The Hooking of the Marlin

Santiago's long wait ends when a great marlin takes his bait, initiating a struggle that will define his life.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Bait is Taken

The Bait is Taken The First Sign of Life After eighty-four days without a fish, Santiago rows far out into the Gulf Stream. He sets his baits with precision, each at a different depth. The lines are hung on green sticks that dip at the slightest pull. He watches them carefully, hoping for a strike. A Delicate Touch Just before noon, one of the sticks dips sharply. Santiago feels the line with his thumb and forefinger. It is a tentative pull, not solid. He knows a marlin is nibbling the sardines that cover the hook. He waits, holding the line lightly, praying the fish will take the bait fully. The old man speaks aloud to the fish, coaxing it. He feels the weight increase as the fish moves off with the tuna bait in its mouth. Then the line goes slack. The fish has turned and is coming back. Santiago's hope and confidence rise with the breeze.

The Fish Takes the Hook

The Fish Takes the Hook The Moment of Commitment Santiago feels the gentle pull again, then a hard, heavy weight. The fish has taken the hook sideways in its mouth. The old man lets the line slip through his fingers, giving the fish time to swallow. He knows he must not strike too soon. The Strike When he judges the moment right, Santiago strikes hard with both hands. The line goes taut, but the fish does not rise. Instead, it begins to move slowly, towing the skiff. The old man braces himself against the pull, amazed at the size of the fish. He realizes he is now truly connected to a creature of immense power. Santiago ties the reserve coils and prepares for a long fight. He is alone, far from land, but he feels a strange exhilaration.

The Tow Begins

The Tow Begins The Skiff is Dragged The fish swims steadily to the northwest, pulling the skiff behind it. Santiago holds the line across his back, leaning back against the strain. The boat moves slowly across the calm sea. The old man has no choice but to follow the fish's course. A Test of Patience For hours, the fish does not change direction. Santiago watches the stars, the glow of Havana, and the phosphorescent line. He is thirsty, tired, but determined. He wishes for the boy, but knows he must endure alone. The fish is his brother, and he loves it, but he must kill it. This is the beginning of a marathon that will test every fiber of his being.

The First Night

The First Night Darkness and Solitude As the sun sets, the sea grows cold. Santiago ties a sack around his neck to cushion the line. He is in pain, but he does not complain. He thinks of baseball, of the great DiMaggio, and of the hand game he won in Casablanca. These memories give him strength. The Porpoises Arrive During the night, porpoises come around the boat. Their breathing and play comfort the old man. He thinks of them as brothers. He also pities the great fish, which continues to swim without rest. Santiago says aloud, "I'll stay with you until I am dead." The moon rises late, and the stars guide him. He has not slept, but his head is clear. He knows the real test is yet to come.

The Line Cuts His Hand

The Line Cuts His Hand The First Injury Just before daylight, a fish takes one of the baits behind him. Santiago cuts the line quickly, but in the dark, he loses his balance and falls, cutting his face. Blood runs down his cheek, but he ignores it. He works to secure the remaining lines. The Left Hand Cramps His left hand, which he has always distrusted, cramps badly. He can barely open it. He tries to massage it, but it remains a claw. He eats some of the raw bonito to regain strength, but the cramp persists. He knows the fish will sense his weakness. Despite the pain, Santiago does not despair. He talks to his hand, urging it to behave. He shifts more strain to his right hand and waits for the sunrise.

The Marlin's First Jump

The Marlin's First Jump A Spectacular Sight After the sun rises, the line begins to slant upward. Santiago feels the fish rising. Suddenly, the marlin bursts out of the water, showing its massive size. It is two feet longer than the skiff, with deep purple stripes and a long sword. The water pours from its sides as it hangs in the air before diving back. Awe and Respect Santiago is awestruck. He has never seen such a fish. He knows now that he is matched against a worthy opponent. The fish's jump is a display of strength and beauty. The old man understands that this creature is noble and magnificent. He wishes he could show the fish what kind of man he is. But his left hand is still cramped, and he feels small. Yet he knows that he must prove himself worthy of such a fish.

early morning of the eighty-fifth day

around noon of the eighty-fifth day

afternoon of the first day

first night after hooking the fish

dawn of the second day

morning of the second day