinary fisherman.

Q1: The old man looks upon Manolin as not only his apprentice but also his friend and his equal. Elaborate.
In his novel “The Old man and the Sea” Hemingway creates a very powerful and poignant relationship between the old man, Santiago, and the young boy, Manolin.
Manolin is the pupil of Santiago and has been learning the tricks of fishing from him. When Santiago fails in catching any fish, he is driven away by his parents. So Manolin has to join other fishermen to catch a fish.
The boy symbolizes the oldman’s youthful strength. He is the constant reminder of youth age, courage and bravery for the old man. He becomes the source of inspiration for the old man. He admits “the boy keeps me alive”
Manolin is Santiago's last and deepest human relationship., his replacement in the generational cycle of human existence, the one to whom he wishes to entrust his skill as a fisherman, the transforming power of his vision, and his memory.
Santiago’s relationship with Manolin is not of teacher and pupil but they were friends also. He remembers him constantly during his fishing expedition and says. “I wish I had the boy”. Though the boy does not play an active part in the adventure of the old man, he fulfils a vital emotional need and sympathy. The old man misses him very much throughout the story. He considers the boy as a source of comfort and help.

Describe the relationship of Old man and Manolin?
Throughout the book, The Old Man and the Sea, Hemingway describes the relationship between Santiago and Manolin. He explains their past together and their current relationship. One quote describes their relationship is "The old man had taught the boy to fish and the boy loved him"
The relationship between Santiago and Manolin is one of caring and love; they are like family. Manolin sees Santiago as a "male figure," a grandfather, a mentor. Manolin wouldn't have left Santiago if his parents hadn't made him, but they made him go out on another ship because Santiago was seen as "unlucky." The relationship doesn't change between them, even after Manolin is forbidden to accompany him.
The boy symbolizes the old man’s youthful strength. He is the constant reminder of youth age, courage and bravery for the old man. He becomes the source of inspiration for the old man. He admits “the boy keeps me alive”
Santiago’s relationship with Manolin is not of teacher and pupil but they were friends also. On his fishing expedition th old man says: “Iwish I had the boy”.
The boy takes care for the old man.He looks after his shack. He talks to Santiago lovingly inspite of the age difference. He brings food and beer for him. He says, “you will not fish without eating while I am alive”. In short Manolin is Santiago's last and deepest human relationship
Q: Discuss the role of the sea in the novel?
In the novel, the sea is the natural element of the old man, since he has been a fisherman all his life. However, its role is antithetical since it is both a provider and a threat at the same time.
The rich waters of the Gulf Stream provide an insight into the character of Santiago. In fact, Santiago is so connected to these waters, that the sea acts almost like a lens through which the reader views his character.
His strength, resolve, and pride are measured in terms of how far out into the gulf he sails. The sea also provides glimpses of the depth of Santiago’s knowledge: in his comments about the wind, the current, and the friction of the water reside an entire lifetime of experience, skill, and dedication.
Hemingway presents the sea as a living character. The sea becomes a companion to Santiago, filling a deep, dark void in his soul from the passing of his wife. Now the sea is Santiago's wife, and he experiences a relationship with the sea which greatly resembles the relationship between a man and a woman in that one partner does "wild or wicked things" and the relationship has definite ups and down, but both partners remain bonded together, connected through mutual feelings of love
In short, the sea plays a very important role in the narrative, and Hemingway's exquisite introduction of the sea, recalling his descriptions of Santiago at the novella's opening , signals that importance.

Q: Sea is as good a character as any other in the novel. Elaborate.
OR
The sea is presented as a living character in the novel. Discuss.
In THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA, the sea is a central character in the novella. Most of the story takes place on the sea, and Santiago is constantly identified with it and its creatures; his sea-colored eyes reflect both the sea's tranquillity and power, and its inhabitants are his brothers. Santiago refers to the sea as a woman, and the sea seems to represent the feminine complement to Santiago's masculinity.
Santiago views the sea as a living, breathing woman who has varying moods and, like any living being, is capable of great delicacy as well as cruelty. "Why did they make birds so delicate and fine as those sea swallows when the ocean can be so cruel?" Santiago asks himself, "She is kind and very beautiful. But she can be so cruel and it comes so suddenly..."
His gentle worship and adoration of the sea transforms the novel into a surprisingly tender give-and-take love story between an old man and a body of water. Susan Beegel states that "If the novella is an 'American Romance,' it is not the love story of Santiago and Manolin but of the old man and the sea".
To conclude Hemingway has presented the sea as a living character. He pays as much attention to the characterization of the sea as to other characters like Santiago, Marlin and Manolin.

What does the old man dream about? What does the dream signify?

