A lesson frame for teaching 'The Old Man and the Sea' by Hemingway

1. The Marlin
Pages 44-45

8. More than just a fish!
The marlin is a symbol in this
allegory – a worthy adversary, a
brother of the sea, a deadly
opponent and an opportunity to
test oneself in the ultimate test
of wits and endurance

9. Bulged
Verb
Suggests that the marlin is so big
that it displaces lots of water

10. He came out unendingly...
Adverb
Emphasises the sheer length of
the marlin

11. ...bright in the sun and his head
and back were dark
purple and
a light lavender.
Adjectives
Implies the great beauty of the
marlin

12. His sword was as long as a
baseball bat
Simile
Reinforces that the marlin’s
sword is strong and durable

13. ...and tapered like a rapier
Simile
Emphasises how sharp it is

14. ...it re-entered it smoothly like a
diver
Simile
Reinforces the graceful way in
which the marlin swims

15. The great scythe blade
Metaphor
Reinforces how dangerous the
sword of the marlin is

16. Verb
Metaphor Adverb
Simile Adjective

17. Vocabulary for close analysis
of text
Reinforces
Emphasizes
Suggests
Implies
Infers
Draws attention to

18. Hemingway’s description of the marlin as it first
jumps is an important moment in the narrative
because.....
His use of verbs such as...... and ..... Emphasize .....
The author uses the adjective ....... To imply that....
Furthermore, Hemingway suggests that the fish....
These terms are combined with a series of
powerful similes which reinforce the .....
The majesty and danger of the great fish is also
reflected in the author’s use of metaphor...