THE OLD MAN & THE SEA (ERNEST HEMINGWAY)
1. ATTITUDE OF OTHER FISHERMEN TOWARDS SANTIAGO
Q.No.1: What was the attitude of other fishermen towards Santiago during his days of ill-luck? OR Why do the other fishermen make fun of Santiago? OR Why does Santiago not mind the satirical remarks of the people during his days of ill-luck.
Answer: Santiago, an old fisherman, had been unable to catch any fish for eighty four days. Though he was regarded the best fisherman of his area, luck did not favour him during these eighty four days. Even Manolin’s parents censured Santiago for being unlucky and called him ‘Salao.” The other fishermen did not lag behind in criticizing Santiago. Their attitude towards Santiago was discouraging. They jeered at his age and failure to catch a fish. Some of the fishermen went to the extent of saying that he should leave his profession and take rest because he was too old to catch any fish. But Santiago was a man of strong will-power and determination. He observed the optimistic view of life and believed in struggle. He bore this criticism patiently and decided to go on a longer voyage to try his luck in the deep waters so that he might remove the sign of “Salao.” (Words: 150)