The Old Man and the Sea is the last major work of fiction to be produced by Hemingway and published in his lifetime. One of his most famous works, it centers upon Santiago, an aging fisherman who struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.
Dreams are very important In a man’s life. They reduce the bitterness of realities of life. The protagonist of The old man and the sea, Santiago also sees dreams. He dreams his pleasant dream of the lions at play on the beaches of Africa three times. The first time is the night before he departs on his three-day fishing expedition, the second occurs when he sleeps on the boat for a few hours in the middle of his struggle with the marlin, and the third takes place at the very end of the book.
In fact, the sober promise of the triumph and regeneration with which the novella closes is supported by the final image of the lions. Because Santiago associates the lions with his youth, the dream suggests the circular nature of life. The dreaming of the lions is indicative of the old man's nostalgia for his youth. Additionally, because Santiago imagines the lions, fierce predators, playing, his dream suggests a harmony between the opposing forces—life and death, love and hate, destruction and regeneration—of nature.

Discuss Dimagio as a great source of inspiration for the old man.
OR
What is Dimaggio’s importance in the novel?

Di Maggio was a baseball player. Though this character does not physically appear in the novel, he plays a very significant role nonetheless. He repeatedly serves as an inspiration to Santiago. Santiago worships him as a model of strength and commitment, and his thoughts turn toward DiMaggio whenever he needs to reassure himself of his own strength. During Santiago’s fishing expedition, DiMaggio becomes a sign of strength for the old man. After multiple days of pulling the fish, Santiago asks himself, "Do you believe the great DiMaggio would stay with a fish as long as I will stay with this one”
The old man loves baseball and the Yankees in particular. He can hardly wait to see the newspaper each day and see how the Yankees have fared. Santiago believes that the hero of the Yankee team is Joe DiMaggio, an inspiration to his teammates and to the old man. DiMaggio suffers from a painful bone spur in his foot, but he does not let it bother him or stand in the way of his being a marvelous baseball player. Throughout Santiago’s arduous journey, he thinks about Joe DiMaggio and feels that if his hero can play baseball with great pain, he can certainly endure the pain of his battle with the giant marlin. When Santiago finally masters and kills the fish, he feels certain that DiMaggio would be proud of him.

The old man is brave but not reckless. Comment.
OR
Discuss Old man’s attitude towards marlin.

Santiago bears a significant relationship with the other characters in the Hemingway canon. Santiago’s character in this novel is the note worthy character and holds great importance.
Santiago planned an expedition to go far out in the sea, in search of a fish. In the beginning of his expedition he hooked a great Marlin. Santiago’s relation with Marlin is remarkable throughout the novel.
“I love you and respect you very much fish but I will kill you dead before this day ends”, says the old man.
He did not like the prospect of killing his true brothers at the sea. Santiago thought that this fish is so much different in its manners that no one is worthy of eating its flesh as in novel.
“No one is worthy of eating it as from the manner of his behavior and great dignity”.

When the sharks first attacked the fish, Santiago thought he himself being hit, and when the bad smelling scavengers attacked and devoured a large piece of flesh. Old man murmur, “I am sorry fish” their relationship is very respected relation and both of them have common traits in them like nobility, determination and respect for each other.
When marlin is mutilated by sharks it symbolizes the old man, who is ridiculed by the younger fisher men and being considered very strange.

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Q:Write a brief note on Hemingway’s style.
Hemingway's writing style owes much to his career as a journalist. His use of language is immediately identifiable by most readers. Short words, straightforward sentence structures, vivid descriptions, and factual details combine to create an almost transparent medium for his engaging and realistic stories. Yet without calling attention to itself, the language also resonates with complex emotions and larger and larger meanings — displaying the writer's skill in his use of such subtle techniques as sophisticated patterns; repeated images, allusions, and themes; repeated sounds, rhythms, words, and sentence structures; indirect revelation of historical fact; and blended narrative modes.
In The Old Man and the Sea, nearly every word and phrase points to Hemingway's Santiago-like dedication to craft and devotion to precision. The story's brevity, ostensibly simple plot, and distance from much of this period's political affairs all lend the novella a simplistic quality that is as deceptive as it is endearing.
Hemingway the journalist also relies on resonances from historical and factual references to enrich the story and advance its themes — a technique used by T.S. Eliot and James Joyce. He also relies on blending narrative modes to achieve a shifting psychic distance. The story begins and ends with a third-person, omniscient narration that doesn't dip into Santiago's thoughts. The two parts of the story that take place on land benefit from this controlled reporting.

