The Marlin's First Jump

At sunrise, the line slants upward, and the marlin jumps, revealing its immense size—two feet longer than the skiff. It is a beautiful fish, dark purple with lavender stripes and a sword-like bill. The old man is awed by its power and grace. The fish jumps repeatedly, and Santiago must let out line to keep it from breaking. He realizes the fish is not panicked but is testing him. The sight of the marlin strengthens his resolve.