The Old Man and The Sea : Book Review
ENGLISH WORKSHOP
1. Read the passage and name the following.
(a) Young and devoted apprentice
Manolin
(b) The place where Hemingway had experience of fishing
Cuban waters (Cuba)
(c) That which Hemingway was injured by, during First World War
Shrapnel
(d) Language of the novel
Simple and pithy
(e) In his first reading, the review writer was left
Unimpressed
2. Correct the following sentences using facts from the review.
(a) Manolin’s parents insisted on his working with the same old fisherman.
Correction: Manolin’s parents forced him to start working with another fisherman.
(b) This novel is pure fiction.
Correction: This novel is based on real events and draws heavily on Hemingway’s own life.
(c) Hemingway’s style of writing does not unfold the hidden meaning.
Correction: Hemingway’s style of writing reveals new layers of meaning when read again and again.
(d) The relationship between the old man and Manolin is coarse.
Correction: The relationship between the old man and Manolin is heartwarming and shows quiet devotion.
3. Compare the points that you would use for a book review with those of the review of a play and write in your notebook.
| Points of Comparison | Book Review | Play Review |
|---|---|---|
| Plot | Summary of storyline | Summary of script and stage performance |
| Setting/Backdrop | Described in text | Shown visually on stage |
| Characters | Imagined through reading | Portrayed by actors |
| Language | Written language | Spoken dialogues and expressions |
| Effectiveness | Author’s style and theme clarity | Actor’s performance, direction and visuals |
4. The line-‘I first read this novel years ago, when I did not understand it at all and was left unimpressed.’ tells us about the book reviewer’s opinion about the book. Complete the following sentences using the expressions.
(1) In my opinion, every hard-working person achieves success in life.
(2) I strongly feel that everyone should read The Old Man and the Sea at least once.
(3) I wish I could meet Ernest Hemingway and discuss his writing.
(4) As far as I know, you enjoy reading adventurous stories like this one.
(5) I think this novel teaches us the value of courage and determination.
5. The review describes the struggle between the old man with the marlin and sharks, Ernest Hemingway’s struggle against defeat or death and noble struggle against destruction. Find all the words from the text that are related to the word ‘brave’ or ‘courage’.
- Strength
- Determination
- Endurance
- Triumph
- Formidable
6. The review mentions struggles of both the writer, Ernest Hemingway and the old man. Fill the incidents of struggle of Hemingway in table A and those of the old man in table B.
| Table A | Table B |
|---|---|
| Ernest Hemingway | Old man |
| – Injured by shrapnel during his service with the Red Cross in World War I | – Unable to catch any fish for eighty-four days due to terrible bad luck |
| – Struggled with the psychological impact of war and personal injuries | – Physically exhausted while battling the marlin, which pulled his boat |
| – Faced the challenge of writing under the pressure of his own reputation and experiences | – Fought against sharks that destroyed the marlin after his long struggle |
| – Drew heavily on his own life experiences, including fishing struggles, to overcome creative and personal defeat | – Endured isolation and loneliness after his young apprentice, Manolin, was forced to work with another fisherman |
7. Read the text again. You will find that the text contains many phrases. Match the phrases in ‘A’ and their meanings in ‘B’. After matching their meanings, make sentences of your own.
A’ Phrases ‘B’ Meanings 1. run of terrible bad luck d. a period of time when bad things happen 2. draws heavily on e. makes use of 3. struck a chord a. hit on a topic 4. in spite of b. without being affected by a particular factor 5. holding on c. endure in difficult circumstances Original Sentences:
- run of terrible bad luck: After a run of terrible bad luck with his crops, the farmer decided to try a new planting technique.
- draws heavily on: The new movie draws heavily on ancient myths to create its unique storyline.
- struck a chord: Her speech about environmental conservation struck a chord with the audience, inspiring many to take action.
- in spite of: In spite of the heavy rain, the team continued their outdoor training session.
- holding on: The climber was holding on to the rope with all his strength as the wind grew stronger.
8. (A) Rewrite as directed, without change of meaning, in your notebook.
(1) Hemingway’s novel is based on real events.
- Hemingway’s novel is based on events that are real.
(2) He hooks a marlin but the marlin is too strong for him.
- Although he hooks a marlin, it is too strong for him.
(3) The reader can read his work again and again and find new layers of meaning.
- On reading his work again and again, the reader can find new layers of meaning.
(4) As the novel progresses, the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked.
- With the progress of the novel, the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked.
(5) Being strong, the marlin starts pulling the boat.
- The marlin is strong and starts pulling the boat.
(6) When I first read this novel, I was unimpressed.
- I first read this novel, but I was unimpressed.
8. (B) Write the ‘root-word’ after dropping the prefix or suffix or both.
(1) Unable – Able
(2) Heavily – Heavy
(3) Determination – Determine
(4) Endurance – Endure
(5) Unimpressed – Impress
(6) Relationship – Relate
(7) Inseparably – Separate
(8) Empathetic – Empathy
(9) Beautiful – Beauty
(10) Simplicity – Simple
9. Write a book review on any book of your choice with the help of the following points.
Storyline: The novel follows Scout Finch, a young girl, and her brother Jem as they grow up in a small town in Alabama. Their father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, defends a black man falsely accused of a crime, teaching them about justice and morality.
Social/Historical Context: Set in the 1930s, it reflects the racial inequality and injustice in American society during that time.
Writing Style: Harper Lee uses simple yet powerful language, blending humor and deep emotions to tell the story from a child’s perspective.
My Thoughts: I loved how the book shows courage and kindness through Atticus. It made me think about fairness and standing up for what’s right.
10. You know the essential points required for a book review. Now form pairs and find essential points required for a play review and film review. You can take help of your teacher, library or the internet.
Book Review Play Review Film Review – Storyline – Plot and storyline – Plot and storyline – Social/Historical context – Historical or cultural context – Historical or cultural context – Writing style – Direction and staging – Direction and cinematography – My thoughts – Acting performances – Acting performances – Character development – Set design and costumes – Visual effects and editing – Dialogue and script – Soundtrack and score
Leave a Reply