Discuss the ending of the novel? Or
How would you justify the ending of the novel?
The Old Man and the Sea is the last major work of fiction to be produced by Hemingway and published in his lifetime. One of his most famous works; it centers upon Santiago, an aging fisherman who struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream but fails to protect the big fish. The novel is a story of ‘gain and loss’. It provides the readers a satisfaction.
Some critics are of the view that the ending of the novel is not justified but most of the critics are of the view that the author is fully justified. The author wants to justify that human life does not depend on success or failure. Its greatness lies in constant struggle and invincible will power. The old man loses the battle but does not lose his heart. The ending of the novel is natural and realistic.
Santiago has suffered beyond human endurance for three painful days. Even Manolin is afraid to ask how much the old man has endured. At the end of the novel, Santiago is temporarily out of order, but he is clearly not defeated. He responds to the boy’s faith in him and promises to get well quickly. Even as he sleeps, the old man’s battered ego starts regenerating; he dreams of the lions on the African beach, always an inspiring symbol of majestic power to the old man. There is little doubt that the old man will return to the sea.

Q:What different themes are discussed in the novel?
The first major theme of “The Old man and the Sea” is that there are always two aspects to everyone’s life – positive and negative or good and bad. If he attends to the positive aspects and is hopeful, he can try to struggle and keep busy. This is what makes society an ongoing institution. This can be analyzed by looking at the life of Santiago, the old sailor. Inspite of being abandoned by Manolin he does not become hopeless, but starts in his boat happily and hopefully to catch a big fish.
The second theme of the novel is that a lonely man surrounded by the dangers and problems desires to have company and likes to say prayers. Especially, in old age this need is the greatest.
The third theme is that of perseverance. The old man’s battle with the fish is not only a battle of strength, but a battle of wills. The old man makes up for his old age with incredible endurance, willing to withstand hunger, physical pain, and isolation from the rest of the world as he battles the fish.
Suffering is another important theme of the novel. The ability to withstand physical pain is one of Santiago’s defining characteristics. Suffering is a necessary step in his battle with the fish.
The fifth theme of the novel is that struggle and effort are more important than success and achievement. Santiago is able to hook the big fish after the constant struggle of three days.

Q: Of all challenges face by the old man, fight against sharks is the greatest. Discuss. Or
Which is the greater challenge for the old man…. Struggle with the big fish or fight against the sharks?
In the novel The old man and the sea, Santiago faces two major challenges in the novel apart from many minor ones. The first challenge is his contest with the big fish, marlin, whereas the second being his battle against the sharks.
Santiago is by far extremely exhausted due to his nerve-racking fight with the giant fish, Marlin. He has been in a state of fight for some two days, all alone and without much food. However, he is resolute and diligent against every impending danger.

Sharks are the real challenge between the old man’s actual victory and its acknowledgement.
Santiago, after having been tired owing to a constant fight against the marlin without much food and sleep, is no more a strong old man. It has been only one hour since the victory of the old man over marlin that the first sharks attacks him. The old man strikes its head with his harpoon, and the shark is doomed. However, with its death, the old man is deprived of harpoon and rope.

The first shark proves only the precursor of a large-scale shark-attack on the marlin. The old man uses his gear and every other possible means to kill the attacking sharks and manages to kill some of them. But the sharks prove too stubborn for the old man and snatch every bit of Marlin’s flesh.

Critically viewing, the fight against the sharks appears a rather challenging task than the catching of marlin.

No other fisherman is as skilled and as perfect in fishing as the old man. Discuss.
Or
Compare and contrast old man with other fishermen.
The old man, Santiago, is indeed a remarkable heroic figure among the heroes of Ernest Hemingway. He is a man of sublime vision, high goals and noble character. In the art of finishing, he is certainly matchless. Despite being without a fish for 84 days, his mastery of fishing cannot be questioned.
Santiago is not a man of blank personality; instead, he is an ideological person who believes in the dignity of man.
Santiago is different from other fishermen. The other fishermen are materialistic. They are spiritually dead. To them the only criterion of success is to bring money. On the other hand Santiago considers fishing his life – a hope for living; a purpose to prove the identity of human being.
Critically speaking, every action of Santiago proves him a great hero and his personality reflects all nobility that is due to legendary characters. He is undoubtedly superior to the other fishermen; however, he is never heard boasting and expressing his superiority. His resolution coupled with techniques of fishing certainly makes him an “extraordinary fisherman.”
The way he hooks the big marlin and his fight against the sharks prove him a perfect and skilled fisherman of his locality. No other fisherman can do as much as Santiago does in the face of odds. His passions, self-consolation, proportionate work, methods of hooking, so on and so forth, turn him into a “perfect fisherman”.


Why does Santiago not mind the derogatory remarks of other fishermen on the terrace?
Or
Why didn’t Santiago mind when other fishermen made fun of him?
The old man, Santiago, is indeed a remarkable heroic figure among the heroes of
Ernest Hemingway. He is a man of sublime vision, high goals and noble character. In the art of finishing, he is certainly matchless. Despite being without a fish for 84 days, his mastery of fishing cannot be questioned.
The other fishermen of the town call him, as we are informed, with the native term “Salao” i.e. the unlucky. It is very true because luck plays a central role in the story of this novel. However, when we come to see the resolution of the old man, we find him unshaken like ever. He does not bother about what the people of town say about him. He is simply following his great-goal—the goal of hooking a great fish. This shows his devotion to his work as well as his vision. Santiago is not a man of blank personality; instead, he is an ideological person who believes in the dignity of man.
While contesting with the marlin, the great fish, he utters this heroic statement:
“Man is not made for defeat.” This shows his belief in the dignity of man.
Old Santiago is committed so much to his work that he does not care for what other think and say about him.

