Watching the Man-of-War Bird

Santiago sees a man-of-war bird circling ahead and rows toward it, knowing the bird indicates fish. The bird dives, and flying fish burst from the water, pursued by a school of dolphin. Santiago baits a small line and lets it out, hoping to catch a stray. He reflects on the cruelty of the sea and the delicate nature of the birds that live on it. The old man's thoughts reveal his deep empathy for all living things and his philosophical view of the ocean as both beautiful and dangerous.