Explanation

The marlin is an extraordinary big fish that Santiago uses much of his time struggling to catch. Going without catching a fish for eight-four days, Santiago has almost been certain that the fish he will catch eventually will be a large fish. When the old man sets out on the day of his catch, he is businesslike. From his experience, he knows the exact measurement of the lengths of line, and the various depths at which different fish may be caught. He waits patiently, telling himself to fish the day well. Santiago is ready when the marlin bites. He allows the fish to settle for the struggle, as he lets the line run through his fingers. This strategy makes it certain that the fish does not panic, for it must not feel any tension in the line at this point.

Santiago idolizes the marlin and sees it as his own brother. He urges himself to match the fish's nobility. He tells himself that he has to prove worthy of the fish, when he catches it. As the fish takes the bait and appears to take his time, Santiago fantasizes about what the fish's actually doing and the actual manner of the fish's eating of the sardines. He urges the marlin to be decorous and not spoil the event. Soon the fish begins to move seaward, at first turning slowly. The old man tries to haul it in, but the fish stays down, moving further and further to sea. As they move, seaward, Santiago resolves not to hurry the struggle but hold on steadily, as the fish draws him away to sea, and give it line as is appropriate.

For a long time, the marlin drags the old man about. He talks to the fish even though he does not see it. He misses the boy and talks to himself regarding his not having salt. He is afraid that his hand might become cramped at the crucial time.

Eventually, the fish rises to the surface and is caught, killed and strapped to the skit. But for sharks, this would have been the end of the struggle, Sharks, however, extend the man's struggle. Now he must save the fish from being stolen by sharks. In this he fails, and bring to shore only the skeleton of the marlin. Yet Santiago, as far as his friend, the boy, is concerned, does not lose the fight against the fish. He has given a good account of himself, and from now onwards he will go to sea with the boy. At any rate, that is the boy's decision. Though he loses the fish, he emerges triumphant, and in high spirit. Santiago's catch draws admiration from his colleague fishermen and tourists alike. They are full of respect for him in the end.

Correct Answer: A. inversion

Correct Answer: B. allegory

Correct Answer: C. gestures only

Correct Answer: D. smell

Correct Answer: C. serious

Explanation

Subject of death is being elucidated in the quatrain. Because death is a serious issue, the tone is serious.

Correct Answer: A. conceit

Correct Answer: C. M,aria

Correct Answer: B. Nemesis

Correct Answer: A. quatrain