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Q: The old man fights against the marlin to the very end without being despaired. Comment.
Or
The old man in his struggle against marlin does not get despaired because that would be worse than death. Comment.
Or
The fight the old man was fighting with the fish must be won. His life and honor depend upon it. Discuss
The Old Man and the Sea is a story of optimism in the face of an ever-opposing Nature. It is indeed a miracle of man’s nobility. Santiago has not been able to catch a fish for a long time. He has lost faith in himself. He sees how much the boy looks up to him. He wants to leave the earth knowing that he was still a great fisherman.
When Santiago catches the Marlin, it is an answer to his prayer to God. Again he asks God's help to get the fish home. He knows that more important than having the meat of the fish that he has to prove to himself that he can bring the fish home.
Santiago remains quite resolute in his struggle against the marlin. As he says,
“Fish, I will stay with you until I am dead.”
This statement shows his trust in his determination.
Marlin disturbs him by jumping high in the air, pulling the line tight, and making Santiago wait too long. However, the resolute old man soon compels the fish to encircle the boat and get gradually close. After many unsuccessful turns, when the fish has come very near and passes under the boat, Santiago strikes the marlin with his harpoon. The marlin makes a final effort to rescue himself, but in vain. The fish is now dead and the old man the champion.

In his fight with Marlin, he does get frustrated and exhausted, but his drive to accomplish his goal is more important than anything else. He has to prove to himself that he can catch the fish and make it home with it. He accomplishes this and is satisfied with himself.

Q: What are Santiago’s pillars of success? Discuss those qualities of old man which help him succeed in his mission.
Or
.Q: How far do skill and resolution of the old man count in his struggle against the big fish?
The Old Man and the Sea is the last major work of fiction to be produced by Hemingway and published in his lifetime . It centers upon Santiago, an aging fisherman who, remaining unsuccessful in catching fish for 84 days, struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.
The old man, Santiago, remains quite resolute in his struggle against the marlin.
Despite age and despite his body being somewhat exhausted, his nerves never give up.
He feels his nerves as young as a young man’s and he consoles his soul and mind at times
to continue his fight courageously. Continually, the old man also feels sympathy and love
for the fish. This is because he is well-versed in the tradition of humanity. He does not
employ ill means or treacherous tricks to catch the fish; instead, he allows the fish to use
his best tricks. He grants an equal right to the fish to kill him, for he respects his opponents.

The old man Santiago is courageous man who never loses heart in the face of odds. He continues his struggle despite the hardships that are a hurdle in the way of his success. His resolution, determination, courage, skill, respect for the enemy as well as love for other creatures are the qualities which help him succeed in his mission.

Q: What was the reaction of other fishermen and the tourists when they saw the skeleton of marlin tied to the Old man’s skiff?
The ‘Old man and the Sea’ by Hemingway centers upon Santiago, an aging fisherman, who struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. Before going on fishing expedition, Santiago is ridiculed by other fisherman who calls him ‘salao’. But being a courageous and resolute old man, Santiago goes on to catch fish. He catches a big Marlin which is unfortunately attacked by sharks and is eaten away by them. The old man has to come back with the skeleton of Marlin.
When he touches the shore, the lights of Terrace are off. He makes the boat fast to a rock.The next morning, a crowd of amazed fishermen gathers around the skeletal carcass of the fish, which is still lashed to the boat. One of them measures the length of Marlin’s skeleton.
No one knows how much struggle Santiago did to catch this fish. Knowing nothing of the old man’s struggle, tourists at a nearby café observe the remains of the giant marlin and mistake it for a shark. Manolin, who has been worried sick over the old man’s absence, is moved to tears when he finds Santiago safe in his bed. The boy fetches the old man some coffee and the daily papers with the baseball scores, and watches him sleep. When the old man wakes, the two agree to fish as partners once more.

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You,sir,are violating forum rules. kindly read and abide by them.

It is not allowed to do irrelevant discussion in any section whether it is related to studies or not.We will keep deleting such posts.If you want to keep in touch with her simply provide your contact information in your profile and request her to contact you through that channel(s). We have been tolerating many irrelevant posts in this thread since yesterday.Do not compel us to close this thread.

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thanks Sir,but i have only posted things related to studies ,So I am getting that this is the forum to discuss About CSS nothing else,means study related posts are not acceptable?