The Old Man and the Sea Study Guide

The Old Man and the Sea Study Guide

A classic tale of the struggle of man against nature.

After 84 days without taking a fish it is Santiago's courage and perseverance of character that enables him to go out to sea in his weather-beaten boat each day despite the hardship and the disappointment of catching nothing.

In the midst of ridicule from younger fishermen, Santiago finds courage in his friendship with a young boy, Manolin, who has fished with Santiago since he was five years old. But because of Santiago's "bad luck," Manolin's parents will not allow the boy to fish with Santiago anymore.

Then Santiago goes out once more, further than usual, and he catches something—something large that pulls him and his boat out to sea. His endurance during the ordeal and in the face of apparent defeat is the stuff of legends!

Through Ernest Hemingway's story of struggle, defeat, and personal triumph, students will learn:

Author Biography: Learn about Ernest Hemingway and the fascinating history behind the author and novel.

Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.

Literary Techniques: In-context, characterization, plot, exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, conflict, foreshadowing, symbol, personification, parallel character, synonym, stream of consciousness, descriptive language, themes, dynamic vs. static characters, Christ-like figure, hero, protagonist, tragic hero, anti-hero.

Moral Lessons and Character Values: True faith, pride & humility, work of our hands all for God, work hard to succeed, vows and God, prayer, encouragement, God’s love and faithfulness, hope, resolve, motives, attitude, sin, outer hurt cannot touch us inside, blame, partnership, bad things can happen to good people.

Activities and Writing Assignments: Mapwork, research WWI Lost Generation, deep-sea fishing, courage discussion, author writing style, research Jo DiMaggio, essay about future dreams/plans, sea creatures and birds, write using stream of consciousness, creative art or painting, poems, difficult situation essay, narrative style, advice list, Christian imagery and allusions, discouragement vs. encouragement, optimism vs. pessimism, achievement and loss.

Suggestions for Further Reading:  We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books and movies that tie in with, or are similar to, Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.

All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian perspective! 

• Age Level = High School
• Book Author = Calvin Roso
• Book Material = Paperback
• Book Publisher = Progeny Press
• Copyright = c2000
• Grade Level = 9-up
• Condition = New