The Old Man and the Sea Summary

Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman, has gone 84 days without a successful catch. He's considered unlucky to the point where his young, loyal friend, Manolin, is compelled by his parents to abandon Santiago and join a more fruitful fishing crew. Despite this, Manolin remains devoted, aiding Santiago at the end of each day, ensuring he has food, and engaging in conversations about their shared passion for baseball. Santiago, optimistic, determines to venture farther out into the ocean than he typically would on his next trip, believing his dry spell is about to end.

On his determined journey out into the Gulf Stream, Santiago finally hooks a large marlin on the 85th day of his unlucky stretch. His strength isn't enough to reel the fish in, and instead, he finds himself being towed by the fish, unable to secure the line to his boat out of fear it would snap. For two days and two nights, Santiago endures excruciating pain as the marlin drags the boat across the ocean, his hands raw from the strain of the line. Throughout this ordeal, Santiago feels a profound respect for the marlin, viewing it as a companion in suffering and endurance.

Exhausted and almost delirious on the third day, Santiago finally manages to kill the marlin, which is the biggest he's ever seen, with a harpoon. He secures it to his boat, excited about the profit it'll fetch him but also concerned that those who will consume it don't truly appreciate its magnificence. However, the marlin's blood attracts sharks, and Santiago is left increasingly defenseless as he fights off multiple attacks, losing his harpoon and valuable rope in the process. By nightfall, the sharks have left nothing but the marlin's skeleton, leading Santiago to regret his decision to venture too far out. Returning home, he is too exhausted to do anything but sleep. The next morning, local fishermen are awestruck by the marlin's remains, while unaware tourists mistake it for a shark. Manolin is relieved to find Santiago safe, and they agree to resume fishing together. Santiago, back in his own world of dreams, sees lions playing on African beaches.